Entrepreneur -- I’ve always viewed zero as a special number. You can add as many zeros as you want in a sequence, and the end result is still zero. You can multiply any number by zero and you get zero. If you divide a number by zero, you get a spirited debate among mathematicians. 

The concept of zero has marveled mathematicians and philosophers alike, but businesses can also take something away from its unique properties. That’s because something magical happens when a price falls to zero -- all of a sudden, demand rises to infinity.

For software companies and startups that offer their services over the Internet, zero or “free” should be a central consideration in your business model. It was for me when I founded Wattpad, and it continues to be one of the core reasons we remain so successful today. Here are a few things to zero in on when examining this model.

Related: 5 Tips for Setting Your Optimum Price

1. Rapid user adoption

When Microsoft announced in August that its new edition of Windows 10 had hit 75 million downloads in its first month, many people reacted with surprise. After all, it took Microsoft six months to hit 100 million downloads for its previous release of Windows 8.

By offering Windows 10 for free, Microsoft was able to capitalize on a wider audience of users and seed early interest for its operating system with developers. Similarly, when businesses offer something for free, they can speed up customer acquisition and build a user base much more rapidly.

Remember that there are many factors that prevent people from adopting a product or service -- price being one of them. By offering something for free, you completely eliminate a common question consumers have when deciding to try a new product -- “Should I pay for this?” 

Read the rest of the story here: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/253418

Metra Electronics has announced its radio installation kit for the 2015-UP Subaru Impreza/XV Crosstrek and 2016-Up Forester and 2016-Up WRX.

Part number 99-8907HG is designed specifically for single ISO DIN installations. Painted gloss black and silver to match the factory appearance. Retains the factory climate controls in their original location.

Part number 95-8907HG is specific for the installation of ISO DDIN radios.Painted gloss black and silver to match the factory appearance. Retains the factory climate controls in their original location.

AAMP Global has announced the release of several new products at CES 2016 in Las Vegas. Those are products are listed as follows:

Phoenix Gold is welcoming two new products into its revamped Integrated Series, known as iS. The iS-DSP1.8 is a highly advanced processor, powered by an Analog Devices 56-bit Digital Sound Processor (DSP) and a Burr Brown high-end audio AD/DA converter. It offers lossless audio streaming using a Wi-Fi interface for Android and iOS, or via USB for Windows. This device is versatile and offers 6 RCA inputs, 6 high level inputs, SPDIF input/output, and 8 RCA outputs.

It features a multitude of tuning controls and sound field adjustments such as equalization, crossover network, and time alignment. Its built-in 30-band 1/3 octave parametric equalizer provides precision sound adjustments for each individual output channel.  The crossover network allows slopes up to -30dB with the ability to combine channels.  Users can delay audio signals to bring the listener to the middle of the soundstage with switchable time alignment modes in milliseconds or inches with delays up to 14.5 milliseconds/190.5 inches. The iS-DSP1.8 sends out its own wireless signal enabling the user to utilize a PC or smart device to make sound field corrections to create an incredible audio experience.  In addition, it streams high-res audio content over Wi-Fi via DSP1.8 app available on Android & iOs or via USB input for Windows devices. The unit can support up to five sources (streaming, auxiliary, high level, preamp, and optical) and can be daisy chained to a second iS-DSP1.8 through optical output creating up to 16 channels. Suggested retail price for the iS-DSP1.8 is $1100.00.

OEM Component Speakers

The iS-C8.3F is a new 3-way component speaker set specifically designed for select BMW vehicles.  Consisting of two 8” midbass speakers, two 4” midranges, 25mm silk dome tweeters, and an outboard crossover network, this speaker kit produces outstanding sound quality with increased dynamic range.  The included crossover networks are precision matched for a flatter response so listeners will experience less coloration and a more natural sound reproduction.  The speakers are direct replacements requiring no modifications to the vehicle.  Other applications of the line, along with individual separate components, will be available for select Volkswagen, and Mercedes-Benz vehicles.  Suggested retail price of the iS-C8.3F is to TBD.

Rosen

8-inch Headrest Multimedia System

The Rosen AV8900H is a headrest multimedia system that features large 8-inch displays and the industry’s first “all digital” system to provide crisp and clear picture quality.  Unique to this system is its processor which keeps the signal from the source to the monitor in digital form with no conversion to analog resulting in unparalleled picture quality.  The system also offers DVD/CD playback, and multiple inputs including two HDMI, micro-SD, auxiliary input, and USB connectivity.  Dual HDMI can connect to smartphones or other devices with HDMI output (ROKU stick, Amazon Firestick, etc.) and the USB connection can support 1080P file format and up to 1 TB.  Suggested retail price (log on to rosenelectronics.com). 

