Apple patent filing details iPhone-controlled car and home environments

A US patent application by Apple would give the tech company's devices control of car interior settings and maybe even the home. 

Imagine getting into any modern car -- even a rental -- and everything being just right. The wing mirrors are at the perfect position, the seat at the  optimum distance from the pedals, the air conditioning is how you like it and the music playing on the stereo is made up entirely of your favorite tracks from your favorite artists. As Apple's invention notes, while such self-configurable environments are convenient, they are rarely transportable. To solve this apparent problem, the patent application details a method of using a portable device, such as an iPhone, to take environment configuration information on-the-go. The technology could allow for an iPhone to become a universal configuration tool for the world around its user. The document focuses mainly on the car, which is understandable given the level of environment customization implemented by a number of auto makers. In one embodiment, the portable device acts connects with the car's computer to relay a set of custom options stored by the user. For example, a user could store their personal preferences onto a portable device, and when that device enters a car, it will send the appropriate configuration information.

Aside from the basic seat positioning information, the patent filing goes further and describes an embodiment that can adjust components in a car based on angle measurements, driver positioning, and other metrics. Driving the advanced configuration is "environment-translation software" that would run on a user's device, adjusting options based on measurements taken by the car. Such a system would be useful in the case of car rentals, or new car purchases, the application notes.

Apple's "Automatic configuration of self-configurable environments" filing, originally applied for in 2012 and made public on Thursday, August 1, details how with nothing more than a device such as an iPhone, all of this -- and a lot more -- could become a reality.

A number of modern cars have a memory setting so that one, two or even a family of drivers can save their seat and mirror position settings, and while that's great, those preferences can't be carried over to other vehicles easily. OK, with the 2013 range of BMWs, a driver can export his or her settings to a USB thumb drive and then connect it to another BMW. But unless you only ever drive or rent 2013 BMWs it is of extremely limited use.

The features described in Apple's concept, first discovered by Appleinsider, could take this one stage further by being able to communicate with the car in question to take measurements within the cabin in order to calculate the optimum position of things such as wing mirrors -- after all each car is different in the sense that windshields, rear and side windows are different: shapes, sizes and heights and overtaking mirrors are sometimes mounted forward of the front doors, and sometimes are part of the doors.

In other embodiments, house or hotel climate controls, television, lighting and other home automation settings are briefly covered. Though sparse on details, it can be imagined that a portable device would be able to control an entertainment system, air conditioning, and other connected appliances.

While Apple's invention would rely heavily on the cooperation of third-party manufacturers to build out the robust ecosystem required to facilitate such a system, the benefits to the user would be substantial. The company is already rolling out a type of configuration method in iOS in the Car, though it has already seen pushback from car manufacturers hesitant to implement the solution in their infotainment systems. 

Though focused on the car -- because of the number of motorized, electronic customizable elements already found in the cabin -- the filing also covers smart living environments and how a device could transfer home settings -- such as lights, air conditioning and preferred TV channels -- to a hotel room.

Vespa VX launches on Thursday costing 72000.

Italian auto manufacturer Piaggio launched the scooter Vespa VX on Thursday in New Delhi. The Vespa VX is the most expensive scooter, costing Rs. 71,380(ex-showroom).The Vespa VX has a 125 cc engine developed by Piaggio  only to suit the Indian customer. They also claim that the scooter can give a mileage of more than 60KMPH. “After the success of the first phase in Vespa launch with a single model just over a year ago, Piaggio is now moving into the second phase for the expansion of the product range,” said Piaggio Vehicles, India Chairman and Managing Director Ravi Chopra.The company had so far sold 52,000 units of Vespa LX since its launch last year, he added.  Piaggo vehicles are an Italian company popular for their Moto Guzzi and Aprilia range of superbikes.The scooter was launched in the presence of actor Siddharth Malhotra and Femina Miss India.The VX also sports a 200mm front disc brake, a new speedometer and MRF Zapper tubeless tyres. The handle bars of the new Vespa have been raised for better grip and comfort. The new models also get an optional beige seat to add to the Vespa’s style and a larger grab rail. Speaking on the occasion, Ravi Chopra, Chairman and managing Director, Piaggio Vehicles (India) said, “Piaggio is delighted to present the Vespa VX to cater to a surging demand amongst the discerning Indian consumer. We hope to further strengthen the premium segment with the Vespa VX, offering the Indian youth that lifestyle stature they wish to be associated with. The new features not only offer a better riding experience, it brings the aspirational Indian a step closer to the Vespa universe.” The safer and chicer Vespa VX is now on sale at a price of Rs 71,380 (ex-showroom Delhi) which is nearly Rs 11, 000 over the price tag of the base variant Vespa LX. Although the difference in price may sound steep, the VX variant with the added features is definitely worth the extra sum. When asked if the company is planning to further expand the scooter range in the country, he said, "There can be another product launch by the end of this year. We want to have different products for different consumer needs."He added that the company would like to cater to the premium scooter segment and was not planning to venture into the commuter segment."We are looking to create a premium luxury segment (in scooters) which is non-existent at the moment," Mr Chopra said.

