Massive Audio of So Cal USA, maker of high performance mobile audio for over 16 years, has released the new D1600.4 Full Range Digital Amplifiers. Styled to match with the already successful D-Block Series the D1600.4 four channel amp has all the power, features and CEA compliance to be label Massive.

The cosmopolitan brushed aluminum heat sink is centered by a soft blue backlit Massive Logo. The four coroner Hex bolts conceal the hidden mounting holes for clean installation. MSRP is $649.95

       D1600.4 Features Include:

• 300Watts RMS X 4 @ 4 Ohm
• 400Watts RMS X 4 @ 2 Ohm
• 800Watts RMS X 2 @ 4 Ohm Bridged
• Input Sensitivity Pre In: 0.2-5V
• Speaker In: 0.4-10V
• LPF: 50-750KHz
• HPF: 10-200KHz
• Frequency Response: 20-20KHz
• Bass Boast: 30-90Hz
• Bass Boast Level: 0dB-12dB
• THD @ 4Ohm: >0.15%
• S N Ratio: >70dB
• Efficiency (CEA-2006): >85%
• Minimum Load: 2ohm
• Dimensions: 2.1” x 6.5” x 12.1

PC Mag -- Thanks to Internet connectivity, cars are becoming more like computers, smartphones, and tablets. But as with consumer electronic devices, most people who own a car don't use and probably aren't even aware of all the tech features that come with their vehicles.

That's what J.D. Power and Associates found in a new report that surveyed 4,200 car buyers from April through June of this year about the tech features in their new vehicles. The report revealed that at least 20 percent of respondents "never used" more than half—16 out of 33—of the vehicle technology features mentioned in the survey.

More than half of those surveyed said they don't use their vehicle's voice-texting and voice-recognition systems, and 32 percent ignored in-dash apps such as Pandora and Yelp. The report noted that 38 percent didn't care about their car's ability to create a Wi-Fi hot spot in the cabin using built-in wireless broadband connectivity. And of those surveyed, 35 percent didn't use their car's automatic parking feature, 43 percent never called a "concierge service" to provide navigation directions or a restaurant reservation, and a third didn't depend on a heads-up display to project information onto a car's windshield.

This isn't much different from the average person using their PC or other electronic device. I know I don't use all of the features on my devices.

Read the rest of the story here: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2490244,00.asp

Metra Electronics has announced its radio installation kit for the 2015 and newer Toyota Sienna.

Part number 95-8250 is designed specifically for DDIN installations. Part number 99-8250 includes a pocket for single DIN installation.

Installers should use the AXXESS ASWC-1 to retain the factory audio steering wheel controls and check metraonline.com, Metra's app, or axxessinterfaces.com for information about harnesses, interfaces, and antenna adapters available to complete the installations in these vehicles.

The Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show®) announced that 30 world debuts, totaling 50 vehicle unveilings overall, will be introduced in front of media, analysts and automotive industry executives during its Press & Trade Days, November 17-19, 2015.

Almost every manufacturer will be making news, and while most have yet to announce details, a few manufacturers have begun to share their debut plans. Specifically, Infiniti will have a global reveal of its all-new QX30 crossover and Hyundai will host the world premiere of its all-new Elantra.

Other debuts include Jaguar’s first luxury SUV, the F-PACE, and Kia’s next-generation Sportage. Other automakers officially confirming premieres include Alfa Romeo, BMW, Bentley, Fiat, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Honda, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, MINI, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Porsche, Subaru and Volkswagen.

This year’s global and North American debuts will deliver production and concept vehicles representing the ever-growing performance, mid-size cross over, electric and high-technology categories. Debut categories range from luxury SUVs and flagship sedans to new compact sedans. CNET.com, the world’s largest and most trusted online source of consumer technology news and reviews, will live-stream and provide commentary about the latest debuts and groundbreaking technology on Car Tech, CNET’s auto focused online show.

