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Samsung’s SmartThings app will soon connect to your car too
Samsung wants to add cars to its smart home ecosystem. At CES, Samsung announced that it's teaming up with Smartcar to make its SmartThings app compatible with "most new cars" in the US. Through the app, users will be able to do things like locate and unlock their vehicle or check its mileage, fuel level and EV battery status.
Honda hopes developers can help keep the LA Olympics moving
If you've ever been to Los Angeles, you've been in traffic. It's such an integral part of the LA experience that the running joke is that the city is nothing more than a giant parking lot. But the sprawling metropolis is trying to do better. It's expanding its subway system with a new line and seven stations by 2023 while the light rail expansion will connect the Crenshaw district with LAX. Still, the freeways and surface streets are crowded with four-wheeled chunks of metal and glass. That's where 16 teams of developers, the city of LA and Honda come in.
Honda’s connected cars will communicate over 5G
When it's not busy making billion-dollar acquisitions to expand its robotics line-up, Japanese mobile carrier SoftBank is pursuing its other hobby: smart cars. Central to this endeavour is its partner, and fellow Japan native, Honda. Last year, the two announced plans to make cars emotive using cloud-based tech based on SoftBank's Pepper robot (think Knight Rider's KITT). The fruits of that colloboration are beginning to emerge, in the guise of the auto-maker's AI-assisted NeuV and Sports EV concepts. With the clock ticking down to Honda's 2025 deadline for driverless cars, the duo are moving on to the next phase in their connected cars project, which is all about 5G.
Mercedes-Benz sees self-driving EVs as the future of car sharing
Earlier this year, Daimler announced plans to develop a self-driving, car-sharing system with fully autonomous vehicles geared towards city living. Today, the company says that the first part of that vision -- Smart's Vision EQ Fortwo concept vehicle -- will be presented at the 2017 Frankfurt International Motor Show next month.
SmartCar connects Facebook's chatbot to your Tesla
We've seen AI-powered chatbots for almost everything, and now a company called Smartcar has developed one specifically for Tesla electric vehicles. Owners can access any number of features via Tesla's mobile app, and by logging in via TeslaBot, they can pop open Facebook Messenger to ask questions or send commands. That's a pretty low bar for use, particularly compared to the Tesla app Smartcar's founder developed for Google Glass. Of course, most of us don't have a Tesla yet (at least until the Model 3 comes out), but we could see more tech like this quickly, as Smartcar is already working with Hyundai on its Ioniq platform.
The Arrow Smart-Kart is a joy rider that parents can control
If you grew up in the '80s or '90s, you might have been lucky enough to own a Power Wheels car. Even if you didn't, anyone who watched TV knew the jingle. (You're probably humming it right now.) But Power Wheels are slow and not intelligent. The Arrow Smart-Kart from Actev Motors, available today, tackles some of those shortcomings. It's faster and WiFi-connected, and it has the expertise of Nest co-founder Tony Fadell behind it. But even though Fadell has been talking about building a car for a while now, the Arrow is aimed squarely at kids and their parents. Kids will appreciate the thrill of driving their own mini electric car while adults will relish the control the Arrow app gives them. Parents can set limits on the kart at the tap of a screen, making desperate screams at their offspring to "slow down!" no longer necessary.
Alibaba's first smart car is up for pre-order right now
After more than a year of development, Alibaba's first "internet car," the OS'Car RX5 sport utility vehicle, is available for pre-order in China. The SUV costs the equivalent of $22,230 (as a base price) and deliveries are expected to roll out in August. Alibaba partnered with China's largest automaker, the state-owned SAIC Motor Corp., to develop the new vehicle. The RX5 uses YunOS, the Alibaba operating system that powers its line of smart home appliances, including refrigerators, vacuum cleaners and air conditioners.
Smart car algorithm sees pedestrians as well as you can
It's one thing for computers to spot people in relatively tame academic situations, but it's another when they're on the road -- you need your car to spot that jaywalker in time to avoid a collision. Thankfully, UC San Diego researchers have made that more realistic than ever. They've crafted a pedestrian detection algorithm that's much quicker and more accurate than existing systems. It can spot people at a rate of 2-4 frames per second, or roughly as well as humans can, while making half as many mistakes as existing systems. That could make the difference between a graceful stop and sudden, scary braking.
ICYMI: Grippy robot hands, smarten up your dumb car and more
#fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-611028{display:none;} .cke_show_borders #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-611028, #postcontentcontainer #fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-611028{width:570px;display:block;} try{document.getElementById("fivemin-widget-blogsmith-image-611028").style.display="none";}catch(e){}Today on In Case You Missed It: MIT developed robotic hands of pliable silicon that are also studded with pressure sensors so it knows how tightly to hold something. A small dashboard camera and advanced computer vision software are being tested in the San Francisco Bay Area to record potential roadway hazards and track the drivers eyes. And a robotic solar-powered mirror light is here to give Seasonal Affective Disorder sufferers another option for Vitamin D.
