Filed under: Aftermarket, Audio, Gadgets, Lifestyle, Carsumer Advocacy

More and more people are adding electronic gadgetry to their car's arsenal after their initial purchase, which often makes sense since it almost always costs less to add audio equipment or GPS navigation from an aftermarket company than it does to spec if from the factory.

Sadly, recent statistics prove that you'd better be careful with that shiny new piece of technology. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, 24,700 portable navigation systems were swiped in 2008, representing a whopping 700% increase over 2006. While the number in thefts has rocketed skyward, the number of units sold have likewise gone supernova, leading us to wonder if the actual percentage of thefts over units in service has changed appreciably overall.

Apple's iPod is also attractive to thieves, who stole 17,000 of the little music players in '08. Perhaps the rise in iPod thefts helps explain why half as many car stereos (14,000) were stolen last year than in 2006, although we are willing to bet that automakers' continued move away from standard-sized, non-integrated head units is also a major factor.

Our common sense advice? Add-on nav systems and iPods are portable for a reason... remove them from your car when you leave it parked. Disaster averted.

[Source: Ecommerce Journal]

NaviGONE: Portable GPS system theft reportedly up 700% originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Gadgets, CES, Ford

Sony is expanding its Xplod car stereo lineup with eight new models, including the company's first double-din unit in several years.

The most feature-filled of the new models is Sony's MEX-BT5700U model (in photo above) with a front USB port for music players including iPhone and iPod. Its Bluetooth connection can also transfer phonebook info from a phone to its display and allows access to phone functions through the head unit. And when using Bluetooth to play music from a media device, the Sony unit displays song name, artist, etc. Sony says the MEX-BT5700U is their top of the line head unit and expects it to go on sale this June for about $300. Follow the jump for info on all seven of Sony's other models announced this week at CES as well as the official Sony press release.

Continue reading CES 2009: Sony Xplods with new automotive units

CES 2009: Sony Xplods with new automotive units originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Hybrid, Green, Technology, Chevrolet, Humor

One of the concerns about today's electric and hybrid vehicles is that they don't make the same noises as internal-combustion-propelled conveyances. It seems customers have come to expect a certain sound when a vehicle starts or is put into motion, and electric motors just can't compare to ICEs. GM has decided to add a soundtrack to its upcoming Chevy Volt to remedy that situation. Rather than plugging in the melodic symphony of the ZR1's LS9, however, they think the car deserves something a bit more space-age to go along with its high-tech hardware, and apparently there are some Trekkies at GM HQ. While we doubt they'll actually license the sound effects from the the Kirk and Spock franchise, E-Flex vehicle line executive, Frank Weber thinks the Volt should make sounds similar to when "you hear the doors close, or use the transporter," on the USS Enterprise. So it's official. The Prius' place in the geek hierarchy has been eclipsed by the Volt.

[Source: GM-Volt.com]

Chevrolet Volt to get Sci-Fi soundtrack originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Gadgets, Technology, BMW

It's no secret that our cars are quickly becoming extensions of our data-crazed lives. Everywhere we go, we surround ourselves with electronics meant to make our lives more convenient. Plus, most of these gadgets are just plain cool. Microsoft and Ford started something with the SYNC system and Apple has the market cornered with its iPod and iPhone, with integration of those i-devices now becoming popular options with car shoppers. Don't expect Google to sit back and watch. The internet giant has teamed up with an impressive list of major players, including Intel and Wind River Systems. These companies are actively working on getting their Android open-source operating system integrated into cars as we speak. If we had to wager a guess, it would be BMW that's most likely to roll out a new Android-powered infotainment system first, possibly as early as next year according to John Bruggeman, chief marketing officer at Wind River. For an early look at the first device with the Android OS, check out Engadget's recent feature.

[Source: CNET via Jalopnik]

Google Android open-source OS could come to cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 25 Sep 2008 08:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Mercedes-Benz, AMG

Typically when "music" is mentioned in the same sentence as AMG, it's in relation to the deep burble emanating from the exhaust pipes. But with all that Teutonic, sound-deadened cabin comfort, customers of the Mercedes tuning division have come to expect an equally impressive performance from inside the cabin. To that end, AMG has signed a new deal with the Danish audio gurus at Bang & Olufsen to provide their high-end automotive sound systems for these high-powered Mercedes models.

