GROM Audio announced the pre-order for its soon to be released HD Radio® Dongle. The HD Radio® dongle device (GROM-HDR1) is being released as an HD Radio® upgrade for the select GROM aftermarket integrated car kit products. It plugs into these car audio integration kits and extends their features and quality with HD Radio® receiver capability.
The dongle will retail for a suggested $89.99.

The GROM-HDR1 Dongle is a high definition Radio Tuning Device. As market reviews of this product suggest, this device promises to deliver the ultimate listening experience by offering static-free, crystal-clear audio from FM stations. It will add digital FM reception from more than 2,000 HD Radio stations and access HD2, HD3, and HD4 channels broadcast by any of those stations.

Standard analog radios simply cannot match up to the unique features provided by this device.
“HD Radio® Technology will take your radio to another level,” as reported by a GROM Audio representative at the 2015 International Consumer Electronic Show (CES), “With over 2000 HD Radio® stations broadcasting nationally, there’s a good chance you’ll find one or more in your area.”

The dongle radio device plugs to the extension port of GROM car audio integration system and allows users to control their media with the steering wheel as well as the car stereo controls. Moreover, all these features will be available without any subscription fees or contracts.
The new GROM-HDR1 HD Radio® Dongle target ship date is October 28th 2015. It is currently available for the pre-order at GROM Audio website. The company released the video tutorial of its HD Radio® Dongle in the Lexus vehicle.

GROM Audio is proud of its partnership with iBiquity Inc, the proprietor of HD Radio® technology. With its aftermarket car audio integration kits combined with GROM-HDR1 Dongle, the company is promising to deliver the HD Radio® capabilities to the owners of more than 30 car makes within US.

Green Car Journal has announced its five finalists for the magazine’s prestigious 2016 Green Car of the Year® award. The 2016 models include the Audi A3 e-tron, Chevrolet Volt, Honda Civic, Hyundai Sonata, and Toyota Prius.

An increasing number of vehicle models are considered for the Green Car of the Year® program each year, a reflection of the auto industry’s expanding efforts in offering new vehicles with higher efficiency and improved environmental impact. Green Car Journal has been honoring the most important “green” vehicles every year at the LA Auto Show, since its inaugural award announced at the show in 2005.

“This is the strongest field of finalists we’ve seen in our annual Green Car of the Year® program,” said Ron Cogan, editor and publisher of the Green Car Journal and CarsOfChange.com. “Each of the five nominees makes a strong environmental statement in distinctly different ways, with a common strategy of recognizing what’s most important to today’s drivers. Their use of wide-ranging powertrain technologies underscores that all approaches are essential to achieving important environmental goals.”

The Finalists:

AUDI A3 E-TRON
The A3 Sportback e-tron is Audi's entry in the hot plug-in hybrid vehicle market. This five-door hatchback uses lithium-ion batteries and a 102 hp electric motor to deliver up to 19 miles of all-electric driving, after which its 150 hp, 1.4-liter gasoline TFSI engine provides power for extended driving in efficient hybrid mode.

CHEVROLET VOLT
Chevrolet’s second generation Volt features sportier styling, better performance, and a lighter and more powerful two-motor drive system. The five-passenger, extended range electric now drives up to 53 miles on batteries alone, with its 1.5-liter gasoline powered generator creating on-board electricity to deliver an overall 420 mile range.

HONDA CIVIC
Now in its tenth generation, the all-new Honda Civic delivers exemplary fuel efficiency in an affordable, conventionally-powered model. The Civic thoughtfully blends hybrid-like fuel economy and appealing style, with an array of desired amenities and advanced electronics that meets the needs of a great many drivers.

HYUNDAI SONATA
Hyundai’s stylish 2016 Sonata offers it all with efficient gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid choices within the Sonata lineup. New this year, the hybrid delivers up to 43 highway mpg and features distinctive styling cues. The Sonata Plug-In Hybrid drives up to 24 miles on batteries with additional range on conventional hybrid power.

TOYOTA PRIUS
The venerable Toyota Prius emerges in 2016 a completely redesigned model, faithfully delivering the attributes expected of an industry-leading hybrid with important design, technology, and efficiency updates. It features a familiar yet bolder exterior and incorporates suspension and other improvements to deliver improved driving dynamics.