The government wants you to buy a car with smarter brakes
Autonomous cars may have been all the rage at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, but most of the tech showcased is still pretty far off. What isn't, however, are smarter stopping systems. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is adding crash imminent braking and dynamic braking support to its list of recommended advanced safety features for new cars. The former uses sensors to activate the brakes if a crash is imminent and the driver already hasn't. Dynamic braking support, on the other hand, increases stopping power if you haven't put enough pressure on the brake pedal. Like lane-departure and front collision warning systems, these features are available on some models already -- this move gives them high-profile attention, though.
Connected car model gives us a glimpse of the automobiles of the future
Your dream car is (choose one): A.) A bumper-to-bumper candy-color paint-job, ostrich seats and 22-inch chrome rims. B.) One with everything connected cars can offer, such as in-car 4G LTE and WiFi. If you chose B, then you have to see the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association's connected car demo. In addition to having an internet connection, it also features wireless charging capability, 360-degree proximity sensors, as well as (we're saving the best for last here) gesture control and anti-drunk driving technology. We assume the car has an onboard breathalyzer of some sort, as you wouldn't even be able to start it if you've had one too many.
Editorial: Self-driving cars FTW, but not for everybody
I drive a two-seat roadster known for its great handling. The last thing I want is for a machine to take the steering wheel out of my hands. My car company isn't into self-driving cars, but others are: Ford, BMW, Audi. And, of course, Google is moving quickly forward with road-worthy autocars that have accumulated 300,000 miles with only one (human error) accident. The advantages of cars that drive themselves are multiple and compelling. Automobile intelligence already assists the driving experience by warning of dangerous situations and taking control of parking, which is, for some people, the most difficult maneuver to perform. We are gradually ceding control to our cars. When a completely automated consumer car launches, some drivers will hand over the reins gladly. But for me and other enthusiasts, driving a car isn't just about reaching a destination; it's about the journey and operating a beautiful machine. Unfortunately for people who feel that way, the greatest social benefits of self-driving cars would kick in if everyone were herded into a new era of hands-off driving.
Smart unveils third-gen Fortwo Electric Drive EV, we take it for quiet and speedy spin (video)
Now that Smart's second-gen Fortwo Electric Drive EV has gotten its year of time on the roads, the company is ready to announce its successor. For 2013, the car has received some mild tweaks to its design, but the real news is about what's hiding inside this rear-wheel driven EV. For the first time, you'll have to option of owning one outright, rather than being limited to a four-year lease at $599 per month. It's thanks in part to an improved battery, which is now rated for an average lifespan of 10 years. The car has also received a massive power upgrade to 47 horsepower (up from 27 previously), along with an extra boost if you floor the pedal -- this courtesy of a beefier engine and drive-train that gives it about 50-percent more power. Put it this way, this EV will get you from 0-60 in about 11.5 seconds, with top speed of 78MPH. Sadly, there's no concrete word on what kind of range to expect, but it should be well more than the 87 miles of its predecessor. Beyond that, Smart's added in GSM connectivity, allowing you the abilities to pre-start the car and keep track of its vitals remotely, among other features. A quick drive around Brooklyn also confirmed how peppy and smooth the car was in use, however, not exactly on-par with our experience in Audi's A3 e-tron -- but it is considerably less. As our friends at Autoblog detail, the base model coupe is set to sell for a $25,000 MSRP plus fees, along with your choice of two chargers, which can cost up to $2,200 with installation. Here's the good news, the car itself actually works out to just $17,500 thanks to a federal tax credit. All in all, this currently makes the cheapest full-on EV you'll be able to get your mitts on. If you'd prefer to spice it up a bit, Smart will also offer a spruced up cabriolet variant for an extra $3K. Check out our chat with Smart about the car and the press release after the break for all the details.
Toyota's Smart Insect concept EV packs Kinect motion sensor, voice recognition (video)
Toyota is showing off its new Smart Insect prototype at the company's CEATEC booth. The fully electric car charges via a standard 100-volt AC outlet, and it's decked out with gull-wing doors and motion detection courtesy of Microsoft's Kinect. The on-board motion sensors allow the car to recognize its owner based on face and body shape, and it predicts the owner's behavior by analyzing movement and determining when to open the door, for example. (It also allows for the front and rear displays to show a welcome message when the owner approaches the car.) There's also voice recognition for opening the car door and other functions, with a speaker on the hood of the car and dashboard-mounted "dialogue monitors" on the front and back. The tech carries through to the Insect's interior, which sports a wireless charging pad, a dash-mounted monitor that connects to the driver's handset and a button for dialing up Toyota's virtual agent. As a connected car, the Insect naturally ties in with entertainment and navigation services (in this case, via Toyota's Smart Center). There's also integration with a home energy management system, which allows the owner to adjust air conditioning and lock the front door via a smartphone app. As this is a proof of concept -- and one we couldn't test out, at that -- it's unclear how well these features work, and it's unlikely that we'll ever see the prototype make it to market. Still, it's fun to dream, and you can do that by tuning into our hands-on video just past the break.
