Max Davies New Pajero to herald a new era for Mitsubishi 3 Hours Ago The Chinese government has directed Chinese automakers to avoid disrupting sales channels for an ‘improper advantage’ in export markets. Deputy News Editor China has issued a series of guidelines on how its automakers should behave in export markets such as Australia, with directives to avoid aggressive pricing to gain an ‘improper advantage’, follow local laws and build better after-sales support. As reported by Nikkei, the guidelines were published on September 1, 2026 by China’s Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, in collaboration with the country’s State Administration for Market Regulation. The guidelines state they're intended to “promote orderly and healthy international development of China’s automotive industry” and thereby “advance the development of the global automotive industry”. Key elements include directives on pricing, establishing better after-sales customer support, and ensuring customer data from connected vehicles is collected in accordance with each country’s laws. According to the new guidelines, Chinese automakers operating overseas “must not disrupt the order of market competition to obtain an improper competitive advantage”. Price wars in the competitive Chinese market have eroded profitability for automakers, making exports to overseas markets an increasingly attractive means to offset this. Between January and July 2026, China exported 72.5 per cent more passenger vehicles than during the same period the previous year, sending around 5.3 million passenger vehicles overseas, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM). The guidelines, however, state Chinese automakers “should avoid creating disorder among sales channels” when operating overseas. They also “must not improperly impose arbitrary surcharges beyond the displayed price or collect fees that have not been disclosed”. China is the world’s largest producer of new vehicles, with its industry producing around 34.5 million in 2025, compared with
Sep 2, 2026 · via carexpert.com.au
Las Vegas Flock cameras put public safety and privacy at odds LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — More than 200 Flock license plate readers are operating across the Las Vegas Valley, giving police a tool to locate stolen vehicles, missing people and suspects while raising questions about the information collected from drivers who are not accused of crimes. The local debate is receiving renewed attention amid viral social media posts encouraging people to damage or disable the cameras on Halloween. The posts have also brought broader questions about police surveillance into focus. News 3 counted eight Flock cameras at one valley intersection, positioned to capture vehicles traveling in multiple directions. The cameras photograph license plates and record information such as the time, location and a vehicle’s make, model and color. Those observations can then be searched and linked across a wider network. “It feels like you’re constantly being surveilled, and that’s what they’re for,” Las Vegas resident Joshua Coulson said. “So I don’t feel like it’s just for safety.” William Sousa, a UNLV criminal justice professor and director of the university’s Center for Crime and Justice Policy, said the cameras give investigators another way to track vehicles connected to serious crimes. “The police will use them for issues such as tracking down stolen cars,” Sousa said. “They’ve been used for AMBER Alerts. They’ve been used in cases where robbery suspects are tracked down and then arrested.” Sousa said the cameras can also deter crime when people know an area is being monitored. However, the same system records vehicles that are not connected to an investigation. “Few people, for example, would argue against the use of the technology for tracking down car thieves or in cases of child abduction, but they’re more concerned about the technology being used to monitor someone’s daily activities,”
Sep 2, 2026 · via news3lv.com
China’s Largest Ever Recall Should be a Warning to Automakers China’s recent decision to recall millions of vehicles not only highlights safety concerns about recessed door handles but also problems associated with replacing any traditional mechanical system with electronically dependent alternatives. If you’ve been vacationing on another planet this week, China just issued the largest automotive recall in the nation’s history. The regulatory action targets an estimated 4.3 million cars and focuses around concerns that electronic door handles can malfunction during an accident, potentially trapping occupants inside a burning or sinking vehicle. The decision comes after numerous reports where emergency crews claimed that fatal accidents could have been prevented if manufacturers had provided a better way for the victims to exit the vehicle. The concern was that electronic doors can malfunction due to being reliant on some form of battery power. Electrical shorts can take place when a vehicle drives into a body of water, effectively trapping a person inside the vehicle. Wiring connections can likewise become disconnected as a result of a severe crash or sudden fire. However, the Chinese government also expressed concerns about recessed door handles being a recurring problem for emergency crews. Updated regulations would effectively ban flush-mounted door handles in China, starting in 2027, unless they featured a reliable and easily accessible mechanical backup system. The same goes for the vehicle interior, as there were likewise worries that a dazed or panicked individual would have difficulty with fine motor skills. Whether inside or outside, China wants conspicuous and simple ways of entering/exiting an automobile. While the recall hits electric vehicle manufacturers the hardest, it’s certainly not limited to them. Brands like Tesla, Xiaomi, Geely, Leapmotor, and Xpeng (among others) will all need to take back vehicles to address updated regulations as China becomes the first
