Mobility Digest » Automotive

Mobility Digest Reviews: Sony DSXS300BTX

Danny Lam — Mon, 02 May 2011 20:00:13 +0000

My car stereo recently began malfunctioning so I figured why not upgrade to something more to my taste. With my Windows Phone, I take advantage of ZunePass a great deal so I was looking for a Bluetooth capable device as I don’t care much for wires. Fast-forward through all my research and browsing, I came across the Sony DSX300BTX. I liked this model as it offered Bluetooth integration with a dot-matrix display. I’m not a huge audiophile. As long as music doesn’t sound like garbage I’m a happy camper. As such, I am not going to compare this with other car stereo units or rate it on sound quality. I don’t have the knowledge base to give you an accurate comparison anyway. What I will endeavor to do is describe my personal experience with this unit as a person looking to find more ways to connect my mobile devices in an efficient and practical way.

The Sony DSXS300BTX is one of the few car stereo units that omits the CD/DVD slot. Instead, it offers a convenient place to store your music player. This slot is meant for mp3 players but works just as well with usb flash drives and portable 2.5” hard drives. I don’t use CDs or DVDs much for music anymore and I find dragging and dropping files into a flash drive much more convenient than burning a cd so I had no problem with the switch. However if you enjoy optical media, there is the option to attach a cd changer. The ability to easily add a hard drive in there was also very tempting. It took me awhile to get it to read my flash drive though. Sony neglected to specify which filesystems were supported and the head unit does not recognize the NTSF file system. It does however support both FAT and FAT32(discovered through trial and error). This limitation shouldn’t be a problem for anyone though, as FAT32 allows for up to 8TB hard drives and files up to 4GB. Since this device doesn’t support video playback, there should be no reason why you need to store a 4GB file. Once you connect your USB device, the device is automatically recognized and it will start scanning for music(usually takes a second or 2). Once found, playback will begin. You can browse through your songs either via your folder hierarchy, artist, album, or song. Having 2 usb ports allows me to keep a hard drive stored inside the unit and still be able to plug any last minute music additions to the external usb port on the front. I also found that the front usb port does a great job of charging my phone without me needing to get adapters for my cigarette lighter. I should note that the front usb port doesn’t provide the full 1mA current required to charge my Dell Venue Pro from a dead battery(most car usb chargers don’t) but it does provide enough current to charge most devices.

Now to my favorite part of the DSXS300BTX, Bluetooth integration. The main reason for my buying this stereo was the Bluetooth connectivity. Setting up the Bluetooth was super simple. Just turn it on and find it with my phone. It auto pairs in a few seconds and everything is good to go. Both the audio and headset profiles are connected(separately) automatically. Each time I start the car, it automatically pairs with my phone and I can begin playback without ever taking my phone out of my pocket. Signal strength and battery life are indicated with icons on the screen. I have used other Bluetooth adapters before and a great deal suffered from interference which resulting in the music cutting out intermittently. I’m glad to report that in the 2 weeks I’ve used this stereo, I have yet to experience any interference while using Bluetooth.

The stereo supports the downloading of contacts to the unit. I was unable to send the contacts through my Windows Phone(it’s not currently supported), but then magically they were somehow downloaded on their own. But once I disconnected the phone and reconnected the contact list was gone. This might be a problem for some but I did not mind. The reason being, I don’t want to navigate through my contact list on the stereo while driving anyway. A simple push of the center knob will turn on the speech recognition function and I can make calls through there. Push the center knob again to hang up the call. I didn’t have any problems makes calls in this manner and since the contact dialing can be handled through the phone, it didn’t need to sync contacts. With all these features I found no reason why I would ever need to see or touch my phone at all. In fact, I rarely take my phone out of my pocket, the only exception being when I’m using GPS to get directions.

While I give high praises to this unit, it isn’t without faults. Song information is not displayed when playing back music through Bluetooth. In addition, you cannot toggle random and repeat modes through the stereo. Callers also said my voice sounded distant, but clear when using the built-in mic, so you might have to speak up. There is an optional mic accessory if you intend on doing a lot of hands free calling.

Having only a Windows Phone, I cannot attest to how the experience will be with other platforms, but I suspect it would be similar as Sony employed generic Bluetooth profiles. All in all, I’m more than happy with my DSXS300BTX. It connects me to my media seamlessly, regardless of where it’s located and that’s what I really wanted.