Audi Q3 Sport

Audi, has adopted a rather clever strategy to rival the other Germans’ offerings. Instead of joining the fight with its A3 Sportback, Audi is launching a ‘low-cost’ variant of its Q3, which will be priced along the lines of the aforementioned hatchbacks from Mercedes and BMW. Audi’s strategy hinges around the fact that the Q3, being an SUV, is bigger and offers better perceived value than the ‘smaller’ hatchbacks from Merc and BMW. Also, the preference of an SUV or SUV-like body style amongst Indian consumers further works in Audi’s favour. The base Q3 sheds about Rs. 3.5 lakh off its list price by stripping the car of the quattro all-wheel drive system as well as the DSG gearbox. This variant, called the Q3 Sport, will have its front wheels driven through a six-speed manual gearbox and the 2.0 TDI engine comes in a lower state of tune producing 140bhp (like on the A4) instead of the 177bhp the standard Q3 2.0 TDI makes. Also missing on the car will be Audi's trademark daytime running LED lamps.That being said, Audi has left in the meat and potatoes by fitting the Q3 Sport with all the trappings a consumer expects from a luxury car. Features such as leather seats, cruise control, voice dialog system, climate control, MMI with Bluetooth connectivity and 18-inch alloy wheels amongst others, find their way on this budget variant.  With most of the essential equipment list left intact on Audi’s ‘budget’ baby SUV, the carmaker might just have another winner on its hands. Over the past few weeks, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have been in the limelight for introducing Indian consumers to luxurious, high-end hatchbacks. While Mercedes has the first-mover advantage with the A-class, BMW is expected to launch its 1-series hatchback by September this year. Audi India will launch a locally assembled entry-level Sport variant of the Q3 crossover. The variant will be assembled in India as CKD (Completely Knocked Down) at the brand's assembly facility in Aurangabad, Maharashtra. The new entry-level version is expected to be available at the Audi dealerships by next month.The entry-level version of the Q3 crossover will use the same 2-litre TDI turbo diesel engine of the CBU model, but in a lower state of tune. The oil burner will pump out 140bhp and 320Nm of torque as compared to 174bhp and 380Nm produced by the standard spec variant. The power will also be transmitted via a 6-speed manual gearbox as compared to the more common 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission found on many of its siblings. The Q3 Sport will also give up the all-wheel drive Quattro system for a front-wheel-drive layout. The entry level Q3 is expected to be priced at around Rs 25 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) thanks to the toned down feature list and the CKD assembly.  At this price, the Q3 Sport will be least priced Audi car to be sold in India. Considering the price point and the feature list the Q3 Sport is expected to give the Merccedes-Benz B-Class and the BMW X1 a run for their money.