Sep 1, 2026 · via thetruthaboutcars.com
The U.S. Department of Transportation proposed requiring Event Data Recorders in light passenger vehicles, a rule that took effect in 2012. That was just the start. Modern cars collect everything from speed to location data, creating detailed profiles of driving behavior. Most drivers have no idea their vehicles transmit telemetry to manufacturers, insurers, and data brokers. This goes beyond convenience features—it’s surveillance infrastructure built into the machine you own. Understanding what data your car collects, who receives it, and how to disable collection is no longer optional privacy housekeeping. 11. Event Data Recorder (EDR) / “Black Box” Federal rules standardize crash data recording, but don’t mandate EDRs in every vehicle. By the mid-2010s, roughly 90% of new cars already included an Event Data Recorder, the automotive equivalent of an aircraft black box. This passive device captures technical data—speed, braking, throttle position, seatbelt status, steering angle—for about 5 seconds before a crash and 1–2 seconds after. The recording window is brief and local; EDRs store data onboard without transmitting anything to external servers. Under the Driver Privacy Act of 2015, any information an EDR retains legally belongs to the vehicle’s owner or lessee. Law enforcement, insurers, or other parties generally need owner consent or a court order to access it, with limited exceptions for emergency medical response or traffic safety research. Federal regulation (49 CFR Part 563) standardizes what crash data must be recorded if a vehicle is equipped with an EDR, covering light passenger vehicles under 8,500 lbs GVWR. The rule took effect September 1, 2012, setting data format and access requirements—not mandating installation in every car. EDR data can provide objective evidence after an accident, clarifying fault when witness accounts conflict. Since the device operates passively and stores information locally, it presents minimal ongoing privacy risk compared to connected
Sep 1, 2026 · via gadgetreview.com
The debate over whether Chinese automakers should gain greater access to the U.S. market is moving quickly, and dealers are increasingly finding themselves in the middle of the conversation. Cody Lusk, President and CEO of the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA), joins us on today’s CBT Live segment to discuss the legislative push to restrict Chinese connected vehicles, what dealers can do to support the effort and why he remains optimistic about the auto market heading into the final months of 2026. AIADA’s latest campaign, viewed during the segment, is designed to give dealers, lawmakers and consumers a broader view of what could happen if Chinese automakers gain widespread access to the U.S. market. He pointed to the rapid growth of Chinese vehicle exports and the country’s manufacturing capacity as reasons for the industry to act before that capacity actually reaches the auto market. Simultaneously, Lusk acknowledged that affordability remains a major concern for consumers. He argues that while automakers continue to find ways to offer vehicles at prices consumers can afford, allowing Chinese manufacturers into the market is not the answer. For dealers, the issue extends beyond vehicle pricing to the long-term competitiveness and stability of the U.S. auto industry. Lusk also urged dealers to become more involved in the legislative process. Since the Connected Vehicle Security Act cleared the Senate Commerce Committee with bipartisan support, Lusk said the legislative clock remains one of the biggest challenges. Therefore, he encouraged dealers to contact their members of Congress and use AIADA’s NoChinaAutos.com campaign to make their voices heard. The association also wants lawmakers to visit dealerships to better understand the technology, jobs and economic activity tied to modern automotive retail. According to Lusk, building that “momentum” will be important as Congress looks for opportunities to move the legislation forward
Sep 1, 2026 · via cbtnews.com
