2015 Hyundai Sonata is the first car with Android Auto
It took more than a year, but cars running Android Auto are finally hitting the road and Hyundai has the honor of being first.
Hyundai announced today that it’s the first automaker to ship Android Wear on production vehicles, starting with the 2015 model of the Sonata with Navigation. Current owners of the popular midsize car can get a free upgrade to Android Wear by visiting a Hyundai dealership or, starting “later this summer,” by downloading Android Wear, copying it to an USB stick, and plugging it into the Sonata’s USB port. Note that you will need to have the compatible Navigation system in your car (Sonata Sport, Eco, Limited, Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T models)
To get started with Android Wear, owners will need to connect their Android phone to the car via a microUSB cable. This will prompt the downloading of the corresponding companion app form Google Play.
Check out a demonstration of Hyundai’s Android Auto system from CES 2015.
Hyundai has embraced Android and mobile tech, offering features like Blue Link or a dedicated Android Wear app that can start Hyundai vehicles remotely. But the Korean manufacturer is just one of many carmakers adopting Android Auto starting this year. These include Audi, Volvo, GM, Ford and many others. Aftermarket head units are also available from Pioneer and other companies.
At Google I/O on Thursday, Google will likely announce some updates to Android Auto. One rumor suggests Google is going to bring more functionality directly to cars, as opposed to the current model, which sees the phone providing most functions.
Hyundai Is The First Automaker To Launch Android AutoAll-New Integration Available on Best-Selling Sonata
– First car company to launch Android Auto on production vehicles, starting with the 2015 Sonata with Navigation
– Free Android Auto software update available for current owners of 2015 Sonatas with Navigation
– Android Auto reduces driver distraction by integrating the driver’s smartphone with the vehicle’s screen and controls
FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., May 26, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Hyundai becomes the first car company to launch Android Auto™ on production vehicles. Android Auto is premiering on the 2015 Sonata with Navigation at dealerships nationwide, and will later become available on other Hyundai models.
“Android Auto aligns with Hyundai’s core interior design principles of safety, intuitiveness and simplicity,” said Dave Zuchowski, president and CEO, Hyundai Motor America. “We launched this highly anticipated feature on our best-selling Sonata, adding to our promise of value. With the launch of Android Auto, we provide more owners with the experience of cutting-edge technology.”
Android Auto not only brings a high technology experience to Hyundai owners, but also improves safety. For example, at any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010.1 Android Auto helps keep drivers’ eyes and attention on the road by integrating the advanced driving-related functions of the user’s smartphone with the familiar centralized screen, physical controls and microphone of their car. Furthermore, the smartphone’s screen becomes “locked,” so drivers are not tempted to look down and interact with their phones directly while Android Auto is in use.
AVAILABILITY FOR EXISTING OWNERS
Owners of existing 2015 Sonata with Navigation can get the Android Auto software update free of charge at Hyundai dealers starting today. Later this summer, owners can visit www.hyundaiusa.com/myhyundai and download the Android Auto software onto a USB memory drive. Owners will need a MyHyundai account to start the Android Auto download. A MyHyundai account requires name, address and a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Once the USB with the Android Auto software is inserted into their Sonata’s USB port, it will automatically update the vehicle’s Navigation system to make it Android Auto compatible. The Android Auto compatible Navigation system with an eight-inch touchscreen display is available on the Sonata Sport, Eco, Limited, Sport 2.0T and Limited 2.0T models.
ANDROID AUTO
Owners will need the Android 5.0 “Lollipop” operating system or later, and the Android Auto companion app on their compatible phone to integrate Android Auto into Sonata’s screen and controls. A micro USB cable is required to connect the phone to the car’s USB port.The first time an owner plugs his or her phone into their parked Sonata, the phone will prompt the download of the Android Auto companion app from the Google Play. Users of Android Auto will instantly recognize familiar Android phone applications, such as Google Maps, Google Now, messaging, phone calling and Google Play Music upon connecting their Android phone to their Hyundai vehicle. These applications can be controlled by voice, steering wheel controls and touchscreen. Android Auto also will offer many popular third-party audio apps that owners have on their phones, including iHeartRadio, Spotify, TuneIn, NPR, Stitcher, Skype, TextMe and many more. Owners can find out up-to-date information about phone compatibility at https://support.google.com/androidauto.
