New Technology Reviews!.: car

BMW releases two apps for iOS

<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" height="189" hspace="8" src="http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/999/bmwminiapps4656543.jpg" vspace="8" width="400" /></div> 
BMW has released two apps for iOS this week. The first one, based on the Mini brand, is called <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/mini-connected/id376699654?mt=8">Mini Connected</a>, and it allows you to not only track information about your car, but also access web radio and audio versions of internet feeds, hooked up directly to your car's stereo. And on cars equipped with navigation features, you can even send directions and searches back and forth from your iPhone to the car's systems, and vice-versa. 
 
<a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/bmw-connected/id406975118?mt=8">The BMW Connected app</a> does the same thing, only across the manufacturer's vehicle lineup. Interesting, not only that these apps exist (there are already a few solutions for doing all of these things out there), but that they're created and "sold" (both are free) by the car's manufacturers themselves. In essence, an Apple app is being used to market the functionality of these automobiles. 
<a href="http://www.tuaw.com/2010/12/29/bmw-releases-two-apps-for-ios/"></a> 
<h6></h6><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/28/bmw-connected-app-hits-ios-app-store-apps-function-hitting-ve">Source</a>

BMW releases two apps for iOS

BMW has released two apps for iOS this week. The first one, based on the Mini brand, is called Mini Connected , and it allows you to not on...

BenQ R100 Android tablet due Q1 2011

<a href="http://cdn.androidcommunity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/benq_r100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-21367" height="350" src="http://cdn.androidcommunity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/benq_r100.jpg" title="benq_r100" width="468" /></a> 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BenQ <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&langpair=auto%7Cen&u=http://www.imp3.net/10/show.php%3Fitemid%3D24756&rurl=translate.google.com&twu=1" target="_blank">apparently intends</a> to launch an Android-based tablet, the R100, in Q1 2011. The slate supposedly runs Android 2.2 on an 833MHz Samsung processor, and has a 10.1-inch 1024 x 600 resistive touchscreen, 8GB of storage and an HDMI port. 
 
 
 
There’s also mini USB, a microSD card slot, WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth, and BenQ reckons the R100 will last for up to 12 hours of use on a single charge. It’ll come with a stylus, in China at least, to support handwriting recognition. BenQ is supposedly looking to put together digital content deals – including a “BenQ Book” ebook store – in time for the R100′s launch. No word on pricing at this stage. 
 
[<a href="http://mp4nation.net/blog/2010/12/benq-r100-tablet-expected-in-q1-2011/" target="_blank">via</a> MP4Nation]

BenQ R100 Android tablet due Q1 2011

BenQ apparently intends to launch an Android-based tablet, the R100, in Q1 2011. The slate supposedly runs Android 2.2 o...

Red and Black Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 Coming To Virgin Mobile in January

<img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-21372" height="411" src="http://cdn.androidcommunity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/xperia-x8.jpg" title="xperia-x8" width="475" /> 
Virgin Mobile UK has just announced that it will be carrying the Sony Xperia X8 in red and black come january 2011. The device will be a part of the carriers 2011 refreshing which also includes the HTC Desire HD. 
 
 
<center></center> 
The limited edition red and black Xperia X8 will be selling for £10 a month from January 1st. The official announcement reads: 
 
Sony Ericsson’s latest Android powered handset the X8 is available exclusively to Virgin Media customers in a striking red and black variant from January. With instant access to the Android Marketplace with over 100,000 apps and Sony Ericsson’s integrated social networking system TimeScape that allows users to keep up to date with all of the their friends social interactions, the X8 is an attractive handset for busy tweeters and Facebookers on the move. 
 
 
Available free on a £10 a month tariff with 50 minutes, 250 texts and 500MB mobile web from New Year’s day. 
 
 
That’s quite the deal for the pretty impressive device. Currently there is no picture of the device in this color set, but it will look just like the image above, in red and black – of course. 
 
[<a href="http://www.eurodroid.com/2010/12/virgin-mobile-to-stock-red-and-black-sony-ericsson-xperia-x8-from-january/">Via</a> EuroDroid]

Red and Black Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 Coming To Virgin Mobile in January

Virgin Mobile UK has just announced that it will be carrying the Sony Xperia X8 in red and black come january 2011. The device will be a pa...

What to Get for my Android Phone or Tablet: 2010 Holiday Gifts Edition

<a href="http://cdn.androidcommunity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/androidcommunityuserguide1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-21398" height="331" src="http://cdn.androidcommunity.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/androidcommunityuserguide1.jpg" title="androidcommunityuserguide1" width="540" /></a> 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SO it’s nearing the end of 2010 and you’ve either just got an Android phone for a gift OR you’ve decided to spend that sweet holiday cash on that sweet Google smartphone you’ve had your eye on – what do you do next? I mean, you’ve got it, and you’re looking around on it and you see some pre-installed apps and you’ve maybe seen what they can do, you’ve gone to the Android Market and you’ve glanced around and maybe downloaded a top free app or two… but now what? Let us show you the way with this seasons must-do list. 
 
 
 
 
 
1. PHYSICAL CARE: After you’ve taken a look at your phone, carried it around for a few days, seen how well it fares in your pocket, be sure to take a look over the device to see if it’s got scratches, dings, or any sign of wear. If there ARE signs that the device isn’t going to survive the keys, coins, and other metal objects in your chosen phone carrier (pants, purse, etc,) consider grabbing a case. Especially if this is your first smartphone, you may be unused to protecting your phone beyond the obvious no-dunking-in-water method. If you’ve just invested $100+ in a phone that has our favorite pal Android inside, you’d be smart to toss a few more bucks in just to make sure your lovely will fare well through the new year. 
 
