In embedded chips and connected car news this week were, Ford, Starbucks, Alexa, Divergent 3D, Cypress Semi, car2Go, One20, Carvana, SDL, PTOLEMUS, Sperion, Navistar, Crystal Group, DriveMode, InSeego, TomTom, DealerRater and RealVNC.
Ford Owners can soon ask, “Alexa, ask Starbucks to start my order”
Starbucks announced that future SYNC 3 Ford owners with Amazon Alexa enabled will be able to coffee by voice. Previously Starbucks announced the Starbucks Alexa skill that connects to the Starbucks Mobile Order & Pay feature. Once Alexa is integrated into Ford vehicles, drivers can order coffee by pushing the steering wheel button and saying, “Alexa, ask Starbucks to start my order.”
More AutoArmor from Cypress Semi
Cypress Semiconductor expanded its automotive solutions portfolio with a capacitive touchscreen controller that delivers waterproofing, glove touch and resistance to electromagnetic interference. The EMI resistance is driven by Cypress’ proprietary AutoArmor technology. The new Automotive TrueTouch CYAT8165X controllers, which target screens up to 8.5 inches, join a portfolio that includes Cypress’ Automotive TrueTouch CYAT8168X controllers, for screens up to 15 inches.
Cypress AutoArmor meets(EMC) (CISPR 25) specifications and requirements for chip-level emissions (IEC 61967), conducted (IEC 62132) and radiated (ISO 11452) immunity. AutoArmor uses automatic frequency hopping to prevent false touches caused by EMI from other electronic systems, and it uses TX frequency spreading to reduce electromagnetic emissions.
Columbus car2go Upgrades
One-way carsharing company, car2go announced that its over 25,000 Columbus members will enjoy a new more advanced car2go experience with the latest version smart model and new car2go technology. It is the first fleet upgrade for Columbus since the service launched in 2013, which will be fully upgraded with the new cars and technology by the end of March.
New features include faster unlocking, Bluetooth, seat warmers, wider roomier cars, smoother ride, smaller turning radius and more safety features.us members
Columbus residents interested in taking a spin in the new car2go can use the promo code NEWSMART for free registration (regularly $5) and a $5.00 drive time credit through March 31, 2017.
ONE20 App & Logging Device for Drivers
ONE20, announced it plans to launch an Electronic Logging Device, named F-ELD, with an easy-to-use driver app. The new platform is compliant, subscription free, functional and created for the driver. It has an intuitive interface that is 100 percent driver-controlled and accessed through a free app.
The ONE20 F-ELD is a plug-and-play device that wirelessly pairs with a driver’s smartphone or tablet. Once the ELD is purchased and installed, drivers can download the free Android- and iOS- compatible App to establish HOS and driver-vehicle inspection report (DVIR) preferences. The ELD device attaches to the truck through a J1939 or J1708 cable. Drivers will manage the application and have full control of the reporting.
Samsung is offering its customers an additional $20 in savings off the F-ELD pre-order during the Mid-America Trucking Show.
Carvana Deals with RBFCU Members for Sales & Financing.
Car vending machine and car-buying platfrom Carvana, a and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union (RBFCU), announced a partnership to provide RBFCU members with a car buying solution.
The partnership will offer RBFCU’s nearly 700,000 members access to Carvana’s expansive inventory of high-quality, pre-owned vehicles, combined with the credit union’s low-rate financing.
Divergent 3D Partners with SLM for High Volume Production
Divergent 3D has entered into a Strategic Development Partnership with SLM Solutions Group, one of the world’s leading 3D metal printing equipment manufacturers.
SLM Solutions Group will work closely with Divergent to develop specific hardware and software that will enable scaling of the patented Divergent Manufacturing Platform to high-volume production of vehicle structures. This relationship will strongly accelerate the commercial development of each companies’ technologies and revenue growth.Divergent 3D and SLM Solutionst, are partnering to transform the process of designing and manufacturing overall vehicle structures. The objective is to build lighter, structurally safe, more cost-efficient and environmentally responsible automobiles.
HearMeOUt Heard on SDL
HearMeOut becomes the latest app to become part of the SmartDeviceLink (SDL) platform.
HearMeOut is a social app empowering consumers and content creators to share short audio clips, allowing them a more personable means of communication and enabling a handsfree experience in the connected car space, making them a great fit for the SDL platform.
ADAS Forecast
By 2030, PTOLEMUS forecasts that there will be more cars on the road globally with ADAS than without: 370 million vehicles will have some automated features. This will lead to a record amount of avoided collisions. In the US alone, 767,000 crashes will be prevented every year by the end of the next decade.
- Car makers will need to choose between integrating the entire chain (Tesla, GM, Ford), partnering with technology companies (Honda, FCA, Renault-Nissan) or waiting and possibly losing out
- Dealer and repair networks will need to reinvent themselves to compensate for the decline in collisions, for example as AV charging stations
- Insurance, roadside assistance companies and auto clubs will also have no choice but to radically change their value proposition
Spireon & CUSG Will Locate Cars of Borrowers
Spireont and location-based Business Intelligence solutions, and CU Solutions Group, a credit union service organization, to announced a partnership focused on mitigating auto lending risk for credit unions. CUSG will exclusively offer to its national network of credit union clients Spireon’s GoldStar Lender solution, which includes tools to help control the rise in delinquencies by staying connected to borrowers.
