Jul 14

Google Maps Send-To-Car feature goes live on Ford SYNC systems

Posted in: available, Ford, Google, maps, Microsoft, nav, navigation, now available, NowAvailable, sync, Today's Chili, video

Avid OnStar users received this here functionality a fortnight ago, and BMW owners have been bragging about it for years. But it looks as if the world’s other automakers are finally coming around to one of life’s undeniable facts: Google Maps is top-notch, and in almost every instance, trumps whatever factory mapping system that any given consumer has overpaid for. Today, drivers of Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles in the US enabled with Ford SYNC can send business listings or addresses found on GMaps directly to their cars (from a web browser, naturally). With the new additions, Google’s Send-To-Car feature is now active in 19 countries and across 20 brands, but we’re guessing that your brand isn’t one of them. Or maybe that’s just us moping and looking for company.

Google Maps Send-To-Car feature goes live on Ford SYNC systems originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 12:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jul 08

Robonaut 2 enters final preparations before flying off into space

Posted in: NASA, robot, robotics, space, Today's Chili

Tests, upgrades and final checks are being carried out on the Robonaut 2, the humanoid spacefaring robot that has been in the works since 2007. The baby of NASA and General Motors, this sack of metal and wires has already produced a catalog of 34 new patents and, according to GM, is setting the stage for new safety features in forthcoming generations of its road vehicles. Sensor technology being developed in the R2 could deliver better lane departure warning systems, adaptive cruise control, and more intelligent parking assistance. That’s good news and all, but can we ship it out to the ISS already — we’d rather it be off-world when its instruction set switches from “serve humans” to “serve human meat.”

Continue reading Robonaut 2 enters final preparations before flying off into space

Robonaut 2 enters final preparations before flying off into space originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 11:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jul 02

Chevrolet bringing 10,000 Volts in 2011, but it’s the current of change that will kill you

Posted in: electric, electric car, electric vehicle, ElectricCar, ElectricVehicle, ev, new-york, plans, roadmap, schedule, Today's Chili, video

Good news for all electric heads out there: “intense interest” in the Chevy Volt has led General Motors to expand its launch markets to now include Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Texas. They join California, Michigan and Washington DC, although only Austin in Texas and New York City will have the honor of retail Volts before 2010 is through; the rest of the new markets will get their fill in 2011. Though Chevy still hasn’t set down a final date and price for its electric car, late 2010 availability seems to mesh well with a November 1 rumor we heard earlier. Beyond this year, 10,000 units are planned to be built in 2011, with 30,000 more coming up in 2012. So it’s gonna be a pretty exclusive club however you look at it, now can we get a cheesy music video going for this car or what? Oh wait…

Continue reading Chevrolet bringing 10,000 Volts in 2011, but it’s the current of change that will kill you

Chevrolet bringing 10,000 Volts in 2011, but it’s the current of change that will kill you originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Jul 2010 07:36:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jul 01

OnStar users now sending Google Maps directions to their cars, definitely living in the future

Posted in: automobile, Google, nav, navigation, Today's Chili, video

July is upon us — do you know what that means? For starters, it’s Canada Day, but secondly, today marks the first day that turn-by-turn capable GM vehicles as old as 2006 can search for destinations using Google Maps and have those destinations beamed directly to their vehicles. The OnStar eNav feature is now fully Google-fied, and we’re desperately hoping that other factory navigation systems take notice of the awesomeness and begin to do likewise in the not-so-distant future. Till then, have a peek at the GM demonstration vid just past the break, and feel free to let us know how it works for you in comments below.

Continue reading OnStar users now sending Google Maps directions to their cars, definitely living in the future

OnStar users now sending Google Maps directions to their cars, definitely living in the future originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:50:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jun 04

Ford Adds GPS Tracking to SYNC 911 Assist

Posted in: Ford, gps, sync, Today's Chili
MyLincolnTouch.jpg
Ford has upgraded its SYNC 911 Assist emergency response app with the ability to send a vehicle’s exact GPS coordinates in the event of an accident.
Unlike GM’s OnStar service, Ford 911 Assist is a subscription-free, no-additional-cost service for the life of each vehicle, including models with SYNC, plus all 2011 MyFord and MyLincoln Touch-equipped cars.
The only catch: the system requires a cell phone paired over Bluetooth in order to work. That’s probably a small price to pay, given that the majority of the population now carries a cell phone–though many lower-end and older models still don’t have Bluetooth.
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Jun 03