Direct Replacement System

The FIT-MT15 is a direct replacement option for the 4-inch factory radio on a 2015 Mustang and adds a larger high resolution 8-inch touchscreen, iGO NextGen turn-by-turn navigation, HDMI connectivity, and an AV input.  The system provides an OE look retaining the factory AC controls and convenient factory features such as SYNC, USB connection, and back-up camera. The FIT-MT15 is expected to be released on the first quarter of 2016.  Suggested retail price (log on to rosenelectronics.com)

PAC

RadioPRO Interface

PAC continues to make it faster and easier for installers to add the latest technologies into the vehicle.  The new RadioPRO RP4.2-TY11 radio replacement interface is designed for select 2001-2016 Toyota, Lexus, and Scion vehicle models applicable to millions of vehicles already on the road.  The module enables installation of an aftermarket radio while retaining the factory steering wheel control functions as well as maintaining compatibility with the factory JBL and JBL Synthesis amplified audio systems, and the built-in 3.5 mm auxiliary audio jack. The built-in USB connection and back-up camera can also be retained when paired with an optional PAC harness. Suggested retail price of the RP4.2-TY11 is $199.95.

iSimple

Bluetooth Receiver

MusicStream ISBT3 is a new versatile Bluetooth receiver that lets consumers enjoy their favorite tunes virtually anywhere in any weather environment.  The receiver produces up to four volts (4V) of preamp output to provide users with the clearest Bluetooth audio experience.  With its weather resistant housing, the unit can withstand all types of in-vehicle environments whether it’s in a car, a motorcycle, or power sport vehicle and even a marine vessel.  The system gives music enthusiasts the ability to listen to their favorite playlists stored on their smartphones or tablets anywhere their life takes them, on-the-road, off-road, or even off-shore.  Suggested retail price of the MusicStream is $39.95.

EchoMaster

Safety Products

AAMP Global is excited to introduce our comprehensive global safety line under the brand EchoMaster.  For work and for play, EchoMaster has a full range of solutions for any situation—backing up, driving or parking.  In addition to the robust product offering, the EchoMaster team has been developing custom solutions for OEM and fleet management to help businesses protect their assets and team members, for over 20 years.  The product portfolio includes a full range of cameras, monitors, sensors and accessories to address any safety need. It caters to consumers looking for a grab and go solution, or those wanting to retain the OEM look and feel with fully integrated, installed solutions. Feature rich, and the highest quality, the EchoMaster line is setting the standard for the growing safety market.  A full working display will be available for purchase in the AAMP Global CES booth.

Firstech, makers of DroneMobile connected car solutions, has announced today that its latest product, the DR-3400, will be powered by AT&T’s wireless network.
DroneMobile is a telematics solution that adds a cellular connection to a vehicle, giving its driver the ability to remote start, secure, and GPS track it from a smartphone app or computer. The solution is compatible with all vehicles, utilizing “KLON” technology that securely mimics the vehicle's original key signal, in order to safely start its engine or lock its doors. 
“Our relationship with AT&T means that cars using the device will be supported by a reliable network that covers more than 99 percent of Americans,” shares Firstech’s Managing Director Jason Kaminski. “Moving to AT&T’s network will allow us to break ground in terms of the DroneMobile hardware’s speed and responsiveness.”
“AT&T is a leader in delivering connectivity solutions for cars,” said Chris Penrose, senior vice president, Internet of Things, AT&T Mobility. “We’re proud to power DroneMobile, a great way for customers to enhance the safety and control of cars with useful functions such as remote start and unlock.”
DroneMobile systems can be purchased and installed at over 2,500 retail locations across North America, including Best Buy. Through the first quarter of 2016, DroneMobile will be one of two connected car solutions featured near the front entrance at over 1,000 Best Buy locations. All DroneMobile systems require a service plan that starts at $49.99/year.
Firstech will be showcasing DroneMobile and other products at the company’s suite at the Wynn Las Vegas during CES 2016. To schedule a meeting and/or interview, please refer to the media contacts provided below.

For more information on DroneMobile products, please visit www.dronemobile.com.