The deal is the third such agreement brokered by B&O, whose systems already appear in Audis and Aston Martins, spearheading a market proliferation that surely influenced the decision-makers in Affalterbach. Both AMG and Bang & Olufsen were clearly elated by the deal, and you can feel the sheer unbridled joy in the statement from AMG chairman Volker Mornhinweg: "Mercedes-AMG represents high performance and exclusivity. The same is true of Bang & Olufsen's in-car sound systems. Jointly, we are therefore able to meet Mercedes-AMG customers' expectations to sound systems." Contain yourself, Volk. Follow the jump to read the rest of the press release.

[Source: Bang & Olufsen]

Continue reading B&O put the Bang in Mercedes AMG

B&O put the Bang in Mercedes AMG originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Gadgets, Tuners, Etc., Technology

One of the easiest ways to customize a car is to yank out that factory radio and stick in something with more snazzy looks and more jazzy sound. Unfortunately, thieves know how easily your new stereo can be yanked out.

There have been many variations on the concealment method of stereo protection through the years. One of the most popular being to hide the newer unit behind a nest of wires to fool would-be crooks into thinking someone had beaten them to the prize. But over at Instructables, there's a new twist to the trick.

The key to the hack is to conceal your upgraded stereo behind what looks like your car's OEM unit. There are step-by-step instructions showing you how its done, from mounting the old radio's faceplate on a removable fascia, to making the fakery look even more unappealing by halving a cassette tape for added realism. They used "Christmas With the Brady Bunch," which might work in a Geo Metro in December, but would be probably guarantee your G35 getting busted open in July.

[Source: Instructables via Gizmag]

Protect your sound system with smarts originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jul 2008 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Audio, Gadgets, Green, Technology, Toys/Games, Motorcycle

Though it's usually the adventure touring crowd that excels at turning their motorcycles into rolling technology test-beds, we've recently run across a Yamaha Vino scooter that has been fully farkled. Featuring an on-board computer based around a VIA mini ITX form factor motherboard that's cleverly been hidden under the stock Vino's seat, this rolling geek-mobile packs in WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, GPS, FM radio, a TV tuner and a front-mounted camera in its diminutive frame. With the full-spec computer, pretty much anything should be possible right from the road using this scooter. While this is certainly a cool project, we have a few questions regarding its durability. How long will the acrylic plate that makes the structure for the computer hold up? Perhaps most importantly, how long will the scooter's battery be able to power all this technology? In the name of science, of course, we graciously offer our services for a road trip on the machine to find the answer to these all-important questions. Thanks for the tip, jared!

[Source: Thought Lab]

Scooter-geek's dream ride: Yamaha Vino scooter, fully farkled originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Green, Supercars, Audi

Click above for more high-res pics of the Audi R8 V12 TDI LeMans

Diesel engines may be more efficient than the gasoline-powered competition, but good old fashioned petrol power has always held a huge advantage when it comes to aural bliss. The engine audio emanating from the Audi R8 V12 TDI LeMans still struggles in comparison to the best gasoline offerings out there, but man does it sound cool. At idle the R8's oil burning, twin-turbo V12 sounds like a Super Duty on speed, but on acceleration the 500-hp powerplant comes alive. When the TDI R8 is cruising at high speeds, its recorded sound is a lot like a speeding jet. Hit the link below to hear the R8 V12 TDI LeMans for yourself. You may never be able to buy an Audi with this most impressive engine, but at least you can hear it.


[Source: Spiegel via German Car Blog]

Sound Bite: Audi R8 V12 TDI LeMans originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio

We've grown used to seeing automakers with a reputation for designing beautiful cars branch out into other consumer products. ">Porsche is a fine example, and Ferrari is no stranger to peddling assorted branded wares. It looks like Pagani will be adding its name to this list with a new hi-fi home audio system. Built of carbon fiber and aluminum, the system's main control unit emulates the look of the sound system from its supercars. Drawing inspiration from the unique four-pipe exhaust system from the Zonda, the bass tubes lie at the bottom of twin 350 watt tower speakers situated aside the control unit and amplifier. Audiophiles are sure to appreciate dual vinyl turntables, one for both 33 and 45 rpm discs as well as a CD player.