Should you remove the film from your CarPlay infotainment screen? It depends Double-check before you accidentally remove a protective layer of your screen. When you buy a new phone or tablet, you'll see a protective layer of plastic placed on top that helps to stop the display underneath from being scratched. You might find a similar layer on your CarPlay infotainment screen if you've just bought a new car. Your first instinct might be to keep it in place as a screen protector to stop the screen from being scratched or covered in dirt. That isn't always the smartest move, however. Just recently, a mechanic's helpful TikTok video, warning of the potential dangers posed by these clear protective films, went viral. The mechanic's advice was simple: remove the film because, otherwise, you could find it "bakes on" and destroys the screen underneath, costing you thousands of dollars in repair costs. While that advice is pretty clear cut, it's important you tread carefully, as not every car (and every protective film) is the same, and you may damage your car without checking first. That protective film may only be there for shipping The physical CarPlay screen in your car is going to look slightly different, depending on the model of car you own and the manufacturer, even if the interface is identical once you're connected. That makes it harder to know for sure whether any protective film on the screen is supposed to be removed or not. The viral TikTok video muddied the water by referring to this film as a "screen protector." In the general sense, that's true: it's designed to protect your screen from the assembly line to your front door. Unlike a screen protector you'd use on your phone, however, which is usually applied after you've bought it
Sep 1, 2026 · via engadget.com
Press Releases Tata Elxsi and Sarla Aviation Partner to Accelerate Development of Shunya, India’s First Indigenous eVTOL Aircraft Date: Sep 01 2026 The collaboration brings together flight-critical systems, aerospace engineering and certification expertise to support Shunya’s path to first flight Bengaluru, India, September 1, 2026: Tata Elxsi, a global leader in design and technology services, and Sarla Aviation, an advanced air mobility company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development of Shunya, Sarla Aviation's six-seater plus one pilot electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The partnership brings together Sarla Aviation's vision for urban air mobility and Tata Elxsi's expertise in aerospace, software and flight critical digital engineering to support the aircraft's development, testing and certification. The MoU was signed at Sarla Aviation’s newly inaugurated headquarters in Bengaluru in the presence of Manoj Raghavan, CEO & Managing Director, Tata Elxsi; Adrian Schmidt, Co-Founder & CEO, Sarla Aviation; and Rakesh Gaonkar, Co-Founder & CTO, Sarla Aviation, along with members of the aerospace and engineering teams from both organisations. Under the collaboration, Tata Elxsi will provide engineering support across avionics such as flight control systems, software integration, testing, verification and validation, and certification, while Sarla Aviation will lead the design, development and type certification of the Shunya platform. The engagement also creates opportunities to extend support across sensor fusion based navigation software, industrial and structural design, and airworthiness test support. Designed for 300 Km+ range of flight operations, Shunya combines vertical take-off and landing capability with fixed-wing cruise efficiency, enabling runway-independent operations and improved propulsion efficiency. The aircraft's first flight is targeted within the next 18 to 24 months, with certification activities expected to follow. The development reflects the growing role of Indian Aerospace companies in next-generation aircraft and advanced air mobility platforms. Adrian Schmidt, Co-Founder &
Sep 1, 2026 · via tataelxsi.com
Tony Nguyen's 4Runner disappeared from a parking lot, but his Reviver digital license plate helped make sure it didn't stay gone for long LOS ANGELES, Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- California resident Tony Nguyen stepped inside a hardware store for less than five minutes and came back outside to find his customized Toyota 4Runner missing from the store's parking lot. People are also reading… "I was thinking, okay, I parked it right close to the store entrance, and I was kind of in disbelief," he said. "I'm like, this car has all these security features, how would it have gotten stolen?" But it had. Two individuals made off with Nguyen's prized 4Runner and quickly jumped on Interstate 405 in Los Angeles County. "Your heart sinks into your gut when you notice or realize that, hey, your vehicle's been stolen," Nguyen said. "For people like me, where we modify our cars and enjoy our cars on a daily basis, it's heart-wrenching. You know, like, you feel like you've been violated." Immediately, Nguyen called law enforcement to file a report. He then pulled up the app for his Reviver RPLATE, a digital, connected license plate that he's had installed on his vehicle for years. Nguyen activated Reviver's "Stolen" feature and waited. Meanwhile, as the suspects fled down the freeway, Reviver confirmed the report with authorities and enabled the vehicle's digital RPLATE to display the word "STOLEN" in big bold letters for all to see. The suspects had no idea. However, the message alerted nearby drivers, who made several phone calls to California Highway Patrol (CHP). "CHP ended up stopping these guys before they even managed to switch freeways," according to Nguyen. Less than an hour after Nguyen put the call out to authorities, he was reunited with his 4Runner. "It was just