Rockford Fosgate has released a wide array of new products its annual Product Showcase, held at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (Artist Ballroom) in Las Vegas, Nev. from Jan. 6-8, 2016. Products to be introduced at the showcase include the following:

- T1000X5ad (mobile) and TM1000X5ad (marine) 1000 watt, multi-channel, Class ad amplifiers

- The T750X1bd Power Series ultra-compact 750 Watt mono amplifier (MSRP: $799.99) for mobile applications, and the TM750X1bd (MSRP: $849.99) for moto-marine and powersports applications

- A new add-on tweeter system for 2016 Punch element-ready speakers, MSRP of $199.99

- PMX-8BB hideaway digital media receiver and companion PMX-8DH full function wired display head 

- PM2652W-MB Mini Wake Tower Cans with MSRP of $599.99

- Punch marine wake tower cans with 359 degree rotation with MSRP of $599.99

- 2016 Punch 6.5-inch element-ready coax speaker line with MSRP of $299.99

- Element ready lineup of digital media receivers, the ultra-compact PMX-0; MSRP of $149.99

Network World -- What with the fervor over autonomous cars, and predictions of the arrival of the machines being anywhere from 20 years to 2 years, as is Tesla CEO Elon Musk's latest projection, many might be forgetting a major development that will become prevalent before any of this self-driving stuff.

That is over-the air (OTA) networked updating of cars. And it will probably end up in the majority of cars within the next 5 to 10 years, pundits say.

One solution: a connected car that can update its software.

Amazingly, only 2% to 7% of current U.S. vehicles “have some capacity for OTA updates,” says Connected Car, a publication that was distributed at the Connected Car Expo in November.

That will change rapidly.

“We are not necessarily changing cars for horsepower anymore, but changing to keep up with technology,” Mahbubul Alam, CTO of Movimento Group, told Connected Car.

Read the rest of the story here: http://www.networkworld.com/article/3018212/mobile-wireless/before-cars-become-self-driving-theyll-be-software-driven.html#tk.rss_all

Massive Audio will be attending the 2016 CES Show in Las Vegas NV Jan 6^th - 9^th in booth #3006 ‘North Hall’.

All 3 “Fire Breathing” Class “D” High Power Amplifiers from Massive Audio are designed to produce maximum power or the ultimate audio systems with the most efficient and stable power supply ever designed. Weighing in at 5K Max, 6K Max or 10K Max DRAGO amps can handle loads as low as 1 Ohm and deliver “thousands” of RMS power from every DRAGO CTA 2006 Certified model. Each DRAGO amplifier comes with its own remote gain control.

DRAGO is also designed to “Master / Slave” with a second amp and “Double” its power for even greater output performance. Its power output is evident with its 0 gauge Dual 12V power and ground connectors. (10K only)

Features and Benefits

•  D5K ~ 2600 Watts RMS @ 1 Ohm / 5000 Watts MAX

•  D6K ~ 3000 Watts RMS @ 1 Ohm / 6000 Watts MAX

•  D10K ~ 5000 Watts RMS @ 1 Ohm / 10,000 Watts MAX

•  Link 2 DRAGO amps together to double the power

•  >90db Signal to noise ratio

•  30Hz ~ 250Hz Low Pass Freq. Crossover

•  Low Pass Filter @ 24dB Octave Slope

•  10Hz ~ 60Hz Subsonic Filter

•  0 ~12dB Bass Boost @ 45Hz

•  0 ~ 180Hz Phase Shift Control

•  10Hz ~ 350Hz (+ / -1dB) Frequency Response

•  <1% T.H.D Contentious @ 4 Ohm, 100Hz

•  86% Efficiency @ 4Ohm, 100Hz

•  200mV ~ 8V (+ / -5%) Input Sensitivity

•  DC8.5V ~ 16V Operating Voltage

There's a lot more awaiting everyone in Las Vegas NV Jan 6-9th 2016 at the Massive Audio Booth #3006.

For CES appointments or for more information please contact Massive Audio: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our Website: http://www.massiveaudio.com  

Epsilon Electronics, Inc. will release a new line of products in 2016, including the Soundstream AptiX series VR-65B head units and the Power Acoustik head units Incite Series PDN-621HB. Both AptiX and Incite Series operating systems use an advanced microprocessors and central processing unit bringing fast reaction time into automotive multimedia entertainment systems.

