Hasta La Gadget!

There’s more than a few unkind words to be said about Apple’s decision to boot out Google Maps and use their own, hobbled version instead. Didn’t someone just get fired over this? That being said, I wonder if Bilbo Baggins had used an iPhone 5 and iOS 6 Maps, would he have gotten completely lost? The guys over at Bullz-Eye wondered the same, and came up with this approximation of what his journey might have looked like.

Just like many people, I’m pretty sure that he might have gotten lost using iOS 6 Maps, going many days out of the way on his trek to Lonely Mountain. Unfortunately, Google Maps hasn’t yet released their anticipated iOS app yet, so unless Bilbo has an Android phone, he’s out of luck for now.

It does make you think about when was the last time you pulled out a paper map. Smartphone and car GPS maps are way more convenient to use, and even if you get lost, you can find your way back pretty quickly. Unless it happens to be one of these places.

[via Bullz-Eye]

The i.am+ accessory line has begun with a set of three iPhone covers that convert the device into a much more high-powered camera than the smartphone is on its own. This lineup is being launched by Black Eyed Peas musician will.i.am and will be expanded upon via an ecosystem online and through high-end shops throughout the UK (at first, anyway.) This was announced with great glee by will.i.am in London this week with a full-on music video showing tonight with none other than Britney Spears.

Of course if you’re the type to get pumped up by Britney Spears and will.i.am collaborating on a music video, you’ll also find the iPhone accessory line appealing in both look and price – they’ll be appearing in the video tonight as well. There will be three models released for the iPhone 4/4S initially, then three more in early 2013 with many of the same abilities (and some unique to the next-generation device).

What you’re seeing above and below is the set of three outer bodies that are coming with this first wave of accessories for the iPhone. You’ll see a full-on LED flash up front along with interchangeable lenses and vintage aesthetics all around. It’s quite likely that these units will all be released at once while the next generation (for the iPhone 5) brings on a slightly different look to differentiate generations.

This announcement is also accompanied by the first appearance of i.am (the website). This website now shows a “Launching December 6th 2012″ message as well as the official i.am+ logo with the clipped-up photos you see above of each of the three camera accessories. You can also sign up on the site for information as it comes down the chute on the 6th. Also at the moment you’ll find both Britney Spears and will.i.am tweeting their hearts out promoting the Scream and Shout single as the official launch of the music video nears.

The two units we’ve got information on thus far are one of the two black models – one or both of which will be considered part of the “Modern Look” series and will start at 199 pounds (a bit over $300 USD). The white model is the “Vintage Look” series and will be starting at 299 pounds (that being just shy of $500 USD). The Vintage Look model will also be coming with a slide-out keyboard.

[via Telegraph]

Will.i.am iPhone accessory line kicking off with three vintage models is written by Chris Burns & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

TomTom has updated its iOS app to play nicely with iOS 6 and the iPhone 5, though the company has stripped ill-fated Google functionality out at the same time. The new version of the app, v1.12, works hand in hand with Apple’s own Maps app, showing up as a routing option in the iOS 6 software, but removes the Google Local Search feature as Google itself has discontinued it.

“Due to the discontinuation of the Google Local Search service, TomTom has decided to remove the feature” the company said of the update. “You can still search for locations using TomTom Places. Alternatively you can search Google in your browser and use the Copied Address feature to plan routes to these locations.”

TomTom Places is the company’s own driving-centric database of search results, bringing up POIs including gas stations, markets, restaurants, and more. It’s included in the app, along with live traffic updates and lifetime map updates.

The app is priced at $59.99 for the US and Canada version [iTunes link], while the UK and Ireland version is £39.99. TomTom recommends using iTunes to install the update, as there’s the possibility that you could lose your settings and saved locations otherwise.

TomTom updates for iPhone 5 and iOS 6 (but loses Google Local Search) is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

The iPhone 5 isn’t the biggest or fastest, but it’s held up to physical standards of perfection that make the immaculate womb of Mary look like amateur hour. The phone is supposed to be a consummate beauty. But after two months of constant use, it’s already showing wear and tear. Scratch-phobes, beware. More »

Siri is hitching a ride in the 2013 Chevrolet Spark and Sonic LZ and RS, with support for the voice control system in the MyLink infotainment systems; meanwhile, an all-new version will debut in the 2014 Impala. The Siri functionality, announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show 2013, allows a Bluetooth-connected iPhone to play songs, switch sources from AM/FM/XM radio to iPod mode, trigger calls to contacts, handle messaging, and the calendar, all by verbal instruction. It’s not the sole preserve of big-bucks Chevys, either, with the car company opting to debut the tech in its more affordable models.

There’s also a new Eyes Free mode, which keeps the iPhone’s screen turned off and relies solely on voice feedback from Siri, so that the driver can stay focused on the road ahead. That also means that the sort of complex queries which would usually trigger a web search won’t prompt to look online.

In order for it to work, the iPhone or iPad must be running iOS 6.0 or above; then it’s a case of pairing it via Bluetooth with the MyLink system. The steering wheel “Voice” button triggers Siri from that point on.

Chevrolet Spark iPhone Siri integration demo:

However, there’s a more complex Chevrolet MyLink system incoming the following year, and which will debut in the new Impala. The next-gen system has a choice of four menu themes – contemporary, edge, velocity, and main street – for its standard 4.2-inch display or optional 8-inch touchscreen, and can hook up to ten external devices, use its own natural voice recognition system for calls, navigation, media, and more.

There’s a 60 station favorites system which spans AM/FM/XM radio, contacts, destinations, music, and other media, and support for both Bluetooth and USB smartphones. Connected versions will add city-level weather reports, and OnStar will spread from the traditional blue button to an on-screen dialog too; six months of premium Directions and Connections will be included. A microphone is suspended above the driver to avoid confusion from road or engine noise.

Chevrolet 2014 Impala with next-gen MyLink demo:

The Chevrolet 2013 Spark with Siri will go on sale early in the new year, priced from $12,995, while the 2014 Impala is due in the spring, priced from $27,535. The next-gen MyLink system will also be available in other 2014 model year Chevys, including full-sized trucks, SUVs, and the Corvette.

Chevrolet adds Siri to 2013 Spark; Previews next-gen MyLink is written by Vincent Nguyen & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.