The coverage will be led by CNET Car Tech Editors-at-Large and industry experts, Brian Cooley and Tim Stevens, and will allow the excitement of Press & Trade Days to be experienced by everyone, not just industry insiders, around the world. Brian Cooley will also serve as emcee of the LA Auto Show's Connected Car Expo. KABC Los Angeles (KABC7), is also the official television media partner of the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show.

KABC7 will broadcast event highlights in an hour-long special in Primetime November 20 at 9 p.m. PST, showcasing breakthrough auto innovations, new vehicles and interviews with industry insiders. The show will also be streamed live and available on-demand on the “Watch ABC” app. For the third consecutive year, the LA Auto Show’s Connected Car Expo (CCE) will kick-off Press & Trade Days on November 17. This opening day will be dedicated to the convergence of technology and the automobile and will now occupy virtually the entire JW Marriott at the adjacent L.A. Live entertainment complex.

The Connected Car Expo will feature over 30 exhibitors and sponsors, an entire day of presentations, news announcements and networking opportunities. The remaining Press & Trade Days will continue at the Los Angeles Convention Center (November 18 & 19) and will focus on vehicle debuts. More than 25,000 auto industry executives, including 4,500 media from around the world, are expected to attend. Registration for the show is now open.

CCE exhibitors and attendees with a three-day pass will be able to witness this year’s vehicle debuts and have access to an all-new CCE networking destination at the convention center. For more information visit www.ConnectedCarExpo.com and www.LAAutoShow.com.

STRUT, globally known for their trendsetting and distinctive collections of grilles, wheels, and accessories for high-end automobiles and SUVs, has announced a new association with EVANNEX—the largest automotive aftermarket accessories destination for Tesla automobiles.

EVANNEX will sell the new STRUT Tesla S Collection on its website at www.evannex.com. “Evannex has built a successful business focused on one of the most exciting electric cars ever introduced,” said Simon Trumper, Chief Operating Officer of STRUT. "EVANNEX represents a passionate worldwide audience of Tesla enthusiasts and we are very excited to join forces with them to introduce our stunning Tesla S Collection.”

The STRUT Tesla S Collection comprises a main grille with STRUT shield, Side Moldings, and Rear Spoiler in carbon fiber finish.

Suggested Retail Prices start at: USD $4,600 Availability: Now Shipping.

The Car Audio Championship is pleased to announce that Alphard Sound Technology will be the Title Sponsor for this year’s unified finals event.

The Alphard Company was founded in 2000 in Poland and specializes in professional and car audio system amplifiers and accessories. This emerging company has earned many awards for technology over the past several years and is geared towards enthusiasts who want pure, high quality sound. The company is headquartered in Russia and offers worldwide distribution.

The Alphard Company has multiple levels of products that range from high end to the affordable daily driver type products. Brands include Alphard Sound Technology, Deaf Bounce, Hannibal and Machete products lines. All products are manufactured with high quality components and comply with international standards. The company prides itself on meeting the individual needs of the client.

To learn more about Alphard Sound Technology, visit: http://en.alphardaudio.ru

Event Details:

October 17-18, 2015

Von Braun Center

Huntsville, AL

For more information on the Unified Car Audio Championship, including event info, booth space availability and registrations, contact Celise Harris (dB Drag) atThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., Steve Stern (MECA) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or Moe Sabourin (IASCA) at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

For the second straight year, DOW Electronics was named the Distributor of the Year (2014-2015) at the 2015 Mobile Electronics Industry Awards. Mobile Electronics magazine determined award winners through the voting of vendors and retailers working in the 12 volt industry.

“This is an incredible honor for us. We worked to continue our growth while maintaining the high level of customer service that DOW’s retailers have come to expect,” stated Dave Elkin, vice president of sales, east at DOW Electronics. “With our acquisition in March, we’ve added to our outstanding sales team and are excited to bring our award winning philosophy to our expanded territory.”