Premium units feature built-in advanced GPS Navigation with MobileLink 2-way MHL complete smart phone integration, or Sirius/XM satellite radio ready interface. Standards for all models include SmartSense capacitive glass touch panel, Bluetooth V3.0 for hands-free calling, Adaptive Fast Charging of enabled mobile devices, and more.

Select units add multi-color illumination or an advanced audio staging equalizer. Each universal 2-DIN model uses a 6.2” Active Matrix LCD display with adjustable LED backlighting. 1-DIN models available in summer 2016 include motorized 7” and detachable 3.4” LCD.

Audiomobile has announced it will return to the Hard Rock Hotel for their Winter Showcase Expo, January 7 – 9 (Thursday thru Saturday) in the Paradise Tower (Pool Villa Suite), from Noon till 9 pm. 

Matthew Overpeck, VP of Sales and Marketing, commented; "We opted to again debut our latest ‘Collection’ at the Hard Rock in order to provide Retailers an alternative experience to the stress and hustle of the traditional tradeshow floor atmosphere. This is fully consistent with our company’s philosophy to offer a more relaxed and intimate, business-focused interface, where dealers can learn and develop insights that yield more long-term strategic benefits for them and their business.”

Overpeck continued; "It is now clear that all our unique, solutions-based, relevant products, which focus on specific categories, clearly stand out, even in a crowded market, and that our message resonates with the elite specialty retailer segment, allowing them to make room in their mix for these high-value products, which will provide superior performance and enhanced solutions to their needs, both from a business perspective, as well as from an applications standpoint.  Its axiomatic that “Size matters,” especially in mobile products, and we have addressed this on every level.”

Audiomobile will introduce a new category of products, as well as new subwoofers and the expanded “LineDrive” series of high-performance OEM Interface preamp products.

Retailers who are interested in learning more about this opportunity are welcome to contact Audiomobile at (310) 941 - 2171, or to email the company at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., to RSVP or to schedule a meeting.

Metra Electronics has announced new speaker plates for the 2014-up Ford Transit Connect, 2013-up Mazda (multi-application), and 2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette.

Own a 2014-up Ford Transit Connect? Use part number 82-5604. It is designed for installation of 6-inches to 6.75-inch size speakers into the factory front door locations. Parts are molded ABS plastic utilizing factory mounting locations for a secure fit. Each package includes one pair of adapters and adapters for smaller entry level 6-inch coaxial speakers.

Part number 82-7501 is designed for installation of 6” to 6.75” size speakers. Parts are molded ABS plastic utilizing factory mounting locations for a secure fit. Each package includes one pair of adapters and adapters for smaller entry level speakers. Use for popular apps like Mazda 6, Mazda 3, and Mazda CX-5.

Upgrade your 2005-2013 Chevrolet Corvette speakers. Part number 82-3014 is designed for installation of 6” to 6.75” size speakers into the factory front door locations.  Parts are molded ABS plastic utilizing factory mounting locations for a secure fit. Each package contains on pair of adapters and adapters for smaller entry level 6 inch coaxial speakers.

Hifonics, turns 35 in 2016. To celebrate this 35^th Anniversary, Hifonics has announced a new series of amplifiers in the famous Brutus line, the Brutus Elite 35 or BE35. It will also launch the new 35th Anniversary Hercules Series of amplifiers. 

As with all Elite amplifiers, subwoofers and speakers, the BE35 are designed for non-internet distribution and reserved exclusively for Hifonics Elite dealers. 

Ted Henricks, Vice President of Sales and Marketing said, “The Elite program has been very successful for our top tier dealers. Many of our Elite dealers have been in the family for the full 35 year run. Brutus has always been the bread and butter of their Hifonics business and this year’s new BE35 is the best Brutus line our engineers have
ever designed.”

Specifications & Pricing: 

With the end of the year approaching, its important to review what this year has brought the industry in terms of business trends and new technology. The following is a feature from the December issue of Mobile Electronics reviewing what 2015 brought to the table for 12-volt:

From the rebounding economy to falling gas prices, the year 2015 is almost in the books. When it kicked off last January at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the automotive and aftermarket mobile industries were front and center setting the scene for what has been an interesting year. 

Driverless cars, gesture control, Apple or Android autos were all major trends inthe spotlight then and have remained so. They will likely make bold headlines again at the upcoming CES next month. While it is too early to tell what the key disrupters for the tech industry will be in 2016, one thing is certain: the landscape for the consumer electronics industry - and for aftermarket mobile electronics - is rapidly changing. 