Dragon Drive! lets you take the wheel, while Nuance takes dictation
Do you like your cars smart? Are you itching to drive something a bit more K.I.T.T. than KIA? Well, this summer the glory of your Hasselhoff-soaked, '80s dreams will become reality, thanks to the folks at Nuance. Utilizing the same natural-language voice software currently employed across select mobile phones and TV sets, the outfit's hatched a new platform, dubbed Dragon Drive!, specifically for connected autos. The hands-free tech will support six languages at launch, with more to come throughout the year, giving drivers the ability to dictate texts and emails, as well as manage multimedia and navigation without ever lifting a finger from the wheel. So far, the company hasn't outed any initial partners for the voice recognition service. But if you're in the market for a high-end vehicle and your very own virtual Synergy, rest assured, your needs are going to be met. Hit up the break for the official presser and video tour.
Suzuki's Q-concept micro car tries to out-smart the Smart
Inner-city cars have been getting smaller and smaller, but Suzuki's Q-concept micro car takes extreme spot-hunting to the next level. Thanks to its tandem seating configuration, the Q-concept is slim -- somewhere between a car and a motorbike -- bestowing it tighter turning angles, ideal for snaking betwixt those SUVs at Walmart. Being a concept, there are all sorts of teasing technical touches we'd love to see, such as what looks like a smartphone dock in the steering wheel, video screens instead of rear-view mirrors and, of course, gull-wing doors. It might not have the cyborg-ish charms of Audi's Urban Concept, but mercifully it's got some decent curves, unlike its cousin the not-so-concept electric Every van.
Ford's Evos concept is the cloud-connected hybrid EV of our future (video)
Not ready for the future? Too bad, it's here -- well, at least in concept form. Debuting soon at Frankfurt's international auto show is Ford's Evos, a cloud-connected hybrid EV that serves as a preview of the kinds of smart and hyper-connected vehicles Dearborn eventually wants to build. Details on what powers it are scant, but we do know it'll rock the gasoline-electric drivetrain from the upcoming C-Max Energi. And when you've exhausted the combined 500 mile range, you can top up that lithium-ion pack by plugging in or wirelessly through inductive charging. With gratuitous access to data you've slung into the cloud, the Evos is deeply intertwined with your daily routine. It'll change your alarm clock if your morning meeting is canceled, continue music playback from other devices where you've left off and even suggest alternative routes based on your schedule and past driving history. Oh and it'll monitor your heart rate too. Don't believe us? Proof of that and more reside in the video after the break, which'll hopefully tide you over til September -- when we get to see if it lives up to the hype in person.
Panasonic, AT&T team up for connected cars, rule out extra-long Ethernet cables
High-end automakers like BMW and Audi have already demoed their takes on the "connected car," and even Intel's gotten into the game with its safety-first, egg-shaped iteration. Now Panasonic and AT&T have partnered to explore the concept: Panny will provide hardware and integration, and Ma Bell will handle connectivity. All this concept-exploration will take place in Peachtree City, Georgia, and the team's "connected lifestyle projects" will likely include basic in-car infotainment systems -- think streaming music and video, along with social networking apps. But we're also hoping for some really blue-sky stuff, more like the Mini Cooper's driving-influenced playlist. After all, it won't be long before the cars drive themselves, leaving passengers to demand some serious entertainment. Oh, and speaking of entertainment, check out the press release after the break.
Clarion joins Nokia's Terminal Mode movement for the greater infotainment good
We're living in the post-smartphone world, where restaurant reviews and silly time-wasting games are never more than a fingerprint away, and now it's hard to see us as anything but tippy-toeing into the smartcar revolution. While there are plenty of competing implementations out there, Nokia seems to be doing the best at unifying the playing field, announcing a partnership with Clarion to bring its Terminal Mode infotainment integration to yet another major brand. This follows on deals with Alpine, Harman, and nearly every major European auto manufacturer. That's a lot of partnerships, but as of now no actual products, leaving us feeling a bit indifferent about the whole thing -- for the moment at least.
Smart Car's Smart Drive Kit for iPhone demonstrated (video)
Daimler hasn't had a sales success on its hands lately with its line of Smart cars, with sales festering after an initial boom. To try to re-capture the imagination of we smartphone-loving Americans with short attention spans, Smart unveiled the Smart Drive Kit last month and now, at the NY Auto Show, is giving it a proper demonstration. The iPhone app effectively takes the place of an infotainment system like Sync, including internet radio, navigation, and hands-free calling. It's all demonstrated in a video after the break, and it looks cool -- cool enough to even warrant $9.99 for the app and, maybe, the $49.99 annual fee for maps and navigation. What we still needing clarification on is whether that cradle will actually be priced at a ridiculous €240 ($326) and, if so, from which precious materials it has been crafted.