Added Mike Barcia, 12volt strategic sales manager, east with DOW Electronics, “We were proud to have won the award last year, and strived to build upon that level of excellence this year. Our 12volt team has worked hard all year to provide expert product knowledge and customer support. It’s great to see that effort rewarded for a second consecutive year.”

Two vendors distributed by DOW also received honors at this year’s awards. Joining DOW as a back-to-back winner was Firstech LLC as the Top Vendor for Security, Convenience and Safety. Metra Electronics won the Top Vendor for Accessories and Materials.

“To win an award like Distributor of the Year, you need strong partnerships with quality vendors,” stated Mickey Ural, vice president of sales, west. “It’s great to see our partners being recognized for their quality products. We work with the best names in the industry and they support our efforts to engage retailers and promote the industry. Our knowledgeable sales team is already working with vendors to build upon the foundation of success we’ve had over the last two years!”

Washington Post -- When self-driving cars begin zipping through Northern Virginia this year, they won’t need any special registration, and the testers sitting behind the wheel won’t need a special license. In the eyes of the law, they’ll be regular cars.

Virginia is one of a handful of states seeking to attract the potentially lucrative business of developing self-driving cars. And along with a few other states, its lawmakers and regulators are inclined to welcome the industry — and get out of the way.

California, Florida, Michigan and Nevada and the District of Columbia have enacted laws to legalize automated vehicles, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Of those, two have set out detailed regulations.

In states such as Virginia and Texas, however, self-driving cars can hit the roadways thanks to a simple argument: Doing so is legal because the law doesn’t say otherwise.

“Automated vehicles are probably legal,” said Bryant Walker Smith, a University of South Carolina law professor whose research helped advance that interpretation. “That is the default assumption.”

That’s the view Google took this summer when it put driverless, retrofitted Lexus SUVs on the road in Austin, the first time the tech giant has run tests outside of California. Texas transportation officials say they are not involved with the project.

And on the strength of that argument, auto parts maker Delphi took a prototype on a cross-country trip from San Francisco to New York, passing through 15 states, nearly all of them lacking laws that address autonomous cars.

Read the rest here:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/economy/as-self-driving-cars-come-to-more-states-regulators-take-a-back-seat/2015/08/28/7a29413e-474f-11e5-8ab4-c73967a143d3_story.html

Fleet Owner -- The trucking industry is expected to undergo significant and continued “transformation” due to ongoing incorporation of more active safety technologies, such as collision mitigation, and factory-installed telematics systems, according to a panel discussion at the 2015 Commercial Vehicle Outlook Conference last week in Dallas, Texas.

Stephen Hampson, president and GM of Meritor WABCO, and Chris Hines, executive VP for Zonar Systems, both argued that various technologies will not only continue to make the industry safer – reducing crashes and helping identify bad driving habits – but also help boost fleet profitability as well, particularly via increased vehicle uptime.

“We’re witnessing an evolution of safety systems that integrate multiple technologies such as lane departure warning (LDW), electronic stability control (ESC), telematics and data/video capture devices,” Hampson said.

“We’re also now starting to share data through vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technology as well,” he added. “All of that will help improve vehicle and driver performance, not only to reduce crashes but to pave the way for semi-autonomous and fully autonomous vehicles as well.”

Reducing the severity of crashes – if not eliminating them altogether – is what will help fleets achieve payback from their safety system investments, Hampson stressed.

For example, he pointed to the projected benefits from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) impending ESC mandate for tractor-trailers.

Assuming that all existing 5-axle tractor-trailers operating on U.S. roads get fitted with ESC, the expected annual safety benefit is 4,659 fewer crashes, 126 fewer fatalities, and 5,909 fewer injuries, all while saving $1.5 billion a year in crash-related expenses.

Hampson also noted that the rapid changes occurring to newer safety technologies, such as Meritor WABCO’s OnGuard collision mitigation system, should further reduce accidents.

Tech Insider -- Taking a ride in a fully autonomous car may not be as far off as you think.

Autonomous cars are only about five to 10 years away from becoming mainstream, according to Gartner’s 2015 Hype Cycle for Emerging Technologies, which was published Tuesday.