Sep 1, 2026 · via tucson.com
A roll-on/roll-off ship docks at a berth at Lianyungang Port in East China's Jiangsu Province on August 25, 2026, to load China-made vehicles for export. Photo: VCG China released guidelines for fair overseas competition and compliance in the auto industry on Tuesday, offering practical references for overseas competitive practices and compliance requirements, including pricing, antitrust compliance and data processing, in order to promote the sound and orderly global expansion of the country's auto industry. The guidelines, jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and the State Administration for Market Regulation, come as China's auto industry â particularly its new-energy vehicles â continues to gain global momentum amid a more complex and competitive international environment. The proactive move aims to help companies identify risks in advance, strengthen compliance systems, and navigate the international market with greater resilience, industry experts said. According to the guidelines, companies must ensure price compliance for parts and complete vehicles in accordance with laws and regulations, and must not disrupt competition to gain unfair advantages. When setting recommended retail prices for vehicles abroad, companies should establish clear price tiers for different configurations based on local laws, market principles and commercial practices, and avoid frequent or sharp price fluctuations that could harm consumers' interests or brands' images, the guidelines noted. "By proactively regulating overseas pricing and competitive practices, the guidelines aim to encourage companies to place greater emphasis on compliant operations, brand-building and long-term value with stable prices, thus enhancing their international image," Cui Dongshu, secretary-general of the China Passenger Car Association, told the Global Times on Tuesday. While adapting production and operations to local conditions and improving overseas workplace safety management, companies are required to take necessary measures to ensure that all data-processing activities related to connected vehicles and
Sep 1, 2026 · via globaltimes.cn
StarManch Introduces a First-of-Its-Kind In-Car Karaoke Experience PNN Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], September 1: StarManch, an Indian homegrown karaoke and social music platform, has entered the connected-mobility space through its integration with the newly launched MG Hector Tomahawk. The development takes StarManch beyond smartphones and introduces a first-of-its-kind interactive karaoke experience within the vehicle's entertainment ecosystem. Through the StarManch Karaoke app, occupants can select songs, sing along and record their performances inside the car. Backed by a catalogue of more than 8,000 karaoke tracks across Bollywood, regional, devotional and children's music, the platform transforms the vehicle cabin into an interactive entertainment space for families, friends and music enthusiasts. The MG Hector Tomahawk features what the automaker describes as India's first Gen AI-powered in-car karaoke experience. Unlike conventional in-car entertainment, which primarily focuses on listening to streamed music, the StarManch experience encourages occupants to actively participate, perform and create shared musical memories. The integration represents a significant expansion for StarManch, founded by Bengali entrepreneur and music enthusiast Randeep Bhattacharya. Conceived as a platform to make singing accessible and social, StarManch has now evolved from a mobile karaoke application into an entertainment technology offering for connected vehicles. Whether it is families singing together during a weekend trip, friends revisiting popular classics on a road journey or aspiring singers building confidence through music, StarManch aims to make travel more engaging and participative. The development also highlights the growing contribution of Indian technology brands to the connected-mobility ecosystem. As vehicles increasingly evolve into digitally enabled lifestyle spaces, interactive features such as karaoke are expanding the role of in-car entertainment beyond conventional audio and video streaming. Speaking about the development, Randeep Bhattacharya, Founder of StarManch, said, "Kolkata has always been a city where music is woven into everyday life. Growing up here inspired my love
Sep 1, 2026 · via bignewsnetwork.com