The Green Car of the Year® is selected through a majority vote by an esteemed jury that includes celebrity auto enthusiast Jay Leno, plus leaders of noted environmental and efficiency organizations including Jean-Michel Cousteau, president of Ocean Futures Society; Matt Petersen, board member of Global Green USA; Dr. Alan Lloyd, President Emeritus of the International Council on Clean Transportation; Mindy Lubber, President of CERES; and Kateri Callahan, President of the Alliance to Save Energy.

During the award’s vetting process, Green Car Journal editors consider all vehicles, fuels, and technologies as an expansive field of potential candidates is narrowed down to a final five. Finalists are selected for their achievements in raising the bar in environmental performance. Many factors are considered including efficiency, EPA and CARB emissions certification, performance characteristics, ‘newness,’ and affordability. Availability to the mass market is important to ensure honored models have the potential to make a real difference in environmental impact, and finalists must be available for sale by January 1st of the award year. 

Turbos are designed to be one of the easiest and most effective ways to add horsepower. DEI’s ONYX Series Turbo Shield maintains consistent temperature in the turbo to maximize efficiency and reduce lag.

Building on the popularity of DEI’s ONYX Series product offerings, DEI is now introducing the ONYX Series Black Turbo Shield for smaller sized turbos including Garrett, Mitsubishi and others. The ONYX Series Shield is available for the GT22 (part #010161) or the GT25 (part #010163), or as a kit: GT22 Kit (part #010162) or GT25 (part #010164).  For correct sizing, DEI recommends referring to the sizing chart located at www.designengineering.com.

The kit includes the black turbo shield made of premium heat resistant textiles and newly designed stainless steel attachment anchors, a 2” x 15’ premium roll of DEI black exhaust wrap, two stainless steel locking ties, and a roll of stainless steel locking wire.

New Electronics -- Imagine you’re driving down the highway with the music blaring, enjoying the open road. Now imagine that the sound from your rear speaker system is delayed by a split second from the front; your enjoyment of the fancy in-car infotainment system comes to a screeching halt.

Ethernet is emerging as the network of choice for infotainment and advanced driver assistance systems that include cameras, telematics, rear-seat entertainment systems and mobile phones. A typical system is shown in fig 1. But standard Ethernet protocols can’t assure timely and continuous audio/video (A/V) content delivery for bandwidth intensive and latency sensitive applications without buffering, jitter, lags or other performance hits.

Audio-Video Bridging (AVB) over Ethernet is a collection of extensions to the IEEE802.1 specifications that enables local Ethernet networks to stream time synchronised, loss sensitive A/V data. Within an Ethernet network, the AVB extensions help differentiate AVB traffic from the non-AVB traffic that can also flow through the network. This is done using an industry standard approach that allows for plug and play communication between systems from multiple vendors.

The extensions that define the AVB standard achieve this by:

* reserving bandwidth for AVB data transfers to avoid packet loss due to network congestion from ‘talker’ to ‘listener(s)’

* establishing queuing and forwarding rules for AVB packets that keep packets from bunching and guarantee delivery of packets with a bounded latency from talker to listener(s) via intermediate switches, if needed

* synchronising time to a global clock so the time bases of all network nodes are aligned precisely to a common network master clock, and

* creating time aware packets which include a ‘presentation time’ that specifies when A/V data inside a packet has to be played.

Designers of automotive A/V systems need to understand the AVB extensions and requirements and how their chosen microcontroller will support that functionality.

AVB: a basket of standards

AVB requires that three extensions be met in order to comply with IEEE802.1:

* IEEE802.1AS – timing and synchronisation for time-sensitive applications (gPTP)

* IEEE802.1Qat – stream reservation protocol (SRP)

* IEEE802.1Qav – forwarding and queuing for time-sensitive streams (FQTSS).

In order to play music or video from one source – such as a car’s head unit – to multiple destinations, such as backseat monitors, amplifiers and speakers, the system needs a common understanding of time in order to avoid lags or mismatch in sound or video. IEEE802.1AS-2011 specifies how to establish and maintain a single time reference – a synchronised ‘wall clock’ – for all nodes in a local network. The generalised precision time protocol (gPTP), based on IEEE1588, is used to synchronise and syntonise all network nodes to sub-microsecond accuracy. Nodes are synchronised if their clocks show the same time and are syntonised if their clocks increase at the same rate.