The research firm’s annual report places autonomous vehicles at the peak of its hype cycle, which is when expectations for the technology are often inflated and many companies are jumping into the space.

Last year, autonomous vehicles were still categorized as pre-peak on Gartner’s hype chart. And while the tech is still in its nascent stages, it’s move to forward in the cycle is significant. 

“While autonomous vehicles are still embryonic, this movement still represents a significant advancement, with all major automotive companies putting autonomous vehicles on their near-term roadmaps,” Gartner said in a press statement.

There’s no question there are plenty of players betting on driverless cars.

It’s been over two decades since 12-volt expert Chuck McLennan has been able to call himself a Stillwater Designs employee, but he never lost his fondness for the mobile-audio manufacturer. After 23 years of gaining experience and prowess at several reputable marketing and sales companies, McLennan is returning to where he started his audio career as the new KICKER Channel-Development Specialist.

“We have found our ‘tall-order’ man,” said Charlie Schultz, KICKER Vice President of Marketing and Product Planning

His homecoming to KICKER will have him working to increase sales and build product awareness of the Vehicle-Specific Solutions (VSS™) line across the country.

McLennan’s interest was a stroke of luck for the Sales team, who had a big role to fill. Finding an individual with automotive and sales experience, an extensive knowledge of all car audio and the ability to test equipment seemed nearly impossible until McLennan’s name came across Schultz’s desk. Back in 1988 when McLennan began working with KICKER product as a Technical Representative, he was able to have his hands in various areas of the business. He helped build and maintain demo vehicles, trained dealers and traveled to many trade shows.

Mobile Electronics® announced final figures for its recent KnowledgeFest educational conference and show in Dallas. Record-breaking attendance topped more than 950 mobile electronics industry professionals. The increase over 2014 can be attributed to new, first-time attendees and renewed growth in the specialist channel.

KnowledgeFest is the mobile electronics industry’s largest educational event. Dallas offered 36 hours of business management, sales and installation training and 40 hours of manufacturer training. Retailers responded: Dealer attendance at workshops and manufacturer trainings in Dallas increased over 2014.

“In the six years since re-inventing KnowledgeFest, this year’s event in Dallas was our biggest and best ever,” said Chris Cook, president of Mobile Electronics. “Our objective is to grow our new April show in Indianapolis in the same way, while making Dallas even better for our attendees and exhibitors.”

The Dallas show floor featured 46exhibitorsrepresenting over 60 brands and 50,000 square feet of exhibit space. Booth selection for KnowledgeFests 2016 took place onsite. Exhibitors renewed booth space for Dallas and choose space for Indianapolis 2016.

Eight new manufacturer partners also came onboard. Joining the fifteen other Mobile Electronics Partners are: Directed (Diamond Partner), Stillwater Designs (Diamond Partner), Voxx Electronics (Diamond Partner), AAMP of America (Gold Partner), Arc Audio (Gold Partner), K40 Electronics (Silver Partner), Accele (Silver Partner), and Cerwin Vega (Silver Partner).

“These vendors represent the diversity of products available in our industry. They control many of the best brands available to our dealer members,” said Kerry Moyer, vice president, strategic partnerships for Mobile Electronics. “We are pleased to welcome them onboard as business partners and appreciate their continuing support for our mission and the specialist channel.”

In 2016, KnowledgeFest will return to Dallas in August. KnowledgeFest Indianapolis takes place April 9-11 at the Indianapolis Convention Center. For more information, go to KnowledgeFest.org.

Business Insider -- This month, the United States Patent and Trademark Office approved a patent application from a group of Ford employees for an "autonomous car with reconfigurable seats."

It's the latest step in Ford's move into the world of self-driving cars, and it comes on the heels of the company's launch of an advanced engineering program headed by the company's Research and Innovation Center in Palo Alto, California.

The company also has partnerships with MIT and Stanford to conduct research into the challenges of automated driving.