Mercedes-Benz E-class sedans in India

German luxury car maker Mercedes Benz, on Tuesday, launched its new E-Class sedan in the country, within six months of its global launch.The new E-Class, which comes with 2,000 new parts and components, will be available in petrol and diesel options. While the 200 CGI (petrol) will be priced at Rs.41.5 lakh, the E 250 CDI Avantgarde (Diesel) will be available for Rs.44.48 lakh.The company is also offering a special launch edition of the new E-Class at Rs.49.9 lakh. E-Class has been the company’s flagship model and with the launch of the new model, the company expects sales to grow further.Globally, 11 million units have been sold across five generations of the E-Class and in India about 23,000 units already on the roads since it was launched here in 1995While Mr. Kern did not comment on the exact numbers expected from the new E-Class, he said Mercedes-Benz India had been able to grow total sales by 5.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2013 to over 2,000 units.Overall, the company was targeting a double-digit growth in sales this year from a total of 7,138 units sold last year, he added.Stating that India was an important market for the company, Mercedes-Benz said it was also looking at reducing the time gap between global showcase of a new model and its launch in India.There is nothing quite subtle about the design evolution of the new Mercedez benZ-Class, and this becomes evident right up front. The aggressively styled front bumper, a softer nose and that split headlamp design (now dotted with daytime running LED lamps), adds further flair to this mainstream luxury sedan. Available in three variants, the new E-Class sports a starting price of Rs 41.5 lakh for the E200 CGI petrol variant, Rs 44.48 lakh for the E250 CDI and Rs 49.9 lakh for a special launch edition.
What’s New
For the first time E-Class buyers can opt for a grille with the Central Star design. At the rear, the LED tail lights with fibre optics integration are a significant improvement from the earlier version. The interiors have been further refined. Nappa leather upholstery, a trapezoid-shaped high-gloss information display as part of its re-designed centre console, a panoramic sunroof and even a new multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles has made the revised E-Class cabin one to envy even amidst its core competitors.Overall safety standards have been raised a fair bit on the newer E-Class model, offering a combination of eight airbags, brake assist system, standard pre-safe technologies, an active bonnet mechanism, acceleration skid control (ASR) and electronic stability program. The active parking assist feature however is a significant new addition to the E-Class in 2013, and this will certainly improve the overall convenience factor, especially within city limits.
All The Same
What does remain largely untouched on the new E is the standard 2.2 litre 4 cylinder diesel engine producing 204PS @4,200 rpm and 500Nm torque @1,600-1,800 rpm. A top speed of 242 km/h (acclaimed) and 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds means its 1,800 kg kerb weight isn't exactly slowing it down.
Market Wise
The launch of the Mercedes-Benz E200 CGI model at a price of Rs 41.5 lakh and E250 CDI Rs 44.48 lakh should help the German car maker further improve its domestic sales and in doing so perhaps even provide the necessary boost for it to retain the No 1 spot in India's burgeoning luxury car space.Mercedes-Benz said it expects India to be among its top 10 global markets by 2020, as it continues to bring latest models and spread sales network in the country. "Today the Indian market is not in the top 10 global markets in terms of volumes for Mercedes, but we believe in the potential of the market. Our expectation is that it will be in the top 10 by 2020," Mercedes-Benz India managing director and CEO Eberhard Kern said. Of the total, the share of the luxury segment will be 4 per cent by 2020, as compared to 1.2 per cent last year, he added. "So the potential is huge in India and we are preparing ourselves for the future, although 2013 will not be a good year for the auto sector here," Kern said. Mercedes-Benz' E-Class lineup combines all of the virtues typically associated with the three-pointed star brand - luxury, performance and cutting-edge technology - in an appealing midsize package. Notable in the past for its understated visual presence, the E-Class was recently updated with sleeker styling, impressive new safety systems and more.Along with the sedan discussed herein, the E-Class is available in wagon, cupe and convertible bodystyles.Hybrid E400 and  High performance E63 derivatives are also offered, and an ultra-efficient four-cylinder turbodiesel will be added to the model range in the coming months.Top of FormBottom of FormWhile it continues to feature a formal roofline and a traditional three-box sedan shape, the E-Class has been updated with a number of stylistic revisions that give it a more-eye catching appearance than before. In place of the quad headlights that have adorned every E-Class since the W210, the facelifted model sports simplified single-piece units with a more streamlined look. The vintage-inspired but busy "pontoon" rear fenders have also been axed in the name of simplicity.Two different front-end treatments are available - the old-school Luxury model wears an elegant three-slat grille with a small Mercedes emblem protruding from the hood, while the Sport variant receives a more aggressive two-slat unit with an oversized badge. Sport models also use an AMG-designed body kit and sit on a stiffened and lowered suspension.Inside, things are as plush and refined as ever, with generous amounts of wood and chrome trim creating a decadent environment. Notable new touches include a revised steering wheel, a classy, Art Deco-inspired clock and a reworked center stack with more intuitive controls. Mercedes' COMAND infotainment system remains; controlled either by voice commands, a central knob or steering wheel-mounted buttons, it integrates the sedan's audio, navigation and Bluetooth-based connectivity functions into a single unit - a seven-inch display screen mounted on the dashboard.An optional mbrace system adds a host of cloud-based goodies, including a concierge service, location-based traffic and weather updates, stolen vehicle location assistance, automatic collision notification and more. Available apps add internet browsing, Google local search with street view, Yelp reviews, Facebook access and news reports. Owners can even use an mbrance smartphone app to remotely lock, unlock or locate their E-Class.A wide variety of optional extras can be spec'd to enhance the E-Class experience, including premium Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a 14-speaker Harman/kardon surround sound system and a rear seat video entertainment system.