- See more at: http://www.newelectronics.co.uk/electronics-technology/how-ethernet-avb-is-playing-a-central-role-in-automotive-streaming-applications/108329/#sthash.KGiYCn1h.dpuf

Petra Industries, the nation’s leading wholesale distributor of consumer electronics, wireless accessories, custom installation products, mobile audio/video accessories and appliance connection supplies, is pleased to announce its 17^th annual Charity Golf Tournament on October 8 raised $100,000 to support Whiz Kids Oklahoma, Mercy Multiplied, Wounded Warrior Project, FedExFamilyHouse and Oklahoma Project Woman.

This year’s tournament held extra significance: As part of Petra’s 30^th anniversary celebration, they launched their Hope-In-One Initiative. This initiative was created to honor the long time supporters of Petra’s tournament and their dedication to giving back to the community. To kick off Hope-In-One, earlier in the year Petra asked supporters to nominate charities that had significance in their lives to be considered for tournament support. Petra’s tournament committee reviewed a tremendous volume of nominations and selected three additional charities (Wounded Warriors, Fed Ex Family House and Oklahoma Project Woman) to be beneficiaries of this year’s tournament.

“Being able to give back to the community is such an important part of Petra, and the support this tournament receives every year proves over and over again that it is also important to our business partners,” said Bill Stewart, Petra founder and CEO. “That is why we were so excited to create the Hope-In-One initiative and be able to extend our financial reach so much further and give to so many more causes that fill crucial needs within so many communities.”

More than 125 of Petra’s vendors and partners participated in this annual event. The festivities kicked off on Wednesday, October 7, with a cocktail reception and Texas Hold ‘Em tournament at the Fox & Hound Sports Tavern. The following day participants teed off with a shotgun start for a best-ball scramble at Oak Tree Country Club in Edmond, Okla. The tournament concluded with a luncheon for all attendees, where prizes were awarded for best team score, longest drive, longest putt and closest to this pin on designated holes.

The highlight of the luncheon was the presentations made by representatives of the charities explaining the work of their organization and expressing gratitude to Bill Stewart and all in attendance.  During the presentations, Whiz Kid program graduate Baruc Lara shared how Whiz Kids Oklahoma helped him go from a struggling second grader in danger of failing to a successful high school student prepared for a future of hope and significance. Katie Peltier, a graduate of Mercy Multiplied’s program for young women, shared how the program changed the trajectory of her life and how seventeen years later she has been able to use the principles she learned to help a community of U.S. servicemen and their families. The luncheon concluded with Bill Stewart and his wife, Cindy, presenting checks to each charity representative.

Petra would like to thank its many generous sponsors for the event, including FedEx, NAPCO, Motorola, Bank Of Oklahoma, JVC, Naxa, weBoost, Pioneer, Midland, IC Intracom, DeWalt, P3, Sennheiser, Jasco, Koss, Sooner Lift Inc., Garmin, OmniMount, Pelican, Nortek, Lenmar, SanDisk, SiriusXM, Allsop, DataComm, Super Glue, Metra, DIP, Verbatim, Abbot Rubber, VTech, Lambro, Whistler, Deflecto, Cobra, APC, zNitro, Audiovox, UPG, Clarion, Dual, AAMP of America, Market Solutions, GSM Outdoors, Chauvet, Bonnie Hamje Company, QFX, Atrend, Tartan, Peerless, BrassCraft, BIC, Allegiance Credit Union.

Rydeen Mobile Electronics announced the release of the latest addition to its Advanced Vehicle Technology series. "The addition of the MD4BT Digital Mirror Monitor demonstrates our commitment to offering leading edge products that combine Safety and Entertainment for today's lifestyle," said Bob Goodman, Rydeen Mobile's Director of Sales & Marketing. The MD4BT is a 3 in 1 solution that incorporates a 4.3-inch LCD display Mirror Monitor for rear camera viewing, a Bluetooth "Hands Free" system and Mi-Link, our digital link to any Smartphone Device.

The MD4BT features Mi-Link, Rydeen's digital link system utilizing a built in HDMI connector. "Mi-Link enables any Smartphone, Apple or Android based, to output it's screen content to an ultra bright 4.3" LCD display.  The built-in Bluetooth enables Hands-Free phone calls and Audio Streaming of content available on a Micro SD Card. The Backup Camera input also has the capability to overwrite the video screen when the car goes into reverse”, added Goodman.