According to the patent, filed by Mark Cuddihy, Manoharprasad Rao, and Jialiang Le, the design calls for an automobile capable of operating without the input of a driver.

At the same the vehicle is equipped with seats capable of changing its layout.

This means that when the car is in autonomous mode, the passenger cabin can be converted into a lounge or a more socially conducive setting — turning the average family sedan into a road-going private jet.

HNTB -- Travel safety is the single most important issue emerging transportation technologies must address, according to the findings of a new national public opinion poll.
The latest America THINKS survey by HNTB Corporation, “Technology-driven transportation innovation — demand for safety, concern for personal privacy,” finds Americans want and expect new technologies and emerging innovations, such as connected vehicles, autonomous vehicles and smart roads, to improve travel safety. That expectation, however, is tempered by significant personal privacy concerns about access and use of information generated by those very technologies.
“With human errors accounting for nearly 90 percent of all highway crashes — and between 30 percent and 50 percent of all peak-period delays being caused by crashes — minimizing the human influence in driving performance can have a two-fold benefit. Not only can smarter infrastructure and vehicles save lives and reduce injuries, they also can lead to improved mobility of the traveling public,” said Jim Barbaresso, HNTB’s national practice leader for intelligent transportation systems and 2014 chairman of the ITS World Congress.
Privacy concerns surround the technology, too. At a June 2015 press conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., Barbaresso joined Khaliah Barnes of the Electronic Privacy Information Center to discuss connected vehicle technology and related privacy questions. Both agreed standards and guidelines concerning data capture and its management will need to be carefully crafted. But Barnes also stated standards and guidelines are not substitutions for strong, baseline federal privacy protections.
Barnes said, “The public will not tolerate government agencies’ unfettered access to the information their cars collect and share.”

Safety First
The survey confirms the belief in a direct relationship between travel information and safety.
More than half (52 percent) of those surveyed agree the single most important use of transportation technology – for every means of transportation – is to reduce accidents or make travel conditions safer. Americans are far less likely to prioritize technology’s ability to enhance personal convenience, such as guaranteeing travel time or accurate route planning (10 percent), improving the environment (10 percent), enhancing the ability to use the best transportation option (8 percent) or reducing congestion (8 percent). Improving safety for pedestrians and bicyclists is the most important use of technology to 6 percent, and increasing traffic capacity is most important to 4 percent.
As new transportation technologies emerge, more than seven in 10 (71 percent) Americans believe they should be used to improve safety on highways, while 53 percent feel this way about providing traffic condition information.  Fifty percent want new technologies to reduce congestion, and 42 percent desire information about alternative routes or modes of travel. 
The HNTB survey found most people are optimistic about transportation innovations, such as connected vehicle technology. They believe this technology will lead to increased safety (65 percent), fewer traffic accidents (61 percent) and reduced fatalities (58 percent). 
“Evolving connected and autonomous vehicles will make travel on our cities’ streets, on our nation’s corridors and in our vehicles more reliable, predictable, faster and safer,” Barbaresso said. “The full benefits of this transformation won’t be realized overnight, but cities can start now to incrementally create a safer world for future generations of travelers.”

Read the rest of the story here: http://news.hntb.com/news-releases/americans-expect-transportation-technologies-to-improve-travel-safety.htm