Advantages of Android Auto
- The Google Now card-based experience provides suggested locations and travel times based on the user’s searches, calendar entries and home and office locations, as well as weather information and “now playing” information for music streamed via the phone
- App software (navigation, streaming music, etc.) is automatically updated because the apps live on the phone
- Natural voice recognition with Google voice actions
- Owners can easily bring their personal reminders, suggested destinations, calendar appointments and music preferences with them when they get in their car
- Android Auto automatically pairs with the Sonata for phone calls through Bluetooth when connected for the first time via USB
- Android Auto has familiar interfaces that are easy to use and have almost no learning curve
2015 HYUNDAI SONATA
The all-new seventh-generation 2015 Sonata offers a more refined look through a new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language, stiffer body structure, better ride quality, reduced noise, vibration and harshness, and advanced safety and convenience features. Sonata truly democratizes the premium design and convenient technology of the Genesis sedan for the mid-size class. The new 2015 Hyundai Sonata is built at the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama plant in Montgomery, Ala.
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 830 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Blue Link Connected Care provides owners of Hyundai models equipped with the Blue Link telematics system with proactive safety and car care services complimentary for one year with enrollment. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.
Twitter finally brings Periscope to the Google Play Store
After months of being an iOS exclusive, Twitter has finally brought its streaming application Periscope to the Google Play Store. The app lets you broadcast live streams directly to your Twitter account, notifying your followers when your broadcast begins. The Android version is very similar to its iOS counterpart, but with a few added features. More detailed notification settings are present on the Android version, as well as a ‘Return to Broadcasts’ feature that easily lets you return to the broadcast you were currently viewing if it gets interrupted by a phone call or text.
Overall, the app is pretty intuitive and basic. With the app, you can both stream and watch live video, replay feeds, chat with other viewers, create private streams, and much more. In the short time I’ve been using it I’ve experienced a ton of bugs and crashes, so you might want to keep that in mind before you download.
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Over a week ago, Periscope’s rival streaming app Meerkat came to the Google Play Store, so we knew Periscope’s Android launch wasn’t too far off. Meerkat has some nice features, but now that Twitter’s own streaming app is on Android, we’re not sure how long Meerkat will be around. In any case, Periscope is now available for all devices running Android 4.4 KitKat and above. Be sure to head to the download link below if you’re interested.
T-Mobile will offer the LG G4 on June 3
The smartphone will be available for purchase online starting May 27
T-Mobile has confirmed availability details for its version of the LG G4 smartphone. According to the wireless provider, the flagship device will be sold in store and online on June 3 with a full retail price of $599.76. The handset will break down to $24.99 per month over 24 months.
If interested in picking up the LG G4, customers can place an order for the phone beginning tomorrow, May 27. According to T-Mobile, the phone could arrive in hand before the June 3 launch.
As part of a promotion, T-Mobile will toss in a 128GB microSD memory card at no additional cost. The limited time deal runs through June 21.
T-Mobile will carry both the metallic silver and brown leather back version of the G4. The Un-carrier says it is the only provider to offer the brown leather model.
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The Complete 2015 Learn to Code Bundle, 94% off
Ever feel like you have an unfulfilled creative side that’s being repressed? Perhaps you’ve tried your hand at drawing, sculpting, playing music or cooking but have never moved past the “hobby” phase — yet the urge is still there. You’re reading AndroidGuys so chances are that you’re pretty tech-savvy and interested in the latest developments in mobile operating systems. You may also have a flair for coding and developing. Imagine being able to express your creativity and leverage your technological proclivities to make a bunch of money while doing it. The first step is to learn and we’ve got you covered with The Complete 2015 Learn to Code Bundle.