Pricing likely falls squarely into the "if you have to ask" territory, so we'll just admire this awesome unit from afar. Those of you who can afford a Pagani automoile can now enjoy your musical tastes both from the drivers seat of your Zonda and from the comfort of your own living room. Thanks for the tip, Tom!

[Source: Home Tone]

Pagani gets into hi-fi. We likey. originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 09 Mar 2008 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Gadgets, Technology, Crossover, Lexus, Toys/Games, UK

We think Lexus has struck the right balance with the sweetest in-car entertainment system yet. Called ICE (In Car Entertainment), the pair of eight-inch widescreen WVGA monitors protrude out of the back of the two front seats and feature an integrated slot-loading DVD in each, plus RCA inputs, USB ports and SD card slots. The attractive mounting also provides shock protection so discs don't skip over rough pavement or - perish the thought - off road terrain. A disc loaded into one can even be played on both monitors so both kids rear-seat passengers can watch the same Spongebob disc and listen through the included infrared wireless headphones.

The ICE system replaces the ceiling-mounted drop-down screen on the current RX350 and RX400h crossovers. Unfortunately, the system costs the equivalent of an extra $4,300 on all trim levels, except the top-of-the-line SE-L that has them included. Even worse, the system is only available in the UK... at the moment. But we'd expect that sufficient demand for the pricey accessory would bring it Stateside faster than you can say "luxury crossover-utility vehicle".

[Source: Carscoop]

ICE Touch: British customers get trick entertainment system in Lexus RX originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Gadgets, Hirings/Firings/Layoffs, Technology, Ford

It was just last month when we reported the announcement that Microsoft had taken Ford's SYNC to the next level. It was good news for Ford, and good news to consumers who apparently like the award-winning hands-free communication and entertainment system. Even with $395 price tag, SYNC was selling faster than Hanna Montana tickets at a middle school box office.

Ford isn't the only automaker using the Windows CE 6.0 based Microsoft Auto technology. Before Ford inked their deal, Microsoft had licensed the technology to the Italian automaker Fiat SpA. Now, as Ford's exclusive U.S. rights to the technology are set to end later this year, Microsoft is eager to bring other automakers on board. It shouldn't be a tough sell, as consumers are embracing technology-laden vehicles, and Ford's SYNC has proven to help sell cars.

[Source: Freep]

Microsoft ready to expand beyond Ford SYNC originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Gadgets, Technology, Bentley

Click above for a high-res photo gallery of the Naim Audio System

Dropping us yet another hint that ultra-luxury automobile buyers really do listen to Kanye West when their windows are rolled up, Bentley Motors has announced an exclusive partnership with British high-end audio manufacturer Naim to fit the world's most powerful in-car production amplifier to their full model lineup.

The bragging rights center around an 1100-watt amplifier driving up to 15 speakers (depending on the model). Cutting-edge technology on each system includes Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and Dynamic Equalization to offer passengers an 'as-live' in-car audio experience. To adapt the system to each particular Bentley model, Naim analyzed each car and then designed a unique speaker drive unit for it. According to Bentley, the painstaking measures taken to match the acoustics to the particular vehicle are so effective that even with rapper Kanye West belting out tunes at full system power, only a low level of sound can be heard from outside the car. Too bad the same thing can't be said for the Honda Civic that my teenage neighbor drives...

[Source: Bentley Motors]

Continue reading Bentley's new 1100-watt sound system, courtesy of Naim

Bentley's new 1100-watt sound system, courtesy of Naim originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, I.C.E.

Apparently, the idea of paying for radio chatter doesn't hold much appeal to customers who actually have to shell out hard earned cash. While many new cars today come equipped with stereos that are capable of receiving either XM or Sirius, fewer people than ever are buying standalone receivers. In December, retail sales of satellite receivers were down 37.5% (36% for Sirius and 41% for XM) compared to 2006.