Safe operation is assured with a "Proximity Sensor" that activates Voice Command (Siri & Google Now) as well as Screen On & Off functions. MD4BT is a pioneer for all of Smartphone functionality within your vehicle. It allows drivers to operate their vehicle while utilizing their Smartphone in the safest way while the vehicle is in motion. MD4BT is a bridge to bring the internet to one's in-vehicle environment, and it is designed to fit thousands of vehicle applications, utilizing our patent pending windshield mounting system with many vehicle specific options available.

MHL / HDMI Adaptors for iPhone and Android based phones are available separately. MSRP is $299.00.

KICKER has developed six new grilles for the Solo-Baric L7 square subwoofer (2011 model), complete with remote-controllable LED lighting. The KICKER L7 LED Square Subwoofer Grilles are currently available in charcoal and white for 10-inch and 12-inch Solo-Baric L7 subs. All charcoal and white grilles are now available at Authorized KICKER Dealers, including online at kicker.com. Chrome grilles with LED lighting for Solo-Baric L7 will be later this fall.

One of seven LED colors are available during installation, simply by choosing select wires to attach to the positive and negative power terminals. Available separately is the KICKER KMLC LED Lighting Remote, which allows as many as 20 colors wirelessly. The remote also controls brightness (adjustable), adds a strobe effect, randomizes the colors and more.

To ensure the grilles will stand up to life in any marine, powersports or automotive installation, the grilles are constructed with tough ABS plastic, then ASTM-certified for Salt/Fog and UV exposure. Brass inserts were added at the screw locations for a solid connection to the woofer.

The KICKER booth at the 2015 SEMA Show will showcase LED Grilles for the Solo-Baric L7. KICKER will be located in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth #11861.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.^®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud^® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio.

Model                 Description

11L712GLW        White 12-inch Square Subwoofer Grille for Solo-Baric L7 12-inch (11S12L7)

11L712GLC         Charcoal 12-inch Square Subwoofer Grille for Solo-Baric L7 12-inch (11S12L7)

11L712GLCR       Chrome 12-inch Square Subwoofer Grille for Solo-Baric L7 12-inch (11S12L7)

11L710GLW        White 10-inch Square Subwoofer Grille for Solo-Baric L7 10-inch (11S10L7)

11L710GLC         Charcoal 10-inch Square Subwoofer Grille for Solo-Baric L7 10-inch (11S10L7)

11L710GLCR       Chrome 10-inch Square Subwoofer Grille for Solo-Baric L7 10-inch (11S10L7)

Aftermarket mobile electronic manufacturer AAMP, introduced American International GMK265 and Best Kits BKGMK265 installation dash kits for the 2007 - 2014 Escalade. These new American International and Best Kits dash kits facilitate the installation in the upper dash location of one Double DIN radio or a Single ISO radio with pocket.

For a complete installation AAMP offers PAC radio replacement interfaces C2R-GM29, NAV-1129, OS-4, RP4-GM31, RP5-GM31, OS-5 , Best Kits antenna/speaker adapter BAA20 & BKGMSB356, and American International CR6 & GMSB356.

The 2014 CES was named this week by  Trade Show Executive's Gold 100 Awards & Summit as the Largest Annual Show (for the eighth consecutive year), Fastest Growing Show and Show with Strongest Global Participation. Trade Show Executive's Gold 100 Awards & Summit honors the 100 largest trade shows that have set the gold standard for the trade show industry.
CES is the world's gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for more than 45 years-the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace. As the largest hands-on event of its kind, CES features all aspects of the consumer technology industry.
"We work hard to create an event experience that keeps exhibitors, attendees and press coming back year after year and it means a lot to be recognized by TSE, a leader in the events industry," said Karen Chupka, senior vice president, CES and corporate business strategy, Consumer Electronics Association (CEA)^® , owner and producer of CES. "These awards recognize our innovative thinking and strategic efforts aimed at making CES the world's must-attend technology event."
In total, 160,498 industry influencers attended the 2014 CES, including 6,575 media and 40,828 international attendees from 144 countries. The highest number of international attendees came from Canada, South Korea, China, Japan, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Taiwan and France; each country represented by more than 1,000 attendees at the 2014 CES.
CEA works closely with the Las Vegas Convention Visitors Authority (LVCVA) to ensure smooth travel and accommodations for all guests. In 2014 international travel to Las Vegas got a tremendous boost, with the Las Vegas McCarran International Airport's opening of Terminal 3 and its seven dedicated international gates. CEA promoted the new terminal and the fact that the Customs and Border Protection area could process 2,000 international passengers an hour, made CES even more accessible and attractive to a global audience.
The 2015 CES was even larger than 2014 with 176,676 industry influencers in attendance. Including 48,833 international attendees from 153 countries. CES 2016^® will take place Wednesday, January 6-Saturday, January 9, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Registration for CES 2016 is now available. Please visit CESweb.org for more information.