Mobile electronics retailers face the continuing question of whether to develop omni-channel strategies as e-commerce evolves and challenges brick-and-mortar businesses. There is no doubt that social media and mobile are going to play an even larger role in the consumer shopping experience for 2016 and beyond. One of the big reasons is the increasing importance of the millennials (those who are ages 18 to 34), a large market segment who are heavily influencing retail. 

Read the rest of the story here: http://issuu.com/mobileelectronics/docs/15me_december-online/14

Rydeen Mobile Electronics, recipient of  two CES 2016 Innovation Awards, will debut many new products to augment their existing lineup of Vehicle Safety & Driver Assistance products. On display in North Hall Booth 3106 will be an array of products showcasing the latest aftermarket technologies available to consumer's vehicles for 2016 and beyond. There will be many additions to Rydeen Mobile's popular & successful Advanced Vehicle Technology series as well as enhancements to existing products.

Premiering at CES 2016:

• PVR5D:  1080P Dash Cam with Motion Sensing. The PVR5D offers full DVR functionality plus the addition of Motion Sensing for continuous monitoring even while parked unattended.                  
• MA4BT: Bluetooth Mirror Monitor.  The MA4BT offers a 4'3" LCD monitor and full function Bluetooth for hands free phone use. It includes 2 Video Inputs.
• CM-SP2000P:  Pro Grade 3rd Brake Light camera replaces existing 3rd brake light for Chrysler / Mercedes Sprinter Vans. 
• CM-NV2000P:  Pro Grade 3rd brake light camera for Nissan NV Vans.
• CM-FT2000P:  Pro Grade 3rd brake light camera for Ford Transit Vans.
• CM-CE 2000P:  Pro Grade 3rd brake light camera for Chevy Express Vans.
• V7:  Mech-less Head Unit featuring Mi-Link, Rydeen's Digital Smartphone Interface that allows any Smartphone to connect via HDMI / MHL Digital Input. Includes Bluetooth, Rear Camera Input and 7" Capacitive Touch Screen.
• MVSW8 Mirror Monitor:  Super Wide 9" LCD Screen with 2 Video Inputs.
• CM-SW:  Super Wide Camera with selectable view options.

• MV Series Mirrors:  MV series mirrors now feature Self- Dimming of the LCD Monitor.
• MN312D:  Next generation Navigation Mirror features Self-Dimming Mirror with our patented "SmartGlass"  Mirror and an additional video input.
• RY-FD-001:  Tailgate Latch Camera for Ford F150 Series Trucks.
• RY-GM-001:  Tailgate Latch Camera for Chevy Silverado / GMC Sierra Trucks.
• RY-RAM-001:  Tailgate Latch Camera for Dodge Ram Trucks.
• RY-TUN-001:  Tailgate Latch Camera for Tundra Trucks.
• RY-TAC-001:  Tailgate Latch Camera for Toyota Tacoma Series Trucks.

Rydeen will be demonstrating these products in the Rydeen's Acura NSX  located in Booth 3106 of the LVCC North Hall.  Also on display will be the newly updated RDV360 II, Surround View System, now featuring simplified calibration.

“CES 2016 is an important show for us as we kick off the new year and introduce new products to both potential and existing customers," said Bob Goodman, Director of Sales & Marketing. "It also gives us an opportunity to meet with our Manufacturers Representatives and plan our business for 2016." For more information on Rydeen’s featured products, visit www.rydeenmobile.com. To schedule a one-on-one product tour during CES, call (877) 777-8811.

Current Marketing (www.greatreps.com) has announced that Irvine-Calif.-based Elettromedia-USA (www.elettromedia-usa.com) has appointed it as its representative for the Arizona and southern Nevada territories, effective immediately.

“We are very pleased to have been appointed to represent Elettromedia-USA and look forward to working with them,” said Paul Epstein, president, Current Marketing. “Their products and go-to market strategies are a good fit in the 12Volt category.”

Elettromedia-USA was created in June of 2006 to import the Elettromedia Italy brands into the United States, and is the sole U.S. distributor of Audison (electronics and loudspeakers), Hertz (electronics and loudspeakers), and Connection (accessories).

“We look forward to working with Current Marketing and its principals Paul Epstein and Jerry Cave to increase our brand and product awareness and increase our market share in the Arizona and Las Vegas markets,” added Rob Wempe, vice president of sales for Elettromedia-USA.