This might in part be due to the fact that without an external antenna that has line of sight to the satellite, the radio usually doesn't work indoors. There's also the quality of what you hear on the stations. Unless you have a compelling need to hear Howard Stern unfiltered, most of the rest doesn't sound much different than what you can hear on terrestrial radio. At this rate, XM and Sirius better hope their merger is completed soon before they both run out of cash or customers.

[Source: OrbitCast]

Satellite radio: Looking for a few good customers, anybody? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 07:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, CES, Ford

We had the opportunity to sit in a dark maroon Ford Flex at the Dolby booth for a demonstration of their 7.1 Surround Sound system they've developed with the Blue Oval, and the first thing I notice is the super-nice croc-print leather seats beneath me. Michael Becker, Dolby's Global Marketing Director, says something like, "Oh, yeah. This is Funkmaster Flex's Flex." So don't look for the sweet, lizard-like leather on the production version.

But we weren't actually at the Dolby booth to ogle celeb-designed cars, we were there to listen to them.

Becker says one of the premium audio options in the upcoming non-Funkmasterized Flex will be the Sony system we heard with 12 speakers and 7.1 surround sound. With 375 watts it's an awesome-sounding system, especially for what is essentially a station wagon. We can assure you, your parents' Vista Cruiser never sounded this good.

Which brings up the question, "Why put such a high-end sound system in a family car?" So Dolby's Becker demonstrated. If you want to retain some of the premium sound, but still keep the kids asleep in back, use the touch-screen fader to move the sound up front. In most cars, that would have produced sound a little better than a pocket-sized transistor radio. But the Flex's system retains Dolby 5.1 for the front system or the rear if the fader is moved towards the back. This means the sound is still far ahead of that Vista Cruiser, and probably better than what you're driving now.

We can't wait to see how this sounds with real-world noise outside instead of within the crowds of CES-goers. Speaking of which, Becker said the Flex had attracted major attention from show-goers, with one even way overestimating the list price above $100k. It's nice, but not that nice. As if to demonstrate what he meant, while in the car demonstrating the sound system, we had to lock the doors to keep out the curious, even with the car roped off. Possibly a very good sign for Ford's Flex.

CES 2008: Dolby surrounds Ford's Flex in sound originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 07:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Gadgets, CES

Pioneer speakers have been outputting headache-inducing rock for decades. But the company has just announced its TS-D line of speakers with cones made of basalt fabric. The company says the volcanic stone is pulverized and melted at 2700 degrees before being drawn into fibers. The resulting fabric increases the speaker cone's rigidity and strength while keeping weight low.
In a press release, Larry Rougas, Pioneer mobile business group's VP of marketing, said, "Our speaker engineers are extremely passionate in their quest to build speakers that reproduce the highest sound quality possible. They are constantly looking at different materials that can be used to make a more efficient speaker with a stronger more rigid cone. The basalt rock achieves this goal without adding weight to the cone, resulting in an open and smooth frequency response."

Their are 13 speakers in the TS-D lineup, will be on sale soon at prices starting at $150.

Read the entire press release after the jump.

Continue reading CES 2008: Pioneer's speakers beat paper with rock

CES 2008: Pioneer's speakers beat paper with rock originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 06 Jan 2008 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Gadgets, Performance, Aston Martin

Yesterday was a big news day for Aston Martin. The small, independent automaker with a line-up based on just two models opened its new design center, unveiled the V12 Vantage RS, confirmed that the DBS would continue as Bond's ride in the next 007 movie, and announced a new partnership with Bang & Olufsen.

As a result of the new deal, the premium Danish electronics company will supply the British sportscar maker with special audio systems for its upcoming models. Expecting a virtual symphony to be recreated in the upcoming Rapide, then, would be a safe bet.

B&O, which bears no relation to the Atlantic City railroad station on your Monopoly board, already has a similar relationship with Audi, and was expected to announce a partnership with another automaker sometime soon. In anticipation, the company's stock rose over the course of several days, but fell again following the announcement that the deal was struck with Aston Martin and not with a larger manufacturer.