This bundle, composed of over 74 hours of training and 8 extensive courses, is everything you’ll need to cut your teeth in the world of developing. You’ll learn the ins and outs of crafting applications, building websites and getting involved in an industry where the pay is pretty darn good. You’ll have expert guidance and access to quality instructors whose goal is to help you become the best coder you can be. You’ll be exposed to Pyhton, Node.js, MongoDB, Ruby on Rails, PHP, Heroku and more. A comprehensive course like this would usually run you thousands of dollars but AndroidGuys can unlock their inner developer with this bundle for just $59!
See more at deals.androidguys.com
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Apple Patents Hybrid Keyboard With Touch-Sensitive Mechanical Keys [Mac Blog]
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office today published a patent application filed by Apple in September 2011 (via AppleInsider), detailing a new keyboard that includes inputs for both traditional mechanical keystrokes along with a new touch-sensitive interface laid over each individual key.
The so-called “Fusion keyboard” would be able to detect the traditional swipe and zoom inputs of a MacBook trackpad, simply spread across the touch-sensitive interface of individual keys. The keyboard – noted to be both an integrated or external accessory, meaning the feature could come to both iMac and MacBook – could also allow for a sort of multi-touch input, meaning a user could simultaneously type something with their left hand while using a touch gesture for cursor control, for example, with the other.
Notably, the new keyboard patent also includes two-position mechanical switches that perform certain tasks at different levels of pressure, unlike the single-position design of not only the Mac line but most keyboards used today. The first level of pressure could act as a normal text input, while the second level could generate some alternative command similar to that of a mouse click. Although no indication of increased forceful pressure is described in the new patent, the two-position switches do sound akin to Apple’s new Force Touch technology which debuted on the Apple Watch and is now found on the company’s MacBook trackpad.
Although Apple debuted a new kind of lighter butterfly mechanism keyboard with the new 12-inch Retina MacBook, the patent described today could be aimed at either the beefier line of MacBook Pro and iMac models, or some unannounced update yet to come. Like with every other patent, it’ll be quite a long time before we see any tangible manifestations of today’s patent, if ever, but it’s still an intriguing glimpse at the company’s possible future.
Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man Edition official, launches May 27
After weeks of teasers, Samsung and Marvel today have made the Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man Edition official. The Iron Man-clad smartphone is set to go on sale in Korea tomorrow, May 27.
In the package, you get a vibrant red and gold Iron Man themed Galaxy S6 Edge, packed with 64GB of internal storage. You also get a clear cover and a matching wireless charger in the form of an arc reactor.
Iron Man fans all across the world will want to get their hands on this luxury device. Unfortunately, the device will only be available in Korea on May 27 and Hong Kong some time in June. There’s been no word on a US release or a European launch. That said, if you’re wanting one of these devices, after tomorrow, you’ll have to compete for it on eBay or grab a plane ticket to Asia.
Click here to view the embedded video.
While the Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man Edition looks gorgeous, it isn’t without its disappointments. In Samsung and Marvel’s collaboration, they seem to have forgotten to replace Google Now with J.A.R.V.I.S. Of course, finding an Infinity Stone in this new edition would certainly make up for that. Wouldn’t that throw Thanos for a spin?
Will you be trying to get your hands on this new edition?
source: Samsung
Come comment on this article: Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge Iron Man Edition official, launches May 27
Twitter’s Periscope app pops up on the Play Store
Twitter’s live-streaming video app, Periscope, has been exclusively available on iOS since its release earlier this year, but that is about to change. The app that celebrities, sports stars and content pirates love is about to hit the Google Play Store.
In case you are wondering what exactly this Periscope’ app is, it’s a method for both watching video broadcasts from (hopefully) interesting people as well as creating your very own broadcast from your mobile device. You can log in to the app with your Twitter details if you like, allowing your followers to view your broadcast live. Broadcasts are stored for 24 hours, allowing your followers to view via replay. Visually, the app follows Google’s material Design guidelines.