Powertrains and Handling
The standard E-Class sedan can be had in E350 or E550 forms.The entry-level E350 utilizes a direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 produces 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, while the E550 packs a twin-turbocharged 4.7-liter V8 with 402 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque.Both engines hook up to a smooth-shifting seven-speed automatic transmission. The E350 comes with rear-wheel-drive as standard with Mercedes' 4MATIC all-wheel-drive available as an option; all E550s are fitted with AWD.Fuel economy is rated at 21 city/30 highway mpg for the E350, 21 city/29 highway for the E350 4MATIC and 17 city/26 highway mpg for the E550.As one would expect, Luxury models feature comfort-focused suspension tuning, while a tauter setup is used for the Sport. Updates to both result in a slightly firmer ride with better body control, although the E-Class remains more of a coddling cruiser than a sport sedan.
Standard and Optional Features
Notable standard features include a power sunroof, real wood trim, MB Tex leatherette upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control 14-way power adjustable front seats and a COMMAND infotainment system with a 7-inch display screen.There is no lack of optional features available on the E-Class for those seeking an extra touch of luxury.The Premium One Package nets a navigation system with a 10 GB music register, a harmon/kardon surround-sound audio system, heated and ventilated front seats, an iPod/MP3 media interface, a power rear sunshade, a rear-view Camera, SIRIUS satellite radio with real-time traffic service, enhanced voice control, ZAGAT Survey restaurant guide and Gracenote media database.The Lighting Package brings full-LED headlamps with Active Curve Illimination, Adaptive Highbeam Assist, LED front turn indicators, a headlamp washing system and corner-illuminating front lamps.The Sport Styling Package adds an aggressive body kit, a two-bar grille, a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch twin five-spoke alloy wheels and sport interior trim.Safety-focused kit includes the Lane Tracking Package, which includes Blind Spot Assist and Lane Keeping Assist, and the Driver Assistance Package, which includes Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, an active cruise control system with steering assist and Pre-Safe with Cross-Traffic Assist. For more info on these safety systems, scroll down to the "Occupant Safety" section.Highlights from the stand-alone options list include mbrace, a rear entertainment system with dual headrest-mounted LCD screens, a electronic trunk closer, a proximity key, a household-type 115V power outlet, an active multicontour driver's seat, a panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery and premium Nappa leather upholstery.
Occupant Safety
Mercedes-Benz has long been known for its safety features, and the E-Class will only add to that reputation. In addition to traction and stability control systems, the car boasts nine supplemental restraints including two-stage front air bags, a knee air bag for the driver and pelvic air bags which work together with full-length side curtain and front side air bags (rear side units are optional) to provide extra protection for front occupants in dangerous side-impact collisions.Also standard is an "ATTENTION ASSIST" system that can alert the driver to the first signs of drowsiness, a factor that causes more than 100,000 accidents a year in the U.S.A steering sensor is coupled to smart software that uses 70 parameters to establish a unique driver profile during the first 20 minutes of driving. Between 50 and 112 mph, the system identifies the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they begin to get drowsy and triggers an audible warning and a "Time for a Rest?" message with a coffee cup icon in the instrument cluster.New for the latest model year is Collision Prevention Assist, which uses radar to determine whether the E-Class is in danger of colliding with a vehicle or object up ahead. Active at speeds above 20 mph, it automatically prepares the brakes to apply the ideal leveling of stopping power once the driver hits the pedal.Optional safety gear includes Active Lane Keeping Assist, a new technology that warns the driver if it detects that the E-Class is drifting into an adjacent lane and can apply steering inputs to remain on the proper course. Also available is Active Blind Spot Assist, which uses radar to detect if a vehicle is in the blind-spot area. It provides driver alerts and can also steer the car out of harm's way if the driver accidentally starts to merge into a vehicle.Pre-Safe Brake detects impending collisions and can automatically apply 100 percent of the E-Class' braking force to avoid or mitigate the severity of the crash. It also includes Cross-Traffic Assist, which can detect potential collisions with vehicles approaching from either side of an intersection. Both are part of the Distronic Plus with Steering assist system, an active cruise control setup that can maintain a set distance from the car ahead and also keep the vehicle centered on straight roads or in gentle curves.
Key Competitors
Competing against the E-Class for the checkbooks of mid-size luxury sedan buyers are the MBW 5series, Audi A6, Jaguar Xs, Lexus Gs 350 and the Infinity M37 and M6