Sept. 1, 2026 Azim Eskandarian joins the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine Share this story For contributions to Virginia’s engineering education system and pioneering research that shaped the intelligent vehicle industry, the Virginia Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine recently inducted Azim Eskandarian, D.Sc., the Alice T. and William H. Goodwin Jr. Dean of the Virginia Commonwealth University College of Engineering, as a member. “It’s an honor to join an organization like VASEM, which does so much good in the commonwealth through its rigorous analytical, technical and scientific support to inform policy on issues that affect us all,” Eskandarian said. “I look forward to serving with fellow members and the positive impact we can make on STEM education and research discovery in Virginia.” Eskandarian’s research has led to innovations like unobtrusive drowsy driver detection, AI-assisted navigation of unpredictable spaces and intelligent and connected autonomous vehicles’ safety. Through this work, his lab developed cooperative perception methods and artificial intelligence techniques that allow connected autonomous vehicles to safely plan trajectories through complex, non-signalized intersections, highway segments, and pedestrian safety areas, among others. Eskandarian’s leadership in developing safe control algorithms for connected-vehicle platoons operating under sensor failure conditions earned him the 2021 Vincent Bendix Automotive Electronics Engineering Award from the Society of Automotive Engineers (also known as the SAE). Before joining the VCU College of Engineering, Eskandarian served as department head of mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech, leading one of the five largest programs of its kind in the nation. His focus on experiential learning and expansion of interdisciplinary initiatives like the SAE Formula One project at VCU, the SAE Solar Car Project at Virginia Tech and the multiyear AutoDrive autonomous driving challenge maintained a focus on equipping students with a skillset that makes them immediately employable after graduation. His service
Sep 1, 2026 · via news.vcu.edu
XPeng The sky’s the limit with connected vehicles The adoption of advanced AI and connectivity services has meant cars are now essentially networks on wheels, and manufacturer XPeng is aiming to create networks on the ground and in the air Cars. They used to be really simple. They were vehicles that you drove from A to B. You turned the key, and away you went until you needed petrol. You filled up and kept driving. For entertainment, you listened to the radio, cassette, CD or eight-track. You got your car serviced. Engine oiled, tuned. Really simple. But now? It’s a very different story. Here are just some of the recent comments that have been made about the latest version of cars by technology leaders. A new “computing space”. A new “paradigm for transport”. A machine “you can have a natural conversation with”. And even a “special kind of robot” in a world “where screens are the new horsepower”. Interestingly, the latter comment was made by a very senior research scientist at a mobile processor developer, and while one could argue how fanciful the proposition is, it is a revelation of just how connected the robotics, automotive, connectivity and IT industries are and will be. Not only is a car now a network on wheels, but it’s also a hub of an array of information, entertainment, AI, navigation, safety and even driving applications. Oh, and potentially able to fly – something that will likely be made possible by the XPeng brand. It may actually be a little unfair to simply describe Guangzhou-based XPeng, founded in 2014, as a car company. From the perspective of actual products, the company regards itself as working in the field of intelligent mobility with the mission of exploiting the full potential of mobility from vehicles on
Sep 1, 2026 · via computerweekly.com
Find an electric vehicle chargepoint LEVI Project new EV chargepoints Register your interest We want to hear from you on where new EV chargepoints should be provided in the future, particularly on-street locations. Suggestions will be shared with Connected Kerb and considered when opportunities for additional sites come forward. In January 2026, North Northamptonshire Council awarded Connected Kerb a contract to deliver a cutting-edge Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) network across our towns and villages. This major initiative is supported by £2.9 million in grant funding from UK Government, alongside a multi-million-pound investment from Connected Kerb. Together, we are creating a future-ready charging network that will see over 1,500 electric vehicle (EV) charging sockets installed over the next three to five years. The project aims to make EV charging accessible for everyone, particularly the 30% of households without private off-street parking. We are also installing replacement or new chargepoints in around 20 council car parks, including accessible bays designed to meet diverse needs. By investing now, we are giving residents and businesses the confidence to make the switch to zero-emission electric vehicles, supported by an EV charging network close to home that is easy to use, accessible, reliable, and convenient. Connected Kerb brings competitive pricing and smart charging technology. This means that EV drivers can take advantage of off-peak charging when electricity is cheaper and cleaner, saving money while reducing carbon emissions. Connected Kerb were named ZapMap’s Best EV Charging Network 2026 for On-Street and Destination Charging. What are Connected Kerb delivering Connected Kerb design and manufacture their own EV chargepoints. The Chameleon dual socket (pictured) will be the main unit installed in North Northamptonshire. This will involve a mix of 7kW dual socket and 22kW EV chargepoints across more than 320 sites in towns and villages in the area.
