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Amazon built a customized Alexa assistant that’s coming to cars
Amazon is opening up its AI tech to automakers and other third-companies with a new product called Alexa Custom Assistant.
22 states join California to sue the Trump admin over emissions standards
A group of 22 states have joined California in suing the Trump administration, which revoked that state's right to set its own emissions standards. On Thursday, the Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a plan for national vehicle emissions rules. The One National Program Rule would set federal standards on fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions, aligning with the administration's aim to scale back Obama-era targets.
EPA pushes national fuel economy standard in face off with California
The Trump administration has announced plans to create a national vehicle emissions standard. The new "One National Program Rule" would allow the federal government to set uniform fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions standards. The move, announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is the latest in the Trump administration's feud with California.
Alexa Auto adds offline capabilities that work in tunnels and parking garages
Having an Alexa-enabled car is convenient if you want to make a call, check the weather or order groceries while you drive. But that convenience quickly disintegrates when you drive through tunnels, parking garages or remote areas and lose signal. Amazon wants to fix that. Today, it released version 2.0 of its Alexa Auto SDK, which now comes with a bunch of offline functions.
Mercedes-Benz likely to agree to California's tougher emissions rules
Mercedes-Benz may be the next company to agree to California's voluntary emissions rules, The New York Times reports. Ford, BMW, Volkswagen and Honda have already pledged to meet California's standards and make their engines more efficient every year until 2026. The pact goes against the Trump administration's attempts to roll back Obama-era emissions reduction goals.
Congress could require a car alarm for kids left inside
In the past 20 years, more than 800 children have died of heatstroke in cars in the US. Now, a group of lawmakers wants to require alerts that would remind parents to check for children in the backseat before exiting the vehicle. Legislation announced today would mandate "a distinct auditory and visual alert," and it would require a feasibility study for retrofitting existing vehicles with the system.
Scarlet Motors promises an open EV design process
It's not every day that you see a new EV manufacturer get started; it's even less common when the company promises a switch-up of the typical automaker's formula. Scarlet Motors has made its formal debut with an aim towards the same kind of openness in its electric sports cars that founder Julien Fourgeaud would be familiar with from his days at Nokia and the Symbian Foundation. In addition to giving a peek behind the curtain, Tesla-style, Finland-based Scarlet wants future (and eventually current) drivers to influence the design choices themselves, both through a dedicated community as well as Facebook and Twitter. We'll get more details in time, but those that just can't wait can sign up to the community beta and help shape what might become their next ride.
Senate black box bill could see 2015 car models ship with data recorders
Black boxes aren't just for airplanes anymore, it seems. Though car companies have been installing the devices at their discretion since the early aughts, a new bill, ominously entitled Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, has just passed Senate approval containing a provision that would mandate the inclusion of these Event Data Recorders in all automobiles produced from 2015 and on. Privacy fans may already be reaching for those protesting pitchforks, but keep in mind this legislation still needs to pass the House of Representatives on its way to becoming law. And given its other, more controversial elements (i.e. revoking passports for unpaid back taxes), it could still head back to the recycle bin. If it does pass Congressional muster, you'll still have ownership of any collected data, so long as the court doesn't require you to hand it over. Regardless of the outcome, we wouldn't breathe a sigh of relief just yet -- your car might be snooping on you as we speak. Just check your owner's manual.
SantosHuman's Virtual Soldier recruited by Ford for assembly line detail
Future Combat Systems has given us plenty of fun over the years, from Land Warrior high-tech uniforms to field ready Xbox 360 controllers, and while the program was scuttled early last year, the technology keeps popping up all over the place. For instance, Ford's just announced that it'll be using SantosHuman's virtual soldier, a biofidelic (true to the human body) computer simulation, to predict long-term ergonomics and safety concerns on assembly lines. Developed at the University of Iowa for the DoD, this guy has a complete biomechanical muscular system and physics engine capable of registering body strength, fatigue, motion, and strain. From easing the physical strain of soldiers to helping our beleaguered auto workers -- that's what we call progress. Now how about a little help for all of us long-suffering tech bloggers? PR after the break.
$25 billion in electric vehicle loans still waiting for perfect beggars
While the Big 3 seem to be visiting Washington on an all-too-regular basis trying to secure funding for future success, $25 billion in loans set aside to promote electric car usage in America has been sitting untouched for nearly two years. As the story goes, the Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing Loan program was established in 2007, but administrations have been toying with ideas about how to use it until present day. Some 75 applications from hopeful companies have been whittled down to 25, but there's no telling how long it'll be before we hear who's getting the cash (and when). Many are irate that this dough is still sitting idle, but we tend to agree with the "let's wait until we find truly remarkably beggars" approach before it's just handed out to those without a viable plan. The takeaway? Electric vehicles may still end up progressing as planned despite the current economy, but only if brilliant plans can cut through miles of red tape.
Over half of 2009 vehicles in America will offer iPod support
And we're not talking about that 3.5mm-to-3.5mm trick, either. No sirree, we're referring to bona fide iPod integration, and 2009 marks the first year where over half of all US-bound automobiles are expected to offer optional support for Apple's prolific PMP. When looking at 2008 model year vehicles, just 39% offered tight iPod integration, but according to Phil Magney, vice president of automotive research for iSuppli, the "automotive industry is at the point where in-vehicle technologies -- or the lack of them -- are influencing sales." Furthermore, Bluetooth is expected to be in 82% of 2009 US vehicles (optional or standard), and just so we're clear, we're talking all cars, not just the luxury brands. Unfortunately, no data was provided for expected compatibility with the DJ Ditty.[Via Wired, image courtesy of JPMagazine]
Japanese automakers collaborate on operating system
Earlier this year, Toyota was reportedly mulling the idea of crafting its own in-car OS, but now the firm -- along with nine other Japanese companies -- will be collaborating with the Economy, Trade, and Industry Ministry to develop "an operating system for automotive electronics." The initiative is supposedly in reaction to similar joint developments going on with a number of European car outfits, and will aim to "create a global standard in the field." Dubbed JasPar (Japan Automotive Software Platform Architecture), the venture will include big shots such as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Denso, and Toshiba, and you can look for a prototype version to reach completion in 2009.[Via The Raw Feed]