Alpine Electronics of America, Inc. has redesigned its website for the U.S. aftermarket.  The website -- www.alpine-usa.com -- prominently features the Alpine Restyle dash systems while still supporting the entire aftermarket product line.    
Over the past two years, the company has shifted its focus to the Alpine Restyle series of products.  As a result, the website was redesigned to highlight the Alpine Restyle dash systems and give users a full experience of the products and how they integrate in the vehicle.  The centerpiece product is the X009, a 9-inch screen system with audio, video, navigation and Bluetooth® features that comes with a vehicle specific dash kit and harness. Since each X009 system is compatible with a specific vehicle, it is important for users to see each product installed in an actual vehicle dashboard.    
“The new website, like our other Alpine Restyle marketing initiatives, is designed to increase awareness amongst consumers about our vehicle specific dash systems in an easy-to-understand format.  The website annually receives around four million unique visitors, so it plays a vital part in driving them to authorized Alpine retailers for a premium product experience,” said Steve Crawford, vice president and general manager, aftermarket business unit, Alpine Electronics of America, Inc.
The first images that greet users on the home page are large rotating billboards for select products and promotions.  The recently launched Alpine Restyle cable TV commercial currently occupies one of the billboard spots.  The remainder of the home page highlights the Alpine Restyle 9-inch dash systems which are featured in the “New Restyle Arrivals” area.  Clicking on any of the images takes the user to a dedicated product page for that system.  
To further support the Alpine Restyle dash systems, a new “Restyle My Truck” dash configurator is available from the home page menu bar.  To get started, users are prompted to select the make, model, vehicle trim and dash trim of their truck or SUV.  Once done, the 9-inch and/or 8-inch Restyle dash system that is compatible with their vehicle is presented.  By choosing the desired Restyle dash system and pressing the “Restyle My Truck” button, the applicable product page is served and provides the user with detailed information about the system.  A “Contact an Expert” button is found on every 9-inch and 8-inch Restyle dash system product page and connects the user to an authorized Alpine retailer near their location.  
Social media engagement provides another way for Alpine to connect with its fans, and enthusiastic consumers and retailers often share photos of Alpine products installed in their vehicles.  To optimize the valuable trove of Alpine photos on the web, an “Alpine Owner’s Showcase” was implemented on the website’s homepage.  A photo collage of 9-inch Alpine Restyle dash systems installed in various vehicles shows how the 9-inch screen transforms the dash while providing a factory-like finish.  The photos are captured from Alpine’s Facebook (facebook.com/AlpineUSA), Instagram (instagram.com/AlpineUSA) and Twitter (twitter.com/AlpineUSA) feeds and are continually updated.  Information about the authorized Alpine retailer who installed the system is displayed when applicable.
All Alpine products are accessible through the “Products” button on the menu bar.  The Alpine Restyle systems appear first in the Products section, but users can quickly jump to other Alpine products by pressing the “Alpine Products” button in the top black border.  All other Alpine products are grouped by category for easy identification.
Back-end improvements have also been applied to the website for enhanced overall usability.  The website utilizes a responsive design so that the content layout automatically adjusts to the size of the screen that is in use.  This design ensures a consistent page experience no matter the device (smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) that is being used.

This year's Mobile Electronics Industry Awards have been announced during the ceremony at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas, Texas. The Installer of the Year Award was given to JT Torres of Al & Ed's Autosound in Huntington Beach, Calif. The Retailer of the Year Single Store was awarded to Perfectionist Auto Sound and Security.

Below is the complete list of winners:

Retail Awards

Installer of the Year: Juan Torres

Installer of the Year  RUNNER-UP: Matt Schaeffer

Trusted Tech: Bryan Piper

Retailer of the Year - Single Store: Perfectionist Autosound

Retailer of the Year Single Store RUNNER-UP: Musicar Northwest

Retailer of the Year Store Chain: Stereo King

Retailer of the Year Store Chain RUNNER-UP: Tint World

Career Achievement Award: David “Fishman” Rivera

Rookie of the Year: Tyler Clemence

Most Improved: Auto Trim Design of Amarillo

Best Online Presence: Cartronix

Best Customer Retention Program: Handcrafted Car Audio

Best Store Presentation: Tunes-N-Tint

Vendor Awards

Vendor of the Year: Orca Design & Manufacturing

Expeditor of the Year: American Radio

Distributor of the Year AUTO: DOW Electronics

Representative of the Year: Andy Adkins

Rep Firm of the Year: Marketing Pros

Top Vendor AUTOSOUND & VIDEO: Orca Design & Manufacturing

Top Vendor ACCESSORIES & MATERIALS: Metra Electronics

Top Vendor CONNECTIVITY & INTEGRATION: AAMP of America

Top Vendor SAFETY & RETENTION: Firstech

Guardian -- Apple is building a self-driving car in Silicon Valley, and is scouting for secure locations in the San Francisco Bay area to test it, the Guardian has learned. Documents show the oft-rumoured Apple car project appears to be further along than many suspected.