Located at booth 25125 in the Central Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center, WELD will have a strong presence at the 2015 SEMA Show from Nov. 3-6 as they unveil many new products and host a variety of racing celebrities.

“We are excited to greet customers and prospects at our new location within the Racing and Performance Hall at SEMA,” said WELD president and CEO Norm Young. “We will unveil over a dozen new wheel designs at SEMA from our Racing, Street and Strip, and Rekon lines. In addition, our newest division, CCW Forged Performance, will showcase its new Daytona Series of Wheels.”

The list of celebrity appearances at WELD’s booth #25125 begins on the opening day of the show, Tuesday, Nov. 3, with two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser, Jr. from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Formula D driver Justin Pawlak (JTP) from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. On Wednesday, Nov. 4, Street Outlaws star Daddy Dave Comstock will appear 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. followed by NHRA Pro Stock champion Erica Enders from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

WELD will also have numerous show vehicles at SEMA, many of which will display the company’s newest products.

AVIDWORX Productions and HushMat have partnered to offer qualified 12-volt retailers a proven interactive demo showcase for HushMat sound deadening products.

Called the M3 HushMat Customer Experience Center, the program includes wall art, a fully interactive showcase with 2-4 interactive panels, and a mediaWORX player that brings video – and showroom analytics – to the showroom.

“Telling a customer how sound deadening can make speakers sound better and louder by reducing outside traffic noise and speaker noise is one thing, but actually showing them how it works is something else,” said Marcel Newell, president of AVIDWORX Productions.

“Educating the customer, and showing instead of telling, is the best way to get customers to make that additional investment. It’s a product that sells itself when people understand what it does. HushMat really gets it, and were a natural partner for our new M3 line of customer experience centers.”

The program also has discounts and incentives built in for the retailer:

• At purchase, qualified HushMat retailers will receive a discount of almost 25% off the cost of the showcase system, including a monitor and mediaWORX player.
• HushMat will sponsor the retailer’s mediaWORX subscription fees, which includes wireless video content that’s always up to date and customer number tracking.
• HushMat will also provide participating retailers with a payback program on product purchases to help offset the cost of the showcase, wall art and shipping.
• HushMat will also continue to provide the retailer with sales collateral and training to maximize their in-store presentation and increase the attachment rate for deadening to car audio purchases.
• Retailers that invest in the program are also eligible for other discounts, including up to 100% off on shipping, if they bundle with other M3 showcase solutions.

For more on the M3 HushMat Customer Experience Center, the payback program, and available bundles, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.avidworx.com/hushmat/.

It’s been 20 years since the U.S. Air Force did the world a solid by granting full access to the Global Positioning System. In that time, motorists have moved from crude, monochrome line maps to 3-D topographic displays rendered with skies, buildings, and live traffic information. But even after the Defense Department agreed to stop scrambling civilian signals in 2000, GPS isn’t accurate enough for the next generation of drivers who won’t drive their cars at all. And all those assists that allow hands-free operation for a few amusing seconds also could use better information.

High-definition mapping is the core of tomorrow’s autonomous cars. Radar, LIDAR, and visual cameras are only feelers to a car’s immediate vicinity. Picture an ant crawling through grass, navigating blade by blade. HD maps would render every last strand of the entire lawn—and locate that hard, black surface where those giant wheeled death machines prey on tiny insects. Whereas a regular map can position a car’s location to within a meter, HD maps can do it to within as few as 10 centimeters. It’s why Audi, BMW, and Daimler purchased a Nokia spinoff, called Here, for $3.1 billion in August. The deal grants them navigation software to power their next autonomous prototypes and, once the lawyers sort it out, the real things.

“It started from us looking at how to move from representing the standard navigation map to how you present reality in 3-D,” said Here senior engineering director Vladimir Zhukov. “You need another order of magnitude in the precision.”