From @leftlanenews

Tata Nano drives into Guinness book of World records

                                       Indian car vendor , Tata Motors' Nano, the worlds cheapest car entered the Guinness book of World records for driving on  a longest journey covering the entire country. The expedition began on March 21 and ended on March 30, a span of 10 days covering 10,218 kms in Tata Nano from Kanyakumari in southern Tamil Nadu to circumnavigate the country and return to Bangalore. The car entered the book of records after breaking the previous record of 8046km. The car was piloted by Srikarunya Subrahmanyam and his team. Tata nano has put India on the world motoring map by demonstrating its robustness reliability and frugal engineering. India's F1 racing driver, Narain Karthikeyan felicitated the team for their achievement

Nissan ZEOD an electric race car :P

                           

Japanese multinational car makers, Nissan has unveiled its new electric race car. Dubbed as ZEOD which stands for Zero Emission On Demand Race Car sets to compete at Le Mans next year. This car features very advanced technology. The new electric car will possess delta wing styled construction and according to Nissan, ZEOD can reach a top speed of over 300 km/h. It is to compete some of the fastest gas powered cars at the Le Mans. The car is expected o surprise everyone and change the way electric cars were looked upon for racing. No specific technical details of ZEOD have been released but the japan based company added that it will use lithium batteries.

Mercedes B class diesel variant to cost less than the petrol one !

                             
                              It is expected that with these features, the diesel variant will be 70k-90k cheaper
  Mercedes India, the Indian subsidiary of the famed German premium car maker would soon launch the diesel variant of its B class in the Indian market. The B class diesel would be powered by the same 2.2 litre 4 cylinder diesel engine that powers the recently launched Mercedes A class. It may be noted that the B class came to US only with a petrol variant last year. Now it has emerged that the diesel variant of the B class could be priced lower than the petrol variant. It also has been covered that the car will come with the same motor that is found in the A class and will have a max power output of 107.3bph@3200rpm and a peak torque figure of 25.5kgm@ 1400-2800rpm. The engine will come mated to a 7speed dual clutch that will send power to the front wheels of the car

Ford's ECO-Sport SUV releasing tommorow @6.2 lakh

                             

   Ford's Fiesta based compact SUV 'Eco-sport' . the second most important car launch of India after Honda Amaze is expected to come with a cracker of a starting price of  inr 6.2L and 7.2L (diesel) The car will be launched tomorrow with a 1.5 litre petrol variant and a 1.5 itre diesel variant later and another premium petrol variant sporting the 1 liter turbocharged ecoboost engine. With the aggressive pricing , the EcoSport's target would be customers f entry sedans such as maruti swift dzire and the honda amaze and not the renault duster  as was earlier thought. Ford would also try not to repeat the same mistakes about pricing. The EcoSport will aim for a sweet spot between premium hatchbacks or sedan and SUvs

The return of Nissan DATSUN

Nissan has set yet another benchmark for its budget brand Datsun, where the company has recently announced " A Datsun World Premiere" on 15th July. Targeting the emerging markets of India South Africa Russia and Indonesia. Datsun has started sweating over its initial 2 rollouts I2 and K2 which are being developed at Renault-Nissan's Chennai based tech centre. Mr. Carlos Goshn, CEO of Renault-Nissan Alliance, shall be visiting India in the coming days to preside over the official launch of the brand in the country. It is expected that K2 will be Datsun's 1st small car to kiss Indian roads on 15th July, while its commercial debut is anticipated in the next year's Auto exop. The car is based on Nissan's V-platform , which even supports the likes of Sunny, Micra and Note. The small car will be placed below its new low cost Micra which is to be launched within a few days. Words float that K2 shall be propelled by a Petrol engine and Nissan is not pushing the diesel variant up in line anytime soon. Its close rivals would be Maruti Alto , Eon , Hyundai i10 Maruti WagonR and Chevrolet Beat and Honda Brio

Worlds FIRST flying car up for sale

                              The worlds first flying car which was developed by Moulton Taylor in the 1940s has been priced at nearly at 1M$ by the high flying enthusiasts who are into a bidding war. The 1st ever aerocar could not just fly but also vroom on the roads. It has fold-able wings that can clip itself in to adjust to 'street view'. The collectors are battling for for the startling piece of engineering history which can still fly-high at 110mph. This 21 feet aerocar is 2 place aircraft with side-by-side seating, 4 wheels , 30ft wingspan and a single lycoming 0-320 engine. The aerocar was set to take the world by storm but after almost 25 years it couldnt strike a deal. Along with the prototype only 4 others were built and now collectors are battling to own this invention.
                               It was the peak of the 20th century inventions and was close to take the world's imagination by storm. There really was nothing like it at the time and the design attracted so much attention. It was on the front page of TVs , Newspapers , Journals and magazines. Its popularity was unprecedented. Lack of business investment led to the interest fizzling away . To this date there is nothing like it