In May, engineers from Apple’s secretive Special Project group met with officials from GoMentum Station, a 2,100-acre former naval base near San Francisco that is being turned into a high-security testing ground for autonomous vehicles.

In correspondence obtained by the Guardian under a public records act request, Apple engineer Frank Fearon wrote: “We would ... like to get an understanding of timing and availability for the space, and how we would need to coordinate around other parties who would be using [it].”

Apple declined to comment.

GoMentum Station is on the old Concord naval weapons station, a disused second world war-era facility with 20 miles of paved highways and city streets. The base is closed to the public and guarded by the military, making it, officials claim, “the largest secure test facility in the world” for the “testing validation and commercialization of connected vehicle (CV) applications and autonomous vehicles (AV) technologies to define the next generation of transportation network infrastructure.” Mercedes-Benz and Honda have already carried out experiments with self-driving cars behind its barbed-wire fences.

This security is bound to appeal to Apple, which has hundreds of engineers quietly working on automotive technologies in an anonymous office building in Sunnyvale, four miles from its main campus in Cupertino. Details of the project are still unknown but it seems that Apple has a self-driving car almost ready for the road. In late May, Jack Hall, program manager for autonomous vehicles at GoMentum Station, wrote to Fearon to postpone a tour of the facility but noted: “We would still like to meet in order to keep everything moving and to meet your testing schedule.”

Apple has been rumoured to be working on a self-driving electric car, codenamed Project Titan, but this is the first time its existence has been documented. In May, Apple senior vice-president Jeff Williams called the car “the ultimate mobile device” and said that Apple was “exploring a lot of different markets ... [in which] we think we can make a huge amount of difference”.

Read the rest of the story here: http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2015/aug/14/apple-self-driving-car-project-titan-sooner-than-expected

Mobile Electronics® announced a new business partnership with BrandSphere™. BrandSphere offers an easy-to-implement, custom-branded mobile app that helps retailers and manufacturers build deeper connections with their customers and maintain those connections for lifelong customer engagement.

“We’re happy to add BrandSphere as a business partner and to offer their mobile application technology to our retailer members and manufacturer partners,” said Chris Cook, president of Mobile Electronics. “Consistent with Mobile Electronics’ mission, this is another marketing and business resource that can help the specialist channel deliver an exceptional customer experience. Customers get instant access to everything they need, while retailers and manufacturers get insightful data to strengthen customer relationships and improve communication.”

BrandSphere is used to create and manage branded Smart Product Identities™ (SPI) for retailers and manufacturers. Consumers can effortlessly connect with product information and resources they need by claiming product ownership and accessing the related SPI’s in a free custom-branded mobile app. Each time a product owner interacts with an SPI, the retailer or manufacturer gains valuable insight into customer interests, product performance, buying trends and much more. Targeted in-app interactive communication provides data-driven insight to improve customer engagement, drive brand loyalty and even guide product evolution.

BrandSphere is demonstrating its mobile platform at the KnowledgeFest® show and conference this weekend in Dallas at Booth #409 on the show floor. Mobile Electronics is at Booth #239.

DOW Electronics announced that it has reached an agreement to distribute Escort and Beltronics products in Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. DOW offers Escort and Beltronics a strong distribution network and an established customer base in these states.  

Escort Incorporated is a leader in technology and performance in the detector industry. For over 35 year, Escort has lead the way in designing and engineering award winning detectors. During that time, Escort has received more awards than all of their competitors combined and received more detection protection patents than any other company.

Established in 1967, Beltronics Radar has a long history of leading technology in radar and laser detection. Company headquarters are located in the Cincinnati, OH area, and the full line of radar, laser and safety detectors are designed, manufactured, and marketed in North America.