Pros:

2 USB ports (external & internal)
Stereo Bluetooth with Built-in mic
Supports downloading contact lists from your phone
Internal space for storing music players and/or hard drives
Displays phone signal strength & battery life on screen
Scans music from mass storage devices quickly
Allows browsing via folder structure, artist, album, or song title

Cons:

No NTSF Support
Built-in mic doesn’t pick up sound very well
Song titles are not shown for playback over Bluetooth
Cannot engage “random” playback from stereo controls(for Windows Phone devices)

Verizon IndyCar Racing- Keep up to Speed

Doug Smith — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 17:22:09 +0000

If you thought 4G LTE was the fastest thing Verizon offered then you got another thing coming! Check out IndyCar Racer Will Power from Australia who is racing the Verizon Car by Penske Racing! Verizon just released this video ad that features Will and the IndyCar as well as mentioning the IndyCar App that will let check out stats and information from your shiny new Android powered HTC ThunderBolt.

Get details about app, including how to download, and about Verizon’s Android by logging on to mobile.vzw.com/indycar on an Android phone version 1.6 or newer.

Check out the video:

Classic Car Guide App comes to iPhone and iPad

Doug Smith — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 06:32:32 +0000

There is no doubt that the Classic Car Market has been booming since investers have taken advantage of the growth in this market. There a lot of restoration parts available for classic cars so we are seeing a lot more cars hitting the market as completely restored and demanding high prices. But there is also a lot of ins and outs you have to know about investing in a Classic Car that will keep you from getting ripped off. Not all Chevrolet Camaros are the same and you need to know the difference between an RS, SS, Rally Sport, and beloved Z28.

Now you can get all the information you need about making a Classic Car purchase by using Classic Car Guide that was created for the iPhone and iPAd by Chubb Group of Insurance Companies. Even if you are not planning on buying a Classic Car, this is a great app to remember the old cars you used to own and what they would be worth if you still had them, or browse the listings and enjoy some Classic Detroit Muscle Cars.

The app is free and can be found at the App Store.

WARREN, N.J., March 16, 2011 — A new free mobile application can help take the guesswork out of buying classic and collectible cars by searching an extensive database of sales histories and online markets. The Classic Car Guide, created by the Chubb Group of Insurance Companies, provides real-time data about collector vehicle values that can help users make informed purchasing decisions.

Powered by Keith Martin’s Sports Car Market‘s database of more than 100,000 auction entries, the application provides up-to-date and accurate sales information for domestic and foreign collectible cars. Users can search the collector car transaction data by vehicle identification number (VIN), make, model and year to help determine a fair current market price and to obtain insurance quotes. Photos of collector vehicles and 20 years’ worth of reference articles from Sports Car Market are also available through the application. In addition, users can search for collector vehicles currently listed for sale on Craigslist and eBay.

"This one-of-a-kind mobile app will give confidence to car enthusiasts who might be reluctant to bid at a collector car auction because they’re afraid of being taken advantage of," said Jim Fiske, U.S. marketing manager for Chubb Personal Insurance. "Classic Car Guide levels the playing field for those just entering the hobby and allows them to think with their heads, not their hearts, when the car of their dreams is for sale. The application can also help them quickly determine how much it would cost to insure that car."

Two versions of the app are available now through the iTunes App Store: Classic Car Guide for iPad and Classic Car Guide for iPhone. The app will soon be available for Android-based smart phones and the Blackberry, and agents and brokers will be able to download a desktop version.

Ford Mustang Owners Next for SYNC AppLink

Doug Smith — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:12:04 +0000

If you are in line to get a new Mustang and take advantage of all the Motown Muscle in one of the most famous US Built Cars of all time, the Ford Mustang, then not only will you be feeling all the Pony Power the Mustang has to offer, but all the Mobility SYNC® AppLink can bring you as well. I lot of new Ford cars are already sporting SYNC including the Focus. For a full list of Fords vehicle offering with SYNC, head on over to their website for more information:

http://www.ford.com/technology/sync/availability/?brand=flm

Ford Mustang Owners Next for SYNC AppLink and Unmatched Voice Control, Access to Mobile Apps

DEARBORN, Mich., Jan. 5, 2011 /PRNewswire/ —
2012 Ford Mustang owners are next in line for SYNC® AppLink, the industry-first software application that gives SYNC users hands-free voice control of their smartphone apps

Mustang will be the first vehicle with AppLink integrated with Ford’s optional Voice-Activated Navigation System, adding enhanced access

SYNC AppLink for Mustang will first be demonstrated at the Pepcom Digital Experience, held in Las Vegas tonight, the day before the start of the 2011 International CES

Ford will launch SYNC® AppLink next as a factory-installed feature for the 2012 Ford Mustang. AppLink is the free software program that gives SYNC users voice control of apps stored on their smartphone.
Mustang will be the first vehicle that will offer AppLink with the standard SYNC interface, as well as be integrated into the optional Voice-Activated Navigation System, providing the additional convenience of an 8-inch touch screen for control.