The Android version has an exclusive perk called ‘return to broadcast feature’, which lets you jump back to the stream you were viewing before you attended to a different task. You can log into the app with your Twitter details if you choose, which gives you the ability to broadcast live to your followers.
Periscope for Android is compatible with devices running Android 4.4 KitKat and above. You can download the app by scanning the QR code below or just clicking on the Play Store link.
Source: Engadget
Come comment on this article: Twitter’s Periscope app pops up on the Play Store
Ford’s GoDrive brings app-based car hire to London
London is home to a number of car-sharing services, but over the past few months car makers have also been getting in on the action. BMW brought pay-as-you-go vehicles to the capital late last year, with Ford piloting a new service called City Driving On-Demand just a month later. For Ford, it appears those tests were successful, because the American car giant today announced the launch of GoDrive, an expansion of its existing service that will offer 50 cars in 20 locations across the city.
Ford’s cars are reserved using a smartphone app, which also doubles as a makeshift taximeter. It charges by the minute (17 pence) and factors in congestion charges, fuel and insurance by default. Half of its fleet comprises of the zero‑emission Focus Electric, with the low-emission Fiesta EcoBoost making up the other half. If you’re new to the company’s cars, the company says it’ll offer a “five-minute grace period” free of charge so you can gets to grips with the vehicle before you set off.
With BMW operating 270 cars (30 of which are electric) across London, Ford is a little way behind its competition. However, GoDrive is still firmly in “beta” stage and the company could expand the service if there’s sufficient demand. There are already pickup spots in Waterloo, Barbican, Leicester Square, Marylebone or Victoria, but new locations are expected to open in the “coming months.”
Filed under: Cellphones, Transportation, Internet, Mobile
Via: Ford
Source: Go!Drive
ASUS to unveil stylish ZenPad at Computex next week
It’s Computex next week, which means we’ll be busy fiddling with a whole bunch of new ASUS devices. According to Ausdroid, some of these will be contributed by a new Android tablet line dubbed ZenPad, which will allegedly come in 7-inch 1,024 x 600 and 8-inch 2,048 x 1,536 flavors — with the latter having a 4:3 screen ratio, as featured on the iPads, the Nexus 9 and the Samsung Galaxy Tab A. Given the sweet romance between ASUS and Intel, it’s no surprise to see the latter’s chips powering the ZenPad line. Judging by the leaked press render obtained by Ausdroid, the larger model packs front-facing stereo speakers, and the backside somewhat resembles the sleeve design applied onto the latest MeMO Pad 7. Little else is known about these new tablets, but we’ll find out more in a week’s time.
Via: Engadget Chinese
Source: Ausdroid
Russia’s deputy PM blames space failures on ‘moral decay’
Russia’s Roscosmos space program doesn’t have a lot of cash to waste after its budget was cut by 35 percent in March. But an internal audit found that it flushed $1.8 billion down the toilet anyway, according to the Moscow Times. The nation’s deputy prime minister said many of the losses were caused by “acts of fraud, abuse of authority and forgery of documents.” Referring to two recent setbacks, including the loss of an ISS cargo ship, he added that “with such a level of moral decay, one should not be surprised at the high accident rate.”
Many of the budget overruns happened during construction of the Vostochny Cosmodrone. The facility is badly needed to replace the aging Baikonur Cosmodrone in Kazakhstan, a relic from the Soviet days. However, the project has been beset by delays and overruns, and when auditor Tatyana Golikova learned how much money was misused, she said “at first I could not believe my inspectors.”
Russian Proton booster rocket launch at Kazakhstan’s Baikonur facility
Even though corruption is rampant everywhere in government, auditors plans to flush out any new violations in the facility’s construction. The space program is under particularly close scrutiny because it’s Russia’s most prominent export and a source of pride among the people. There’s also the fact that President Putin recently pledged an extra $1 billion to finish construction of the Cosmodrone and virtually guaranteed it would be done by the end of the year.
Filed under: Science
Via: CNN Money
Source: The Moscow Times
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