After a successful inaugural year, C Space will return to CES 2016^® with twice the exhibit space to tell the story of how content, creativity, technology and influencers come together to discover new ways to elevate their industry, business and brand. Owned and produced by CEA, CES 2016 will take place Wednesday, January 6-Saturday, January 9, 2016, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Following last year's successful launch of C Space, the breadth and depth of offerings and opportunities for this community will grow for CES 2016. C Space will debut a Storyteller conference track that features influential creative visionaries, and highlights their innovative advancements within this community. C Space is an experience not to be missed, and will host exhibits and networking events that promote learning and discovery for strategic content creators. Participants include: Google, AOL, Hulu, Hearst, MediaLink and more.
"Technology is allowing advertisers and marketers new ways to reach consumers," said Karen Chupka, senior vice president, CES and corporate business strategy, CEA. "C Space offers both an educational and experimental opportunity to see new products and services impacting the market."
New for 2016, C Space will expand its reach past the ARIA to include the Cosmopolitan, Vdara and other official CES locations. ARIA will remain the headquarters for C Space conferences and exhibits. Hospitality suites, entertainment and networking events will take place across Tech South and other official CES venues.
CES 2016 will feature more than 3,600 exhibitors unveiling the latest consumer technology products and services across the entire ecosystem of consumer technologies. For more information on C Space, contact Anne Campbell at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

NAV-TV Corp. has released Streamstick, the first personal and portable audiophile-quality Bluetooth audio streaming device for universal applications.

Streamstick is extremely compact, often being compared in physical description to a thumb drive, so it can be used in every situation where you may need streaming audio. 

Utilizing Bluetooth 4.0 with EDR (extended data rate), and a bandwidth of up to 3Mbps, StreamStick can seamlessly play lossless and FLAC files with incredible sound quality, rivaling that of most quality cables but all done wirelessly. With a frequency response of 5hz-44kHz, and a signal-to-noise radio of 96dB, the StreamStick will provide a true audiophile listening experience. 

StreamStick is powered by any USB port (like the back of your TV or the dash of your car), and delivers audio through a 3.5mm auxiliary jack, this device is universal, and portable. This means you can go from the car, boat, side by side to the house/office with one device.  Once an audio source is stored, the StreamStick will auto-pair with most devices. StreamStick will remember up to 8 sources, so it can be used by everyone in the family.  

KICKER Performance Audio has developed a factory-audio integration upgrade for the 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and 2015 GMC Canyon pickup trucks. The KICKER Vehicle-Specific Solutions (VSS) upgrades for Colorado and Canyon seek to deliver outstanding sound without cutting a single wire or taping additional holes. The systems will be available to Authorized KICKER Dealers beginning this month.

The VSS systems are made of three essential components:  a multi-channel amplifier with digital signal processing (DSP), wiring harnesses and powered subwoofer. All three elements have been customized to integrate seamlessly with the vehicle, utilizing factory plugs and mounting points.

Using a custom mounting bracket in the VSS PowerStage upgrade, the multi-channel amplifier is designed to integrate seamlessly with the factory radio and speaker system. Power increases to 50 watts per channel, and the amplifier’s DSP is optimized specifically for the Colorado/Canyon.

The VSS SubStage upgrade comes with an amplified subwoofer and enclosure, which is also included in the PowerStage upgrade. Built specifically for the vehicle, the enclosure is contoured to the vehicle, fitting underneath the back bench without altering the appearance of the truck, or causing removal of the spare-tire tools. An 8-inch subwoofer and integrated 200-watt amplifier provide plenty of bass without the obtrusiveness of a traditional subwoofer box.

Thanks to the pre-cut, pre-terminated wiring harnesses, VSS installations are among the easiest in the industry. The included harnesses are insulated and sheathed in a custom wire loom, and include all battery, subwoofer, radio and amplifier connections.

The KICKER booth at the 2015 SEMA Show will showcase a Chevy Colorado equipped with the VSS PowerStage upgrade. KICKER will be located in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center, booth #11861. An additional VSS Colorado/Canyon upgrade (model number PCOCRE15) will be featured in the SEMA Show New Product Showcase.

KICKER VSS is made in the USA from both domestic and foreign parts.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc., are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, andalso as Original Equipment for automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio.

Chevrolet and GMC are registered trademarks of General Motors LLC.

Soundstream is now releasing the Shad-9H. For those vehicles that cannot install a headrest mount system due to airbag placement and OEM specific headrest, the SHAD-9H is perfect for those kinds of installs, since it is equipped with the bracket mount DVD player solution.