“We are excited to be partnering with DOW Electronics, the premier mobile and consumer electronics distributor in the Florida and Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas territories,” says Everett Morss, national sales manager at Escort. “DOW’s dealers now have direct access to the best opportunity in the marketplace for speed detection/ticket protection sales, profits and service.”

DOW Electronics adds the Escort and Beltronics lines of products to increase the breadth of its 12 Volt offering. “We’re very excited about the addition of Escort and Beltronics as they are industry leaders with great brand recognition” stated Dave Elkin, DOW vice president of sales, east. “For us to get into this new category of products, it was important to partner with a top-notch company that retailers would instantly recognize.”

Added Mickey Ural, DOW vice president of sales, west, “This partnership offers us the opportunity to reach more retailers that we may not have worked with before, and brings the Escort and Beltronics brand to retailers that may not have had access to the products before. Our team is ready to get these consumer recognized brands into the retailers’ showrooms.”

The full line of Escort and Beltronics products will be available for online ordering and available to be shipped anywhere in Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. The products are also available for pick up at DOW Electronics’ Dallas, Ft. Lauderdale, Houston, New Orleans, and Tampa locations. DOW Electronics will support Escort and Beltronics with knowledgeable sales support and fast, reliable shipping to retailers and installers.

To learn more about DOW Electronics, Escort or Beltronics, please visit www.DOWElectronics.com or call 1.800.627.2900.

VOXX Electronics will be attending the 2015 KnowledgeFest Summer Training in Dallas on August 15-17 to showcase its extensive 12-volt Retail and Car Dealer specific products across its numerous brands in Booth #201. The company will also be hosting a training workshop on Advanced Troubleshooting and Diagnostics for Transponder & Door Lock Interface modules Saturday afternoon with guest speakers Mike Abeita of Automotive Data Solutions and Andrew Fiore of VOXX Electronics.
“KnowledgeFest is dedicated to educating and increasing retailer awareness on some of the new and exciting products available today, setting the perfect stage for us to display our broad lineup for 12 Volt products to a group of specialty retailers and reps,” said Tom Malone, President of VOXX Electronics Corporation. “This event brings together a group eager to learn and interact with the many different mobile electronics suppliers in attendance providing us with the opportunity to connect one-on-one with our loyal customers.”
On Saturday, August 15 you will also have the opportunity to join MECP Certified Master Installer Mike Abeita of Automotive Data Solutions (ADS) and MECP Certified Installer Andrew Fiore of VOXX Electronics as they host a training workshop on Advanced Troubleshooting and Diagnostics for Transponder & Door Lock Interface modules. This workshop will take you through the latest tips for troubleshooting remote start transponder and door lock interface issues on today’s most challenging vehicles. They will also show you the advantages of using the FLCAN by FlashLogic, the most advanced Transponder & Door Lock Interface module on the market today. Plus, Andrew will take you through a quick overview for programming the Prestige/Pursuit web based programming systems. The training workshop will take place from 4:15pm to 6:15pm in Meeting Room Desoto B.
The first 25 attendees to arrive to the workshop will receive a VOXX Electronics Swag Bag, plus there will be a drawing to win a first, second and third place prize package! Prize packages feature a Klipsch RB-10 Soundbar, a Prestige APS997E Two-Way Remote Start & Security System with CarLink (ASCL4), and a $100 Snap-on Gift Card.
At the VOXX Electronics Booth the Company will be showcasing the latest offerings across all of their product categories including; Advent/Audiovox Mobile Video, Vehicle Security and Tracking, Remote Start Systems, Telematics, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Navigation and OE Integration.
Visit VOXX Electronics at Booth #201 at the 2015 KnowledgeFest – Summer Training on Saturday, August 15, through Monday, August 17 at the Hilton Anantole Resort & Convention Center in Dallas, TX.
For more information about VOXX Electronics please visit: www.voxxelectronics.co