GoldStar Lender will give participating credit unions a secure, web-based portal to automatically locate assets and communicate with borrowers quickly, enabling them to proactively address situations that can lead to delinquencies. With real time vehicle data, payment reminders, and tools to incentivize on-time payments, GoldStar Lender allows credit unions and other auto finance organizations to effectively manage a much larger loan portfolio with less risk.
Navistar OnCommand & Marketplace
Navistar announced the launch of its telematics solution, OnCommand Connection Telematics. The solution includes hardware and applications in support of all makes and all models of Class 6 through 8 vehicles that are equipped with a J1939 or J1708 diagnostic port.
The company also announced OnCommand Connection Marketplace, a new, open-architecture, cloud-based technology platform for complete telematics solutions and a broad range of related driver support tools.
OnCommand Connection Telematics complements OnCommand Connection, Navistar’s industry-leading, open-architecture remote diagnostics system, which is already driving improved uptime for more than 300,000 vehicles. By integrating and interpreting vehicle health information from multiple telematics providers in an integrated, customer-friendly format, OnCommand Connection enables fleet users and other customers to achieve more efficient repairs and maintenance, better lifecycle value, and a lower total cost of ownership, giving them increased visibility into maintenance and repair needs and better control of their business. Now, OnCommand Connection Telematics will offer a new telematics option to many customers who had not previously used telematics from any source.
Little Rugged Sever for Autonomous Driving from Crystal Group
Crystal Group Inc., announced the development of a rugged server able to withstand extreme temperature variations for commercial autonomous vehicles (AVs). The development of components capable of meeting thermal and other harsh environment standards required by AVs further establishes Crystal Group as a leader in the growing AV market and the IoT space.
Crystal Group’s RS363S15F Rugged 3U Server is powered by Intel processors, and is just one example of an agile and rugged system with applications for the commercial AV market. Already leaders in technology of unmanned systems for the military, Crystal Group and Intel have been working with other technology companies and major automotive OEMs as part of the Intel® Internet of Things Solutions Alliance to build systems to support the entire driverless vehicle ecosystem.
The RS363S15F Rugged 3U Server from Crystal Group provides high-performance computing and high-capacity data storage in a small size, weight, and power (SWaP) package with a depth under 15 inches (38.1 cm) to fit virtually any space. Several major automotive manufacturers have already selected this rugged and reliable server for use in autonomous vehicles. .
Drivemode Funded
Mobile-based automotive technology company Drivemode today announces a $6.5 million series A funding round led by Panasonic Corporation, one of the largest automotive suppliers in the world. Other new investors include Miyako Capital, Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Venture Capital, Innovative Venture Fund Investment L.P., with Managing Director of Miyako Capital Sunny Sugaya stepping into a leadership role on Drivemode’s Board of Directors.
With active users in over 180 countries and more than one million app downloads, Drivemode plans to use the funds to accelerate new product development and expand their global team. The company is also focused on increasing partnerships with both content and service providers to deliver new functions such as parking reservations and roadside assistance to drivers, as well as automakers building the next generation of connectivity solutions for cars.
Inseego SaaS Ctrack for Fleet Safety
Inseego Corp. launched a new support web app through its Ctrack fleet management solution. This will enable fleet operators to better engage with their drivers and ensure they are following vehicle safety procedures. Driver Mobi provides a suite of tools that have been designed to help businesses instill a safety-first fleet culture by targeting risk reduction and encouraging responsible driving, thereby saving additional costs.
Driver Mobi’s vehicle checklist is a useful tool to help drivers perform their daily safety inspections simply and effectively, while providing fleet managers and administrators with online visibility for all completed and missed checks. Companies can gain peace of mind that the required pre-work checks are taking place and ensure any non-compliance is quickly addressed. A report can also be scheduled and run at a chosen time interval to provide an overview of all checks and identify any vehicles that need attention
TomTom and GEVAS Provide Frankfurt and Düsseldorf Traffic Managment
TomTom announced that its industry-leading live traffic data has been chosen to power the traffic management centres of two more of Germany’s leading cities: Frankfurt and Düsseldorf.
Frankfurt and Düsseldorf have implemented an intelligent traffic control system, developed by Munich-based GEVAS software within their Traffic Management Centres, which supplements existing road sensor information with TomTom’s detailed live traffic data for an enhanced view of the cities’ traffic flows.
DealerRater Partners with CU Direct
DealerRater, car dealer review website, announced a partnership with CU Direct, the nation’s leading lending technology and automotive solutions provider for credit unions. The agreement allows CU Direct to integrate DealerRater reviews and ratings on its next generation AutoSMART vehicle shopping and research platform, which enables auto dealers to sell more cars faster and easier.
MirrorLink for Huawei
RealVNC, the global provider of VNC remote access technology and premier MirrorLink supplier are pleased to announce their collaboration with Huawei.
Huawei is introducing a market-defining connected car user experience for their customers by offering support for MirrorLink, powered by RealVNC. Using the VNC Automotive MirrorLink Certified solution in their handsets provided a fast time-to-market and guaranteed MirrorLink Certification.
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