For more information, please visit www.greatreps.com, call 480-922-0200, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..">This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

C3 Report -- While Tesla made clear that “truly driverless cars are still a few years away” when it released its Autopilot feature for the Model S two months ago via a Version 7.0 software upgrade, some owners of cars with the capability didn’t get the message and did some stupid and dangerous things behind the wheel. These include almost causing collisions by overly relying on the semi-autonomous feature and pulling silly stunts such as shaving and eating breakfast while behind the wheel on the German autobahn and climbing into the back seat as a Model S barreled down a Dutch highway.

Because of this behavior Tesla is reportedly ready dial back some of Autopilot’s self-driving capabilities to keep less sensible Model S owners from winning the Darwin award – and in the process hindering the adoption of self-driving technology by the public and policymakers. The website Teslarati received what it said is a leak and supporting photos from “a tipster” that shows a Firmware 7.1 Autopilot update that creates certain restrictions to the system and noted that “the release has gone out to select beta testers.”

The new Autopilot update supposedly allows the system and its Autosteer feature to function only when a Model S is traveling below the posted speed limit. Regular cruise control can still operate at any speed. Teslarati also reported that that the alleged limits to Autopilot “has ignited a firestorm of criticism from owners,” and is enough to cause some Model S owners to threaten everything from lawsuits to refusal to download the update – or both.

A member of the Tesla Motors Club forum with the handle Cyberax said, “If there’s an update that removes a functionality that is useful for me, then I’m not going to install it. Moreover, I’ll sue Tesla if they update my car without asking me. This screenshot [on the Teslarati website] with 45 mph restriction is now a line in the sand for me.”

Entrepreneur -- Entrepreneurship demands effective leadership. You need to be able to make solid decisions, organize plans, hire teammates and provide direction -- all under the steady pressure of being accountable for all those decisions and actions. To add even more heat, as an entrepreneur, your personal success is often tied directly to the success of your business, meaning every little decision you make could have significant consequences.

Under such pressure, it’s natural to have worries and fears. But fears can intimidate you and obscure your judgment, rendering your decisions less logical and your approach less systematic. If you want to be an effective leader, there are five fears in particular that you’ll need to overcome.

1. Making the wrong decision

As a leader, you’ll be facing decisions on a nearly constant basis. You’ll make major decisions, like choosing your initial partners, and small ones, like whether to continue a proven promotional campaign. Being faced with so many decisions can lead to decision fatigue, a well-known psychological phenomenon that can interfere with your mental health and your ability to make good decisions.

Adding to this is a potentially growing fear that the next decision you make will be the wrong one -- your new hire won’t work out, your marketing campaign won’t be effective, or possibly even bigger, more significant fallout will occur. This fear can make you postpone or delegate your decisions, but don’t let it -- remember that even the best leaders make bad decisions sometimes. Avoiding a decision is always a worse move.

2. Being criticized for your approach

As a leader, you’re going to have your own signature style. You’re going to value some things more than others. For example, you might appreciate a rigid, formal dress code, or you could completely disregard what the people around you are wearing. You could prefer a hands-on style of management or a much more relaxed approach.

There’s no one right or wrong way to lead. If you’re afraid of being criticized for your approach, it could lead you to become the leader you think people might want rather than the leader you naturally are. You’re going to be criticized no matter what by some, and accepted no matter what by others, so pick the style that suits you best, and don’t let the haters interfere with your vision.

Read the rest of the article here: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/254107

Bloomberg -- Google’s self-driving car technology is attracting top U.S. automakers, as Ford, Fiat Chrysler and General Motors talk with the company while laying the groundwork for a future with autonomous cars.

Ford Motor Co. and Google are discussing working together, including in a joint venture to build cars using Google’s technology, said a person familiar with the talks who asked not to be identified because the discussions are private.

That follows comments in October from Mark Reuss, product development chief for General Motors Co., that the automaker was “very interested” in exploring ways its manufacturing skills could complement Google’s system. Sergio Marchionne, chief executive officer of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV, has said repeatedly the past few months that his company wants to work on autonomous driving with technology companies such as Apple Inc. and Google.

“We are entering the era of the technology and software-defined vehicle,” said Thilo Koslowski, a vice president in the automotive practice at Gartner Inc. “You’re just seeing the auto industry recognize the importance of that.”

Automakers are getting close to Google as they consider using the search giant’s technology to add brains to their vehicles, instead of building their own rival systems. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship, Koslowski said.