This universal headrest mount dvd player with 9-inch LCD & MobileLink input contains many other features such as connection to a 32GB flash drive for MP3 audio and video playback including such formats as DVD’s, MP4, DIVX, XVID movies or MP3 audio files from DVD-R/RW or CD-R/RW discs.

The Soundstream SHAD-9H contains the following features:

• Bracket Mount DVD Player Solution for Vehicles w/ Active Headrest
• Front Loading DVD Player for DVD/RW 720P Playback
• 32GB USB & SD Card Readers for MP4 Playback
• Dual Channel Wireless IR Transmitter (use HP-12S)
• FM Stereo Transmitter for Easy OEM Integration
• AUX A/V Input for Game Console or Personal Media Devices
• RCA A/V Input for Auxiliary Source or Opposite Headrest
• RCA A/V Output to Auxiliary Source or Opposite Headrest
• 3 Changeable Colors Skins Included (grey, beige, & black)
• Various Pole Diameter Adapters Included
• NTSC / PAL Auto Selection
• 800 x 480 16:9 Widescreen Resolution
• 400 NIT Screen Brightness

For further product info: http://soundstream.com/store/shad-9h.html

PC Mag -- Speculation about whether Apple will build a vehicle has been a favorite topic of conversation in the tech and auto worlds all year. It’s also dominated the news at some auto shows, without Apple being present.

The rumors have been fanned by comments from Apple execs, the company hiring hundreds of automotive engineers and a meeting with BMW officials to tour its i3 electric car factory In May, it was revealed that Apple made inquiries into using GoMentum Station, a 5,000-acre former Navy weapons station east of San Francisco that’s now a secure testing facility for autonomous and connected vehicles.

Last week, meanwhile, it was discovered that Apple senior legal counsel Mike Maleticmet with the California DMV to review “autonomous vehicle regulations.” Then on Monday,The Wall Street Journal reported that Apple’s car efforts were now a “committed project” with an eye on a 2019 ship date.

Taken together, this all clearly points to Apple entering the auto industry in some capacity beyond CarPlay and infotainment. Apple has move into other markets before, from portable music players to smartphones, only to redefine and dominate them. Entering the auto industry is complex and expensive (though if anyone can afford it, Apple can), but here are three reasons why the company has picked a perfect time to do it.

1. Technology is transforming automotive

Almost from the beginning, automakers have sold vehicles mainly based on horsepower, utility, convenience, and in some cases sex appeal. But that’s changing. Since vehicles within a given segment have largely reached a level of parity on features such as performance, fuel economy, and safety, technology has become more of a deciding factor for consumers. People actually pick a vehicle based on whether it works with their smartphone, or at the very least based their satisfaction with tech features, as J.D. Power surveys have shown. With Apple’s tech and design expertise, an iCar could be a compelling choice for its legions of fans as well as many consumers.

Read the rest of the story here: http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2491866,00.asp#disqus_thread

Forbes -- “He doesn’t have a lot of experience managing people. Do you think he can do the job?” This is a phrase we hear more frequently as organizations fill the vacancies retiring Baby Boomers leave behind. Recently, a younger friend told me his experience of being hired after receiving his graduate degree. Most of the team he would manage had been working for the organization for more than 10 years and were his seniors by approximately 20 years. Some of them expressed frustration about being managed by someone so young and inexperienced. Were their fears grounded? How effective are newly appointed managers compared to the older and more seasoned folks they replace?

Frankly, being an older boss myself, I assumed veteran managers would prove to be the more effective leaders. But the data surprised me. In a recent article for Harvard Business Review my colleague Jack Zenger and I explored our database of more than 65,000 leaders and looked more deeply at managers who were 30 years of age and younger (455 leaders) and compared them to an older group of leaders over 45 years of age (4,298). Once we separated the two groups, we looked at the distinguishing characteristics of each.

When comparing groups, we strive to make them as similar as possible. But by the very fact they were promoted to managerial positions at a relatively young age, we realized that those in the younger group were primarily high potential achievers. It is not common to be elevated into a managerial job at such a young age. Of the younger group, 44% ranked in the top quartile on overall leadership effectiveness when compared to all leaders in our database. In contrast, the older group contained only 20% who were in the top quartile. In all, the older group was a combination of leaders who were exceptional, more that were good and an expected percentage who needed improvement.