Chevy, OnStar to Train Emergency First Responders on EVs

Posted in: electric vehicle, Today's Chili
2011_Chevy_Volt.jpg
Chevrolet and OnStar, along with the International Association of Fire Fighters and several related emergency organizations, have announced a new training program designed to educate first responders on how to deal with electric vehicles.
Training sessions will feature the upcoming Chevy Volt, and will begin in Chicago in late August, with first-responder sessions in other major cities to follow immediately thereafter. Volt displays will also appear at various emergency industry conferences beginning in June.
The training will include animations and illustrations of the Volt, showing cut points for extrication, first-responder labeling, automatic and manual electric shut-offs, and other features crucial to a proper emergency response.
“Technological changes in the automotive industry require changes in fire and emergency service operations as well,” said Chief Jack Parow, first vice president of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, in a statement. “The IAFC is proud to work with Chevrolet and OnStar to ensure that fire responders are adequately trained in how to work with the new technology, both for their own safety and the safety of those they serve.”
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May 19

Google partnership has GM OnStar exploring Maps, open APIs and more

Posted in: Android, app, apps, automobile, car, Cars, Google, GoogleAndroid, gps, hands-on, interview, navigation, Today's Chili

In a move that could shape the mobile landscape — or simply suck down cash, of course — General Motors just revealed that Google was its mysterious infotainment partner. In the final hours before Google I/O, we sat down with GM VP Nick Pudar to tell us what the future thus holds for OnStar. As we saw in January, GM’s already developing smartphone apps for the Chevy Volt on iPhone, Blackberry and Android that will let you remotely lock doors, honk the horn, check tire pressure and more…. But sometime after the Volt launches, Google Maps Navigation will be integrated into the smartphone app, and we got a hands-on tour. Check out the new interface and hear about GM’s strategy after the break.

Continue reading Google partnership has GM OnStar exploring Maps, open APIs and more

Google partnership has GM OnStar exploring Maps, open APIs and more originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 May 2010 12:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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May 18

OnStar reveals mystery partner: Google

Posted in: Android, Google, maps, Today's Chili

Google I/O’s shaping up to be a hell of an event this year. We just received word that OnStar will give a sneak peek at new functionalities it’s developing for its version 2.0 Chevy Volt app with the help of Google. A major new addition — to be demonstrated on Android, of course — will be a navigation tab on the app’s home screen that can identify your position relative to your Volt’s location in Google Maps. Something that should prove handy in tracking down your car in the airport parking lot. Owners can then use their smartphone to enter their destination before even entering the vehicle. When it’s time to drive, your Volt will already be setup and ready to guide you to the spot using OnStar’s turn-by-turn navigation. Alternatively, users can follow the voice guidance provided by Google Maps Navigation if they prefer. Unfortunately, these 2.0 addition won’t be in the app at launch this fall. Full press release after the break.

Continue reading OnStar reveals mystery partner: Google

OnStar reveals mystery partner: Google originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 18 May 2010 02:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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May 13

GM, Google Planning Android-Powered OnStar

Posted in: Android, Ford, Google, sync, Today's Chili
OnStar_Chevy_Volt_Mobile_App.jpg
GM and Google are currently in negotiations to develop in-car telematics that could compete with Microsoft and Ford Sync, Motor Trend reports.
Unnamed sources were quoted as saying that Google could sell its Android OS for in-car use; the system would let GM customers pair vehicles with smartphones, and could also let vehicle owners open, start, and adjust their cars and trucks.
The report said that Google’s OS “would render useless GM-owned OnStar‘s turn-by-turn navigation system,” since Android has its own GPS software–something that could be a sticking point in negotiations with GM.
There’s already an Android version of GM’s Chevy Volt app available (pictured), so bringing Android into the car would be a natural progression for the two companies–if they can work out the particulars, that is.
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May 12

General Motors partners with Google for Android-powered cars?

Posted in: Android, automobile, car, Cars, Google, GoogleAndroid, rumor, rumors, Today's Chili

Not one day after General Motors said they’d found a mysterious technology partner to help extend the Chevy Volt’s futuristic OnStar functionality do anonymous sources step in (as usual) to ruin the surprise. Though we thought RIM made a fine contender, Motor Trend says it’s actually Google that’ll reportedly “sell its Android operating system for in-car use.” Last we heard, Google wasn’t in the business of selling Android, but that wouldn’t stop GM from using the open-source OS anyhow — in fact, we already knew Android cars were on the way, and one’s already in production. Let’s just hope GM doesn’t take the integration too far: we fear the day will come when our “engine” app spontaneously decides to force close.

General Motors partners with Google for Android-powered cars? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 May 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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