Sep 1, 2026 · via northnorthants.gov.uk
This report looks at the connected car market from an IoT perspective. The report analyzes key trends in the connected car market, including changing architectures, hybrid connectivity, and the emergence of the eSIM as a key enabler. Email Article All set! This article has been sent to my@email.address. All fields are required. For multiple recipients, separate email addresses with a semicolon. Please Note: Only individuals with an active subscription will be able to access the full article. All other readers will be directed to the abstract and would need to subscribe. The Analyst Team Andrew Brown Follow Analyst Practice Lead, IoT Andrew Brown is an industry expert on enterprise mobility and the IoT, with 25 years’ experience providing consulting and advisory services in IT market research, with a specialist focus on enterprise, IoT, mobility, connectivity, B2B, AI, security, and wireless networks. In addition to managing a team of analysts that advises on all aspects of the IoT ecosystem, Andrew spends his time helping network service providers, device vendors, regulators, and many other vendors understand the implications and opportunities presented by the growing IoT space. Andrew joined Omdia from Strategy Analytics, where he worked for 14 years. Prior to that, he worked at IDC for a decade. He also worked for Lucas Automotive GmbH in Germany as a market analyst. He gained a joint honors degree in marketing and German from Lancaster University in the UK. More Content By Andrew Brown Alexander Thompson Follow Analyst Senior Analyst Alexander Thompson is a Senior Analyst at Omdia, where his main responsibility is forecasting and carrying out research in IoT topics, including connectivity. Alex was previously working as a Senior Analyst in consumer entertainment in the Media and Entertainment team at Omdia, covering esports and working on a consulting project encompassing the entire global
Sep 1, 2026 · via omdia.tech.informa.com
A sub-$30,000 EV truck war is taking shape as Slate and Ford race to put a new electric pickup within reach of buyers priced out of the segment. On today’s episode of CBT Live, CBT News Correspondent Jason Becknell updates the head-to-head matchup between the Slate Truck, backed by Jeff Bezos, and Ford’s upcoming Fathom. “Affordability is a big issue we’ve been tracking. You know, the average cost of a new car now tops $50,000,” Becknell said. “I feel like some of the automakers are paying attention to that with some new electric trucks under $30,000.” With the Slate arriving first, landing in the fourth quarter of 2026 at a starting price of $24,950, it was originally pitched at under $20,000 before the federal tax credit went away. The truck comes in one color, slate gray, and skips an infotainment system, radio, speakers, and power windows in favor of hand-crank windows. Slate plans to sell roughly 200 aftermarket accessories so buyers can customize the truck after delivery, and the company is selling direct-to-consumer rather than through a dealer network. Meanwhile, Ford’s Fathom won’t arrive until 2027 at the earliest, starting at $28,350, roughly $3,400 more than the Slate. The automaker is calling it its “Model T moment” because it rides on Ford’s new Universal EV Platform, built to lower manufacturing costs after Ford struggled to turn a profit on the F-150 Lightning, which was built on the existing F-150 platform. Specs on range, charging time and horsepower have yet to be released, but the Fathom will be sold through Ford’s existing dealer network, giving buyers access to service and support that the direct-to-consumer Slate won’t offer. Although Slate has been upfront that its truck is intentionally minimalist, Ford has not yet disclosed the details of the Fathom’s base trim, leaving
Sep 1, 2026 · via cbtnews.com
Shift into a Different Gear: Modern Vehicle Technology and Road Awareness A driver approaches an unfamiliar highway interchange. He is following road signs, but he is also changing his playlist while monitoring surrounding traffic at the same time. He never sees the car changing lanes beside him until it's too late and he has no stopping distance to rescue himself. Automotive sellers enjoy featuring multi-screen setups, real-time telemetry, streaming audio, and digital assistance, turning the whole driving environment into something that more resembles the cockpit of a high-tech spaceship than an SUV. But professional David Van Sant notes that while connected systems can be helpful, drivers are still managing these features alongside their number one responsibility: maintaining awareness of traffic and speed to avoid any accidents. Connected Vehicle Technology and Multi-tasking on the Road Today, vehicles incorporate extensive touchscreens, digital controls, and heads-up displays that tend to push information right into the driver's line of sight. These digital features streamline navigation, adjust climate, and bring performance metrics right to the driver's attention. And while many of them are convenient, navigating complex menus introduces a number of visual and manual demands in addition to driving. Consider any standard driving scenario on a busy highway. A driver must process GPS directions, monitor digital rearview camera feeds, and track surrounding traffic all at once. On top of that, secondary demands such as speed adjustments and road conditions can divide a driver's attention even further, which can interfere with reaction times to sudden braking or unexpected lane shifts. The results can be a challenge even for a seasoned driver. The Many Dangers of Distracted Driving Safety research tends to place driver distractions into one of three different categories: visual, manual, and cognitive. Visual distractions take attention off the roadway; manual distractions occur when hands
Sep 1, 2026 · via autos.yahoo.com
I didn't realize it until I was a few months into using Android Auto, but just like Android, the in-car operating system offers a host of developer options. Of course, not all the Android Auto settings in this hidden menu are useful to the average user, but several add welcome quality-of-life features to my Android Auto experience. For example, while I don't need to pull debug logs or collect GPS data, I've found settings like increasing my in-car display's resolution, enabling Unknown Sources, and turning off wireless Android Auto (in certain situations) can be very useful. To access these lesser-known settings, you need to enable Android Auto's developer options Once you've done this once, you won't need to do it again The first thing you need to do is turn on Android Auto's Developer Settings. To do that with My Pixel 10 Pro, I followed these steps: - Open the Settings app on your Android phone. - Navigate to Connected Devices (the second option), then Connection Preferences. - Tap on Android Auto. - Scroll down and tap Version until Developer Settings are enabled (you'll see a notification that you have only three taps left when you're close). After following the above steps, Android Auto's Developer Settings should now be available when you tap the Three-line button in Android Auto's settings. Android Auto doesn't always automatically select your in-car infotainment system's actual display resolution Turning up your car's resolution can make the screen look sharper In most cases, Android Auto is great at determining your vehicle's display resolution, but not always. For example, Android Auto set my Ioniq 5's screen to 720p, so when I turned the resolution up to 1080p, it looked noticeably sharper. If you set a resolution your display doesn't support, the screen flashes black and, in most
Sep 1, 2026 · via xda-developers.com
Who owns your car's data? Rep. Neal Dunn's REPAIR Act targets rising repair costs TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — For Andrew Marquis, fixing cars has been a passion since he was a kid turning wrenches in his driveway. But a decade after opening Koala Automotive Repair in Tallahassee, he finds himself up against an obstacle no socket wrench can loosen: digital lockouts programmed directly into modern automobiles. Today’s vehicles are essentially computers on wheels, generating vast streams of diagnostic data governed by software modules. When those systems malfunction, independent mechanics like Marquis are increasingly finding themselves locked out from the factory software required to perform basic reprogramming or complex repairs. “Every car is a different puzzle. So every time it comes in, it's never the exact same thing as before,” Marquis said. “Occasionally when we need to program something, some type of module, some type of specialized something, we won't have access to the software that we need to do the task. It's a dealer only. We'll have to send people to the dealership.” That digital barrier is driving a wedge into the automotive service industry. Independent repair shop owners, trade groups, and used car dealers contend that automaker restrictions stifle free-market competition, inflating costs for vehicle owners and forcing local garages to turn away steady work. Meanwhile, original equipment manufacturers maintain that keeping system access strictly controlled is vital to maintaining vehicle cybersecurity and passenger safety. Staying competitive in an era of connected vehicles requires an ongoing, capital-intensive investment in specialized diagnostic equipment. Independent technicians must continually buy updated scan tools and purchase recurring software subscriptions simply to keep up with annual model changes. “I feel like every few years we're having to upgrade, it's not cheap,” Marquis said. “These scan tools are thousands and thousands of dollars. And then you
