Any driver knows that in today’s tech-oriented world, it can be tricky to balance the flow of everyday cell phone usage with distraction-free driving. On one hand, it’s not safe to attempt phone calls, texts, and the like while behind the wheel, but on the other hand it’s hard to cut connection from the people and apps (like music, maps, etc.) that can be helpful while on the road. Thankfully, building on their long history of driver safety and technological innovation, Chevrolet has a solution for the tech-addled driver: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.
For the 2016 model year, Chevrolet will offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility in 14 different models, more than any other auto brand on the market. The technology will allow drivers to display select pre-approved iPhone/Android apps (Maps, Music, Messages, Phone, and more) on their cars’ dashboard display screen via an included MyLink wire that plugs directly into the device. Once connected (which literally only involves plugging your phone in– no extra app needed!) the apps will appear in large form on the display screen, where the driver can select the one he or she wants, and utilize either a large print (for easy visibility) or entirely hands-free version of the app.
Below, you can check out a list of the cars that will include Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support:
Aside from what we saw via Techlicious, there was plenty of exciting technology to get a look at during this year’s CE Week. Here are our highlights from the show:
Paper and Pencil by FiftyThree
App developer FiftyThree kicks off our list of CE Week hits with their app and stylus combo “Paper” and “Pencil.” The simply-titled inventions work together to give artists, designers, and the like a unique way to work with and create digital art. Pencil in particular (which connects with its precursor and companion Paper through Bluetooth integration) is an easy-to-use, pressure-sensitive stylus that greatly improves the Paper experience. Paper alone won a slew of awards in 2012 (the year it debuted), including Apple’s iPad app of the Year award, and with Pencil by its side it is certainly unlike anything else currently available for tablets.
Otter
Up next is another must-have for tablet users (as well as anyone with a smartphone or iPod they want to keep safe!) Otter’s cases are easily ranked among the best for protection and style, and it’s not hard to see why. Dating back to 1998, Otter has provided electronics support for more than fifteen years, and is the #1 selling case for smartphones in the US and Canada. With durable waterproof cases available for any and every smartphone and mobile device you can think of, including Apple, LG, Samsung, Nokia, Motorola, HTC, Amazon, and Blackberry, if you’ve got it, Otter’s got you covered.
Jamstik
Our final CE Week highlight is a product that’s not even available yet, though its IndieGoGo campaign closed up just over a week ago on July 9. The Jamstik, an app and physical fretboard attachment, allows you to turn your iPad into a guitar on the go. It’s perfect for travel, as its compact size means you won’t be bumping into your seatmates as you record midi audio on a plane, train, or car trip. It’s also great for beginners, because it uses light to sense your hand positions and help you learn the right way to play guitar. Using real strings and real frets, the Jamstik is an innovative and fresh way to make music mobile.
We hope you’ve enjoyed our glimpse at this year’s CE Week– be sure to come back for CE Week 2015, and check out DadaRocks.com year round for electronics and tech info!
I’ve partnered with SAY Media and Microsoft on this campaign and in the hopes of opening a dialog around the concept of kids and computers (and more specific to me toddlers and slates/tablets) to allow brands to connect with audiences around their passions in environments where they’re spending time and opinions are being shaped. This question is how have computer improved your child’s life? Out of the choices and at my child’s current developmental stage its all about reading and speaking… so here’s my answer Having a toddler son who is growing up in the age of tablets is really special. Even at the young age of two and a half he knows how to open apps, close apps, switch to different video shows, and even play some of the games. It’s really amazing to me because at his young age he has a vocabulary that I still don’t think most 4-year-olds have. I know him knowing his full ABCs and 123s is impressive to many, and all that credit goes to the interactive reading apps he’s been playing with. Full disclosure this post was Sponsored by ASUS Windows Slate. http://new.conversations.typepad.com/co0147e3365f71970b/how-have-computers-improved-your-childs-life#asset-6a0147e2c1eaf0970b014e873d335e970dHopefully you’ll check out some other answers and add your own…
I’ve partnered with SAY Media and Microsoft on this campaign and in the hopes of opening a dialog around the concept of kids and computers (and more specific to me toddlers and slates/tablets) to allow brands to connect with audiences around their passions in environments where they’re spending time and opinions are being shaped. When you’re not working, how do you like to use your computer? I do sometimes watch movies on my computer but really that’s not nearly as much as I listen to music. I actually listen to music even at work or just while randomly surfing the internet. Adding your own soundtrack to life makes it move just that little bit quicker. – what would you answer this question as? http://new.conversations.typepad.com/co014e5ff312ab970c/when-youre-not-working-how-do-you-like-to-use-your-computer. Full disclosure this post was Sponsored by ASUS Windows Slate.
I’ve partnered with SAY Media and Microsoft on this campaign and in the hopes of opening a dialog around the concept of kids and computers (and more specific to me toddlers and slates/tablets) to allow brands to connect with audiences around their passions in environments where they’re spending time and opinions are being shaped. What develops Kids’ creativity? I felt the answer out of the choices was drawing because creativity is the imagination at play, drawing is just that imagination. Because you start with just a blank page everything you draw or create is from your memory or imagination, you can create an entire world on your own. – what would you answer this question as? http://new.conversations.typepad.com/co0147e2cbe67b970b/which-activity-best-develops-kids-creativity. Full disclosure this post was Sponsored by ASUS Windows Slate.