"Mustang is an exciting next addition to the AppLink portfolio, giving Ford the ability to offer more of our customers a smarter solution to using apps while in the car," said Doug VanDagens, director of Ford Connected Services. "We continue to move quickly and migrate smart technologies across our vehicle portfolio that deliver solutions customers are demanding."

Just a few weeks ago, Ford went live with AppLink as a download on www.syncmyride.com, available exclusively to 2011 Ford Fiesta owners for popular mobile apps, including Pandora internet radio, Stitcher news radio and OpenBeak.

Adding AppLink compatibility as factory-installed content to the iconic Mustang puts Ford further out front in the race to integrate smartphone apps into the car and shows the company’s commitment to offer advanced in-car connectivity services and features to a widening range of vehicle owners.

Recent studies indicate 46 percent of adult smartphone users have apps on their phones and 36 percent of those admit to using those apps while commuting.

Mustang owners have historically shown a strong desire for connectivity in the car, with nearly 75 percent of Mustang buyers opting for the SYNC system at purchase. And for those who also opt for the Voice-Activated Navigation System, AppLink will integrate app access and control through the system’s 8-inch touch screen.

"Our Voice-Activated Navigation System integration allows us to enrich the AppLink experience even further, giving customers an industry-first combination of voice control and touch-screen access to the apps stored on their mobile phones," said Julius Marchwicki, Ford SYNC product manager.

Codeveloped with Ford, the Clarion Navigation System available on Mustang is loaded with a number of features and functions designed to provide customers a superior level of connectivity and information, including an extensive set of navigation tools as well as up-to-the-minute news about weather, traffic, fuel prices, movie listing and more through Sirius Travel Link™.

Cool infotainment features are also abundant with the Ford Navigation System, including HD Radio™ technology, a digital jukebox hard-drive that can store up to 2,400 songs and easy access and useful screen displays for SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio. And since the Navigation System is factory-installed, it also works seamlessly with SYNC.

The navigation screen menu for SYNC apps first lists available factory-installed system apps such as 911 Assist™, Vehicle Health Report and SYNC Services through Traffic, Directions and Information. Tap the menu subset for Mobile Applications, and the Navigation System touch screen will then list the current SYNC-enabled apps found on the SYNC-paired smartphone that are ready for launch by voice command.

AppLink is currently compatible with Android and BlackBerry devices, and with Apple iPhone coming in early 2011.

Current availability of SYNC-enabled apps:

Pandora
Apple iPhone: Coming early 2011
Android: Available now (V1.5.3 or higher)
BlackBerry: Available now (Version 1.1.6 or higher)
Stitcher
Apple iPhone: Coming early 2011
Android: Coming early 2011
BlackBerry: Late availability
OpenBeak
BlackBerry: Available now (Version 1.4 or higher)

Additional SYNC-enabled apps, smartphone integrations and new model SYNC-equipped vehicles ready for AppLink are coming soon, said Marchwicki.

About Ford Motor Company
Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F), a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 163,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company’s automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford’s products, please visit www.ford.com.
SOURCE Ford Motor Company

Pocket Mechanic Prototype App Shown For WP7

Doug Smith — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 16:28:08 +0000

As many of you know, all of us here at Mobility Digest have day jobs. We are only stealthy bloggers by day and juggle a lot of “real” work around our blogging. It just so happens that the job I do during the day has to do with the High Performance Automotive Industry, and more specifically engine related components. One of the component manufacturers I work with actually makes Performance Ignitions Systems for several different types of racing. So when I saw this prototype app from red-badger.com I immediately got excited about the prospect of using this app as a selling and training aid in the field as well as the many trade shows I attend. Even though the ignition system demonstrated is VW Bug from 1960, not something one would think of in terms of performance (Air cooled motor), it does show of the XNA developed app that will allow you 6 degrees of view ( forward/backward, up/down, left/right ). The 3D elements of this app would be super useful highlighting the different components that make up an assembly like a distributor in an ignition system. As I say, this is still just a prototype from red-badger.com but I think this could have a big impact in many industries and not just Automotive. Check out the video:

via:1800pocketpc.com

Give Yourself a Jump Start with Proporta

Doug Smith — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 07:53:31 +0000

This is not really Mobility related, but it does charge via USB so I thought I would post this up for our friends at Proporta. They have always been really good to the Mobile community so a little write up about their new Jump Start hopefully won’t upset too many people.