When we looked at the 360 data of the younger and more seasoned managers we found the younger group was rated more positively on every one of the 49 items. This is both surprising and excellent news that indicates there are talented young leaders in our organizations who will be capable of stepping into key roles.

However, like my friend, younger managers struggle with proving their worth. From the comments and data we saw that younger managers were not fully trusted and that others often felt they were not capable of representing the organization. People also complained that young leaders lack strategic perspective and deep knowledge of their industries. It is true that some things are only learned over time. But before pass over promotion of a younger employee due to their “inexperience” you should know what they really have to offer. Here’s what we found:

1. Welcome change. The younger leaders embraced change. They did a great job of marketing their new ideas. They had the courage to make difficult changes. Possibly their lack of experience caused them to be more optimistic about proposals for change. It was as if they did not know that changes would be hard to make happen. They possessed the courage to take on significant changes and were more willing to be the champions of change projects.

2. Inspiring behavior. Younger leaders knew how to get others energized and excited about accomplishing objectives. They were able to inspire other to high levels of effort and production to a even greater degree than their more experienced counterparts. Their older colleagues tended to more often lead with “push” while they lead with “pull.”

3. Receptive to Feedback. Young leaders were extremely open to feedback. They more frequently asked for feedback. They wanted more extensive feedback regarding their performance, and they found ways to both digest and implement the feedback. Older leader then to be less willing to ask for and respond to feedback from colleagues.

Read the rest of the story here: http://www.forbes.com/sites/joefolkman/2015/10/01/6-surprising-reasons-younger-managers-perform-best/

KICKER has debuted a new portable indoor wireless speaker that brings a sleek, subtle touch of style to the market. The KICKER KPM50  (MSRP: $229.95) adds to KICKER Home and Personal’s Bluetooth^® selection with a compact model that is as comfortable on the deck as it is in the kitchen, home office or any room in the house where high-quality streaming audio is enjoyed. The KPM50 will available for purchase at www.kicker.com and other fine electronics retailers by mid-November.

The KPM50, which measures 7.6” (193mm) x 3.4” (86mm) x 3.4” (86mm), adapts almost chameleon-like to any room décor; all that stands out are the rich, detailed sonics with real bass and dynamic range. Two 2-inch drivers are complemented by dual-balanced bass radiators for exceptional sound from a compact design thanks to the elegant aluminum cabinet. A high-quality speakerphone tops off the package for crystal-clear reception during calls before switching back to the music.

“Portable Bluetooth speakers may be common, but the trick is to create one that pleases the most demanding music lovers while also making it look good in your home,” says KICKER Home and Personal Brand Manager Jeremy Bale. “Our KPM50 brings durable and elegant materials that look great in any décor, with audio performance that is sure to please the most demanding listeners.”

KICKER’s KPM50 includes a stylish travel case that holds the speaker, charger/cable and 3.5mm stereo cable.  The case makes it easy to toss the speaker into luggage or a backpack when on the go.

KICKER Performance Audio products, a division of Stillwater Designs and Audio, Inc.^®, are available for the mobile and home audio aftermarket at authorized retailers worldwide, and also as Original Equipment for automobile manufacturers. Consumers seeking more information on KICKER or Livin’ Loud^® may call the Consumer Information Line at 1-800-256-5425 or visit the brand website at www.kicker.com. Follow KICKER socially at Facebook.com/kickeraudio, Twitter.com/kickeraudio, Instagram.com/kickeraudio, or Pinterest.com/kickeraudio.

Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. 

KICKER KPM50 Portable Bluetooth Speaker Features:

-Dual 2” full range drivers with dual passive bass radiators

-NFC one-touch Bluetooth pairing

-Built-in microphone

-High-capacity battery for extended playback time

-Front Control Keys for easy control of Vol+&-, Play/Pause, Answer/Hang up                    

-Available in 2 colors (Black/Silver)                       

-Accessories: Travel Case, 5V/1A charger, 3.5mm audio cable, USB charging cable

Fortin Electronic Systems has released its all-in-one remote start and bypass solution for Subaru vehicles including an exclusive EVO-ONE high current 3X LOCK remote start feature that works on key vehicles. Installation guides were also built on a straight forward step-by-step concept in order to simplify the installation process.

The EVO-ONE is an all-in-one immobilizer bypass, door lock, digital high current remote starter & security system. Fortin EVO-ALL platform also covers digital bypass, convenience and security system for the same Subaru coverage.