Aug 31, 2026 · via fox49.tv
ICE expands vehicle surveillance capabilities with forensics platform, covert GPS trackers U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is moving to maintain two complementary technologies capable of reconstructing where vehicles have been and following where they go. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) announced that it intends to renew its existing Berla iVe vehicle forensics platform, which can recover navigation histories, GPS track logs and information left behind by phones connected to vehicle infotainment systems. A day later, HSI posted another sole-source procurement notice for “specialized devices” from Ensurity Mobile Corp., the company that supplied its Technical Operations Unit with hundreds of covert GPS tracking devices last year. The two procurements illuminate different sides of vehicle surveillance. Berla iVe allows investigators who have lawfully obtained access to a vehicle to examine the digital history stored inside it. Ensurity’s trackers allow investigators, acting under applicable legal authority, to follow a vehicle over time without maintaining a surveillance team continuously behind it. HSI’s Office of Acquisition said in its August 28 notice that Berla Corporation of Annapolis, Maryland, is the only reasonably available source for renewal of the agency’s existing iVe hardware and software. The notice does not disclose the anticipated value, number of licenses or which HSI offices use the platform. Modern infotainment and telematics systems can retain considerably more information than radio settings. Depending on the vehicle, Berla says iVe can recover recent destinations, navigation histories, saved locations and timestamped GPS track logs. Vehicle systems can also retain records associated with doors, lights and other events and identify phones and devices connected through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or USB. Where information has been synchronized with the vehicle, investigators may recover contact lists, call logs and SMS messages. Some systems also retain where the vehicle was when a particular Bluetooth device connected. That does not mean
Aug 31, 2026 · via biometricupdate.com
Tony Nguyen's 4Runner disappeared from a parking lot, but his Reviver digital license plate helped make sure it didn't stay gone for long LOS ANGELES, Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- California resident Tony Nguyen stepped inside a hardware store for less than five minutes and came back outside to find his customized Toyota 4Runner missing from the store's parking lot. "I was thinking, okay, I parked it right close to the store entrance, and I was kind of in disbelief," he said. "I'm like, this car has all these security features, how would it have gotten stolen?" But it had. Two individuals made off with Nguyen's prized 4Runner and quickly jumped on Interstate 405 in Los Angeles County. "Your heart sinks into your gut when you notice or realize that, hey, your vehicle's been stolen," Nguyen said. "For people like me, where we modify our cars and enjoy our cars on a daily basis, it's heart-wrenching. You know, like, you feel like you've been violated." Immediately, Nguyen called law enforcement to file a report. He then pulled up the app for his Reviver RPLATE, a digital, connected license plate that he's had installed on his vehicle for years. Nguyen activated Reviver's "Stolen" feature and waited. Meanwhile, as the suspects fled down the freeway, Reviver confirmed the report with authorities and enabled the vehicle's digital RPLATE to display the word "STOLEN" in big bold letters for all to see. The suspects had no idea. However, the message alerted nearby drivers, who made several phone calls to California Highway Patrol (CHP). "CHP ended up stopping these guys before they even managed to switch freeways," according to Nguyen. Less than an hour after Nguyen put the call out to authorities, he was reunited with his 4Runner. "It was just amazing because, you know,
Aug 31, 2026 · via prnewswire.com