Good for Aston then, less so for Olufsen.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

Sound Decision: Aston Martin signs deal with Bang & Olufsen originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Audio, Gadgets, SEMA Show, Trends, Technology

While cruising through the enormous American Racing display area at SEMA, we spotted a pretty cool Mustang that made us stop for a closer look. While the car itself will be detailed elsewhere, one of its trick features really stood out. There was a keyboard on the passenger seat. Thinking it might have to do with a programmable engine management system or something, we were told that it was actually controlling a fully functional Windows XP in-dash computer. The computer system is made by a company called Infill and this was its newest G4 offering. The system features a 40 GB hard drive, 1.5 Ghz Pentium 4 CPU, 512 MB RAM, 800 X 480 6.5" Sharp touch screen display, wireless internet, a 3-second boot up time, built-in GPS, 3 USB ports, rear-view camera display compatibility and a DVD-ROM (What, no Blu-Ray?).

It also features steering wheel controls to operate the integrated 5.1 channel A/V system. And if you want to control any of the computer's functions while under way, it also has text-to-speech capability and advanced KT-HUVOIS speech recognition. Not that we'd recommend using it while in motion, but this system can turn your vehicle into one heck of a mobile office or den. The entire thing is also entirely self-contained in the dash-mount unit -- no remote HD or peripherals - which is impressive. The company promises a 40-minute install in most applications at any decent install shop. We'll try to get you more details when they become available, but for now you can get more by clicking on the Read link below or the image above.

[Source: Infill]

SEMA 2007: Infill G4 in-dash PC originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Nov 2007 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Aftermarket, Audio, SEMA Show, Europe, Supercars, Lamborghini

Click image for gallery of outrageous Lambo pics from SEMA

Anyone unlucky enough to make it over to the Sony Xplod booth at SEMA this week will be greeted by this "Lamborghini" replica that takes some of the best elements of the Italian supercar and twists them into something that isn't for anyone with a weak stomach. Built by The Custom Shop for John Robert Wargo, some of the details look right, but it basically only has a loose association with the real thing. Blending elements of the Diablo, Gallardo Superleggera and Murcielago, it is none of the above. It's actually powered by a 450 HP, 5.3L Chevy LS4 and is said to be good enough to push this 3200-lb car to 200 mph. We sincerely doubt it, especially considering its dubious aerodynamics and the TV monitors and speakers pouring out of every orifice on this "vehicle." We really doubt that it would be up to the task of going down the road at even regular highway speeds, let alone 200 mph. If you have the guts, click through to see the full gallery.

SEMA 2007: Hope you aren't eating while viewing this Lambo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio, Hatchback, Scion

There is a 2008 Scion xB in the Autoblog Garage right now that you'll be hearing all about soon. One of the cool features of the new xB is a standard iPod interface that you can control from the head unit. Just plug in the iPod and the ID3 tag information displays on the radio. The knob on the lower right acts as a joystick so you can navigate the standard menus and you can even fast forward, reverse, and toggle shuffle or repeat modes. For all that cool stuff, there is one major fly in the ointment. After reading the manual and pressing all the buttons, there appears to be no way to pause the iPod. Once the iPod is plugged in, the click wheel is disabled so you can't even reach down and manually pause the unit yourself. You can mute it but it keeps playing. Why can you navigate playlists, artists and genres but not pause? If anyone out there knows of a way, please chime in via the comments.

2008 Scion xB stereo iPod controller can't pause! originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 07 Oct 2007 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Filed under: Audio

Blaupunkt USA GM Lutz Marschall said "For more and more people, compact discs have become obsolete." For those of you who think "CD" stands for civil defense or Christian Dior, Blaupunkt has your stereo. The Melbourne SD27 dispenses with the digital disc, replacing it with an SD card slot and a glut of options for hooking up other digital musical delights.

In addition to the prehistoric AM/FM tuner with 25 presets, the SD27 comes with a 3.5-mm AUX input and hooks up to optional USB, Bluetooth, and iPod adapters. The display can handle 127 music directories and displays 30 characters of an ID3 tag. But wait, there's more: a TEL/NAVI input for cell phone integration and navigation systems. If it runs on 1's and 0's, but isn't a compact disc, there's a place for it on the Melbourne.

Power is 4 x 45 watts, with obligatory 4-channel pre-outs for the amps you know you can't live without. All yours for the low, low price of $160.

[Source: Engadget]

Nice CD player, Grandpa: Blaupunkt unveils SD card-based car stereo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2007 20:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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