2. ESSENTIAL APPS: Let me right now let you in on the apps I always download very first: Advanced Task Killer, Google Maps, Compass, Google Sky Map, Barcode Scanner, Metal Ball, and QR Droid. All of these apps are TOTALLY FREE. Lets go through them each in a nutshell here: 
 
<ul><li>Advanced Task Killer There is no quicker and easier way for you to close all the applications you’ve got running. You’re probably aware from using your home computer that when you’ve got too many things open at once, things start to run slower. The same thing is true here on your new phone. With Advanced Task killer you’re given a list of the things you’ve got open, all you’ve got to do is select the ones you’re not using and press a button to close them. 
</li>
<li>Google Maps The very best map system in the world if you ask me, constantly updated and working best on your Android-based phone. Why? Because Android IS Google, working in close collaboration on how to best bring you live maps and navigation from your phone. 
</li>
<li>Compass As simple as the title implies, opening this app brings up a live working compass that’ll lead you straight outta the forest. 
</li>
<li>Google Sky Map Open this app and point your phone up to the sky. See all those constellations of stars? They’re actually up there, your phone now acting as a map so you can tell what you’re seeing in the night sky. Coolest feature? Time travel – allowing you to see what was up there hundreds of years ago. 
</li>
<li>Barcode Scanner Use this to scan any barcode from any product you’ve got in front of you to find results (like prices) from different sources. Good use: bring this to a rummage sale to see if the $5 pricetag on that book is actually worth it, or if you’ll be able to get it cheaper online. 
</li>
<li>QR Droid Your one-stop <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_Code" target="other">QR Code</a> decoder and encoder. If you have no idea what a QR Code is or cant remember a single time you’ve ever seen one, don’t bother downloading this. If you want to be cool and part of the future, feel free! 
</li>
<li>Metal Ball This app is as simple as they come – all it consists of is a metal ball that rolls around on your phone in a box. When it hits the side, it makes your phone shake as if it were real. This app is like a gateway drug, making you want to explore all that’s possible with your phone in the future.</li>
</ul> 
3. ADDITIONAL APPS: After you’ve checked these out, you’ll want to keep downloadin! Where can you get tips on all the sweet new apps as they come out? Why, <a href="http://slashapps.com/" target="other">SlashApps</a> of course! Grab a review, download at your leisure, or join in on the fun and add your own feedback! 
 
4. HELP: As you continue on your Android journey, certainly some questions will pop up in your mind. As they do, you can find a heaping helping of fun right here with us! For all your simple-to-advanced questions, feel free to ask in our Android Community Forums – a friendly place where everyone will greet you with quick answers and handshakes. 
 
5. HACKS: Inevitably, you’ll find yourself wondering if there’s anything you can do thats against the system. What’s possible with this machine that the manufacturer and sales team never intended? For that, there’s a plethora of hacks. Take a look through our hacking archive to see what’s REALLY possible with your handheld device. 
 
6. UPDATES: Finally, of course, there’s always updates as they happen. For all the news and fun tips as they are revealed to the world, on the spot and up to date, stick with us! Android Community is your friendly neighborhood group dedicated to bringing you the latest and most essential Android bits right to your eyeballs.

What to Get for my Android Phone or Tablet: 2010 Holiday Gifts Edition

SO it’s nearing the end of 2010 and you’ve either just got an Android phone for a gift OR you’ve decided to spend that swe...

Fisker raises Karma plug-in hybrid base price to $95,900, brings that 750i back into consideration

<div><img alt="" border="1" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2010/12/fisker-karma.jpg" vspace="4" /></div> 
Oh, sure -- gas is bound to hit $4 a gallon before 2020, but you can buy an awful let of petrol with the money you'll save from dodging Fisker's increasingly expensive Karma. 'Course, those looking to blow 100 grand on an eco-friendly automobile are probably doing so just to throw Ma Earth a bone, but still -- money matters. Originally teased way back in the fall of 2007, Fisker's first plug-in hybrid still hasn't ended up anywhere near mass production, but it has managed to see two rather significant upticks in price all the while. 
 
Right around two years ago, we saw the $80,000 MSRP boosted by $7,000, and today, prospective customers are being notified via email that the Karma's base price is now sitting at $95,900 before a $950 destination fee. Granted, the company insists that this includes an integrated solar roof panel (valued at $5,000), and it still starts at $1,400 less than a Panamera S. And yeah, that base price does shrink to $88,400 after you include federal tax incentives. 
 
That said, we're doubting high-rollers that were dead-set on handing over $73,000 or so after tax breaks are currently stoked about an increase this large, particularly when there's still no definitive ship date. To Fisker's credit, we've seen General Motors go through similar trials and tribulations surrounding the <a href="http://www.engadget.com/tag/Volt/">Volt</a>, and even at $95k, you'll be hard pressed to find more sexy than this on four (street legal) wheels. 
<a href="http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/26/fisker-raises-karma-plug-in-hybrid-base-price-to-95-900-brings/"></a> 
<h6></h6><a href="http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/26/fisker-raises-karma-plug-in-hybrid-base-price-to-95-900-brings/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>

Fisker raises Karma plug-in hybrid base price to $95,900, brings that 750i back into consideration

Oh, sure -- gas is bound to hit $4 a gallon before 2020, but you can buy an awful let of petrol with the money you'll save from dodging...