If you’ve ever been caught out by a flat car battery, you’ll know what a nightmare it can be finding a kindly passer by with a pair of jump leads handy. But now, thanks to Proporta, you need never worry again, as long as you’ve remembered to pack the USB TurboCharger (Auto Edition) in your glove box.

This ridiculously handy little gadget packs enough punch to jump start your battery, without needing another car, or any help. Comes complete with attachments and leads for all types of car, charges from any USB port, and holds enough charge for several jump starts. It’ll even get an HGV going if you need it to, and all this from something that fits in the palm of your hand.
Put simply, this is one of the most useful things you could ever pack in your car, and an ingenious and impressive little gizmo to boot. All round, it’s another unbeatable accessory from the clever people at Proporta.

Description Small enough to fit in your glove box, and powerful enough to get your car moving again, this is a vital piece of kit for any driver. An LED display shows the level of charge, and the device can be recharged from any USB outlet. It packs enough punch for three jump starts, comes with different adaptors for all types of cars, and can even get an HGV going. Never get caught out again.

Key Features

Jump start anytime, anywhere, without any need for jump leads or another car.
Up to three jump starts without needing to be recharged.
Will jump start HGV and any large vehicle once per charge.
LED display shows level of charge.
Comes complete with all leads and attachments for every type of car.
Small, compact and lightweight – will fit in glove box or tool kit.

The USB TurboCharger (Auto Edition) costs $61.95 and you can get more information or purchase it from Proporta’s website or CLICK HERE

You + Cellphone + Driving = Ticket

Aileen Gonzales — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:36:47 +0000

When it doubt, use LEGO’s as visual aids, because let’s face it.. Who doesn’t LOVE legos?

Tomorrow, October 26^th, Ontario will be joining Quebec, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland & Labrador in the ban against cellphone use while driving. According to the Toronto Star, drivers can be fined up to $500 for chatting, dialing, texting or e-mailing on hand-held devices.

A while ago, I saw this really graphic PSA (public service announcement) targeted at people who text while driving, but it sort of stems around the idea of using your phone in any matter while driving. I should warn you, this video is not for the faint at heart.. click here to watch it.

In the US, currently 6 states have handheld cell phone bans for all drivers, which include California, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Oregon and Washington. Other states have cellphone bans dependent on the type of driver (novice drivers and bus drivers), as well as laws regarding text messaging. Click here for a list of these laws per state.

We’re all adults, so I don’t need to tell you about the dangers of using your phone while driving BUT, insert shameless plug here, there are tons of alternative options as most cell phones now are equipped with Bluetooth technology and if for some reason you live like a cave man and you don’t have a Bluetooth enabled phone – kidding.. then you can always use a car mount. You can visit the Fuze Mobility Store and they have tons of goodies for you to choose from here.

The gist, be safe out there.. Because unlike LEGOS, we can’t be put back together so easily.

Car Problems? Let Your WinMo Device Diagnose it!

Doug Smith — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 17:22:34 +0000

Where was this last week when I needed it! I have a Toyota Tundra Truck and it was flashing an 00304 & 00156 code that I had no idea what it was. I knew it was running really bad though. So I took it down to my local AutoZone because they will diagnose engine codes for free and it turned out that it was the number 4 cylinder which was not “firing”. What I could have done instead was just hook up the OBDKey to my Diagnostic port on my Truck and just connect it via Bluetooth to any of my Windows Mobile Devices and I would have been told what the codes were sitting right in my driveway! This would have saved me from having to drive all the way into town with my truck that was firing on 7 out of 8 cylinders! Check out this video and see how it works:

The OBDKey is for all OBD-II / EOBD compliant vehicles and will run about £100 ($132 USD). The OBDKey comes with the software and diagnostic device you need to figure out what is wrong with your car and will also monitor other engine statistics as well. For more information, head on over to OBDKey

(via: wmpoweruser.com)