DashCommand for Windows, Android and iOS has been around for a while, but the most recent update for the iPhone allows you to view all the OBD-II-sourced data directly on your Pioneer AppRadio.

As we’ve said before, the real draw of the AppRadio isn’t just its 6.1-inch, capacitive multi-touch screen, it’s the ability for third parties to integrate their apps into the display. In the case of DashCommand, you can port over 229 different data points through your iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch using an OBDII connector. A maximum of 27 customizable gauges show you everything from coolant temps to check engine lights, and using the built-in accelerometer and GPS systems, you can also display an inclinometer, G-forces and even race track mapping. Get all the details in at DashCommand’s site.

Looks like LogMeIn Inc. has suddenly cottoned on to the freemium business model, deciding to offer its basic remote desktop app for iPhone and iPad entirely gratis. Previously, you had to hand over $29.99 for the simple pleasure of accessing your PC and Mac desktops via LogMeIn Ignition, but the new free version (simply ‘LogMeIn’) amply provides for that barebones service, while bells and whistles are reserved for those who buy an in-app subscription to LogMeIn Pro at $40 per year — including things like HD video and sound streaming, file transferring and integration with cloud storage services . Confusing matters slightly, the old Ignition app won’t die. It’ll live on in the App Store with a massively inflated price to support old Ignition customers and — most importantly — give them grandfather rights to Pro features, so they don’t feel left out and start sniffing around the competition. There’s a full PR after the break, and it also mentions that Android update is on its way in 2012.

SOURCE via Slashgear

Find yourself something Apple-flavored underneath the Christmas tree yesterday? Need some gentle coaxing into using iTunes? Well, you’re in luck; Cupertino’s annual download giveaway starts today and runs through January 6th. The free gifts kick off with some Coldplay tracks and videos from the band’s latest Apple-sponsored festival appearance. But don’t let that put you off; we expect to see more music, some apps and even books over the next few days. Each one’s available for just 24 hours, so it could be worth checking the dedicated app daily. It’s up for grabs at the link below.

SOURCE via Apple

It’s time to show your iPad who’s boss – that is, your iPhone, naturally. The Tizi Remote app is presently available for free via iTunes, letting you use your iPhone to change channels, record shows and pause live TV on iPads connected to the Tizi or Tizi Go TV receivers — and if you happen to have a 4S, you can harness the power of Siri to change channels for you. Sadly, neither of the aforementioned pieces of hardware are available stateside at the moment, so for now, you’ll just have to watch TV shows on your iPad the old fashioned way.

Read more…

In the market for a new case for the brand new iPhone 4S that you just pick up today? A fan of all things Jack White? If so, Griffin and Third Man records have teamed up to put a vinyl spin on your next Apple-friendly smartphone case. The pair has introduced a set of accessories that make use of a legit 7-inch record die-cut to protect the back of your mobile device, blending analog and digital without making a sound. Each case is comprised of a two-part frame that wraps those precious edges — with openings for controls and jacks, of course — and a piece of genuine vinyl, pressed right in Nashville. You’ll have your choice of three color variants that come with a Third Man-branded vinyl. If that’s not enough, you can spring for a set of three inserts, one from each of Mr. White’s musical projects. Protip: If you happen to opt for the extras and snag The Racounteur’s insert, this collaboration marks the first pressing of “Steady, As She Goes.” Each case is $30 and the set of extra inserts will set you back another Jackson.

Apple is purportedly readying a new certification chip for accessory makers that will allow wireless access and connectivity to that pile of iOS devices you’re hoarding. Announced during an accessory manufacturer’s conference in China, the new chip would allow connections across AirPlay, Bluetooth and WiFi. The Cupertino crew hope that this will encourage even more iOS-friendly add-ons and docks to market. Apple apparently added that it’s working on support for AirPlay over Bluetooth, presumably bringing with it some improved battery longevitiy, and tying into the new low-powered Bluetooth 4.0 found on the iPhone 4S.

SOURCE via Macotakara

While Apple fans around the globe have had the iPhone 4S for a while now, many of our friends in the Far East haven’t gotten to enjoy the fruits of their countrymen’s labor due to a lack of governmental approval. You see, before a handset makes it onto Chinese networks, it’s got to be approved by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). The good news is, the 4S has finally been blessed by Beijing and will be brought to the masses by Chinese Unicom sometime soon. That means that China’s home-grown superphone, the Meizu MX, is going to have some Siri-ous competition for Chinese hearts and yuan in 2012.

SOURCE via Mic Gadget

Pioneer is set to introduce a new functionality to a few of its stereos – including the much-hyped AppRadio – that mixes the songs on your iPhone, iPod or USB drive on the fly.

By measuring beats per minute and other data, MIXTRAX can supposedly beat-match and add effects and transitions into songs to create a seamless mix, all while animating the cover art to match the tempo. If you want to leave the mixing to yourself, Pioneer plans to offer a PC version of the mixing software that lets you save mixes to a USB drive or SD card, along with an iPhone app that lets you interact with the software and port your club masterpieces directly into your AppRadio.

MIXTRAX will be available this January on the aforementioned AppRadio and DEH-P7400HD, DEH-P8400BH and AVH-P8400BH AV receivers. You can get a taste of the system in action in the cheesetastic videos after the break. Read more…

Time for the usual disclaimer, since we’re taking a journey into the murky world of Cupertino’s patent applications — it’s just as likely we’ll never see or hear of this tech again as it is to wind up in the next iPhone. While everyone else is betting on NFC, Apple wants to use next-generation cameras and invisible ink to negotiate digital handshakes. Snap a picture of a cash register with a barcode and your iDevice will generate a unique ID to pair up — but in order to keep the technology secure, the codes would have to be painted on with “invisible” fluorescent coatings. When you’re pairing two iPhones (for example) to share contacts, the key could be generated on one of the screens while the other took a picture of it. If this all seems too complex, boring and pointless now, just think: this could be how we log into Foursquare in a decade’s time.

SOURCE via Patently Apple

Sure, we’ve seen Siri used to do a host of things, including controlling the temperature in a hacker’s home. But the folks over at Autoblog were curious to know just how well the virtual assistant would work with Bluetooth-enabled car stereos. Yes, talking to Siri in your car! Once your iPhone 4S is properly tethered, holding down the handset’s home button will activate Siri. Treating her as an incoming call, your Notorious B.I.G. playlist will pause before the ready-for-command chime sounds. The in-car assistant was tested on two Mercedes-Benz automobiles, a Chrysler 300, a Dodge Charger and a Nissan Maxima, with the Maxima showcasing the best results. It comes as no surprise that mic placement on each stereo and in-cabin background noise provided a noticeable difference in Siri’s listening abilities during the test. For a glimpse of the action before trying it out yourself, hit the video just past the break.

Read more…