Gadgetology - Marketing or Useful Advance

stever

"Runaway 18-wheelers, death-defying motorcyclists and vehicular acrobatics that seem to defy the laws of physics have become a staple of YouTube, in large part a result of the availability of dashboard video cameras. It’s all entertaining, but there are also practical reasons for recording while driving.

Once plugged into a car’s 12-volt outlet, the Genius DVR-FHD590 automatically begins recording when the car is started and stops when the ignition is switched off. A built-in sensor will initiate emergency recording in the event of an accident, and the file remains stored until the owner deliberately deletes it. "

The one reviewed costs ~$120.

A Just-in-Case Provision for Incidents on the Road (NY Times)

Mr_Shiftright

Do these devices do scheduled "clean-ups" once the disk is full?

stever

Good question - maybe they start overwriting the older stuff? Could just get a bigger card to stick in the slot too.

stever

"As the car has become more connected and consumers demand increased interaction between their mobile devices and their car, we have seen the number of auto manufactures at the International CES rise year after year,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of the Consumer Electronics Association.

“CES touches every corner of the consumer technology economy, from digital health to automotive. We can’t wait to welcome a record number of automotive manufacturers to the 2014 CES.”

A record 9 automakers to exhibit at 2014 consumer electronics show (Detroit News)

stever

"Siri Eyes Free was originally revealed in June 2012, and lets people issue voice commands to an iOS device through a wheel-mounted button, while keeping a device's screen off to avoid distractions and battery drain. iOS mirroring is a newer concept, a part of the iOS in the Car initiative Apple announced in June of this year. That technology should see more widespread adoption in 2014; Eyes Free has been slowly trickling out to automakers such as Audi, BMW, Chrysler, GM, Jaguar, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and Toyota."

So, put your iPhone on the passenger seat and run the gasbuddy.app from the dash?

2014 Honda Civic Coupe to support iOS mirroring on dash display (electronista.com)

stever

A reporter would like to speak to a new car buyer under 40 years old who purchased their car because of the connectivity features. Did you buy a Ford because of Sync and MyFordTouch, a Chrysler because of UConnect, a Honda because of HondaLink, etc.? If so, and you'd like to share your story, please send your daytime contact info to pr@edmunds.com no later than 3 p.m. PT/6 p.m. ET on Monday, 1/7/14.

PF_Flyer

Are you someone who's trying to find a basic car without all of the complicated new technology? Or maybe you know (or are!) someone who just bought a car that's loaded with apps and technology and you have a funny story about figuring out how to use it?
We have a reporter who would love to talk to you. Please send a note with details and your contact information to PR@Edmunds.com by Monday, March 13, 2017.