iPhone

Apple iOS 8.1 4 iPhone 5-6+ could fix Bluetooth issue with hands-free devices/cars

iOS81buetoothfixiOS 8 has been plagued with Bluetooth bugs connecting to in-car infotainment systems.The manifest of features for iOS update shows a Bluetooth fix which hopefully will help our readers who have tried everything from complaining to Apple to “nuking” their phones to get Bluetooth work. Almost every car maker was affected including BMW, Audi, GM(Chevy, GMC, Cadillac, Buick), Mercedes-Benz, VW, Mazda, Lexus, Fiat, Hyundai and more.

iOS 8.1 Bluetooth and in-car infotainment fixes for iOS 8 hands-free?

ios81stagecolorAs many of our readers know, there have been iOS 8-8.02 Bluetooth issues with in-car infotainment systems from almost every car maker including BMW, Audi, GM(Chevy, GMC, Cadillac, Buick), Mercedes-Benz, VW, Mazda, Lexus, Fiat, Hyundai and more. An AUTO Connected Car News commenter summed it up this way, “Apple blames the car makers and the car makers blame Apple.” Hopefully, the update to iOS 8.1 will help users connect their iPhones with their automobiles.

Pioneer Single CD Receivers double up Bluetooth, Wideband Speech and music streaming

DoubleDinPioneer Electronics also debuted its 2015 models of in-dash single CD receivers with the technology to compliment smartphone users’ lifestyles for around $200.

Features of the aftermarket audio systems with expanded smartphone functionality include Pandora, styling and FLAC file playback. The new receivers have larger screens, better colors and brightness functions.

Pioneer’s new in-dash DVD receivers with MirrorLink, Hands-Free, Siri Eyes Free & More

AVH-X7700BT300dpi5inPioneer announced its new 2015 line of aftermarket in-dash multimedia DVD receivers with many high-tech features geared for smartphone owners with Bluetooth for audio streaming, Wideband Speech (HFP 1.6), Music Library Browsing over Bluetooth, and Siri  Eyes Free.

Along with DVD/CD media playback the systems feature, audio enhancements MirrorLink, MIXTRAX, Pandora station creation, and USB connectivity. 

Mod Smartphone Terminal adds wireless charging, antenna & NFC to console

Continental Wireless BoxContinental announced a new box for consoles or dashes to hold occupants smartphones with built-in wireless connections.

The Continental multifunctional smartphone terminal combines wireless charging of the smartphone, wireless antenna coupling, and near field communications (NFC). The features do not require a cable. A modular design allows car makers to decide which features they want to offer. It looks like it can fit in standard dash and console areas of the cockpit.

Pioneer connected car systems CarPlay update 4 iPhone 5/5c/5S/6/6+: iOS 8 how to upgrade directions

PioneerFirmwareupdatePioneer promised an update for its higher-end  2014 NEX line of infotainment units by the the end of the summer.  The update was announced on Thursday and is available for download by a computer from the Pioneer website. Pioneer claims the update should take about 10 minutes, we suggest you allow a little more time to get used to how CarPlay works while you are not driving.

The good news is that Pioneer CarPlay is compatible with iPhone 6/6+/5/5S/5c with iOS 7.1 or higher with the compatible firmware and  a”Lightning to USB (sold separately) cable” that is MFI certified*.  If you have a rear view camera the update allows you to press and hold the MAP button to see the image from the camera.

Rivet News Radio lands in connected Jaguars & Land Rovers: HearHere!

Rivet News RadioAt the Paris Auto Show, HearHere Radio and Jaguar/Land Rover(JLR) announced that Rivet News Radio will be the first preferred service for JLR’s InControl Apps audio system.

The partnership is supported by tier-one system engineer Robert Bosch of Bosch Automotive Technology.

Commute app gives warnings in real-time for iPhone iOS 8 & Android

ommuteSome commuting routes can take thirty minutes one day and three hours the next. The driver usually has no warning.  A new app from MapQuest called Commute, claims to simplify the daily drive. The app offers real-time traffic, monitors routes/delays and alerts the driver to travel time changes.