“Some Silicon Valley companies would like to do everything themselves, but it’s really the car companies that understand the automobile,” he said. “On the same side, a lot of technology companies have expertise on their side, which is interesting to the automotive companies.”

Read the rest of the story here: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-12-22/google-attracts-top-u-s-automakers-with-self-driving-technology

WELD congratulates instructor Jim LaFevers and the team of automotive students from Eastern Oklahoma County Tech Center for earning the title of 2015 Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) Engine Challenge National Champions. The national championship, which pits teams from across the country in performance engine rebuilds, recently concluded at the 2015 PRI Show in Indianapolis after qualifying events were held throughout the year.

Posting an average time of 18 minutes and 19 seconds in the engine challenge, which requires a complete teardown and rebuild, allowed Team Weld Racing to take the crown. Teams from the school in Choctaw, Oklahoma have been consistent high finishers in the competition being just one torque wrench penalty away from winning last year, after capturing the title in 2013.

“We are proud of the students from Eastern Oklahoma Tech Center for representing WELD Racing and for winning against outstanding competition from automotive students across the country,” said Norm Young, president and CEO of WELD. “We are strong supporters of programs like the Hot Rodders of Tomorrow that encourage young people to pursue careers in our industry.”

WELD has been a HROT supporter since 2013.

For their championship, each of the students received a $10,000 scholarship to the post-secondary institution of their choice from Ohio Technical College, University of Northwest Ohio, Universal Technical Institute/NASCAR Tech or School of Automotive Machinists. The schools allow stacking of scholarships, meaning any of the awards from previous competitions can be combined for the winning student’s educational needs.

The Hot Rodders of Tomorrow (HROT) program started in 2008 with five teams competing. This year, 153 teams competed in regional competitions for the right to claim a share of the $4.55 million offered by the educational institutions. Each team has a “sponsor” assigned, coming from the pool of HROT supporters. For more information, visit www.hotroddersoftomorrow.com or find them on Facebook.

WELD manufactures the highest quality forged race wheels for dirt, oval and drag racing, along with wheels for performance street cars and trucks. Each WELD wheel is precision engineered for maximum performance on the street, off road and at the track. For more information about WELD phone 800-788-9353 or visit www.WELDwheels.com.

Massive Audio will be announcing the release of several new products at the 2016 CES Show in Las Vegas NV Jan 6^th - 9^th in booth #3006 ‘North Hall’. One of those products is the water resistant, Nano "BLU" Amp Series with wireless audio streaming, set to ship the 2nd quarter of 2016. 

 All three digital amplifiers include docking ports that support the optional Plug & Play RAIL CAP. This 4 farad capacitor has been cosmetically matched to the Nano BLU Series. The “BLX2 & BLX4” also accommodates the optional UBT1 Bluetooth Dongle for wireless audio streaming and both amplifiers are designed with a “line out” to connect the “BLX1” or any other amplifier which will enable the subwoofer amp to utilize the wireless streaming.

The Nano BLU series amps can be mounted into small spaces never used before in a mobile environment due to its size, low power consumption and low thermal operation. All circuit boards are sprayed for water resistance and the rust proof stainless steel and aluminum housing increase durability.

For CES appointments or for more information please contact Massive Audio: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit our Website: http://www.massiveaudio.com

Market Watch -- It was an intriguing story. Tesla CEO Elon Musk reportedly offered a multimillion-dollar bonus to tech wunderkind George Hotz if he came up with an autopilot system to “discontinue” Mobileye NV’s technology in Tesla vehicles, Bloomberg reported.

His alleged challenge to Hotz was cited by short seller Andrew Left when he announced Mobileye as the “short of 2016” on Wednesday, causing shares of Mobileye to tank.

Musk on Thursday came to Mobileye’s defense and refuted some of the claims made in the Bloomberg report, though he didn’t comment on his communication with Hotz specifically.

“The article by Ashlee Vance did not correctly represent Tesla or Mobileye,” he said in post on the Tesla’s home page.

“We think it is extremely unlikely that a single person or even a small company that lacks extensive engineering validation capability will be able to produce an autonomous driving system that can be deployed to production vehicles,” Musk wrote.

He pointed out that getting a system to work accurately 99% of the time is easy, but getting it close to 100% is the key.

Read the rest of the story here: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/teslas-elon-musk-comes-to-mobileyes-defense-2015-12-17