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We've seen numerous mobile apps designed to improve drivers' safety on the road, but Automatic takes what may well be the most comprehensive approach to date. With the help of a small device that plugs into the car, the Automatic app monitors that car's health, makes money-saving driving tips, remembers where the car is parked and more. Users begin by plugging the Automatic Link device into their car's data port; it supports every gasoline-engine car made since 1996, its San Francisco-based maker says. Once that's done, the car and smartphone will automatically connect wirelessly whenever the user takes a trip. Among the services Automatic provides along the way are driving suggestions for better fuel efficiency, trip timelines including miles per gallon, and automatic crash detection as well as sending alerts to 911 and loved ones. Also available are engine-health monitoring and parking reminders. Pricing is USD 69.95. The video below explains the premise in more detail:

Eight cars will be employed in a test at a McDonald's store in Ibaraki Prefecture on March 5-16. When vehicles enter a region covered by an ITS -- which offers real-time traffic data and other information -- a McDonald's menu will be transmitted to car navigation systems, allowing users to order items via the touch screen. Users can pay with their credit cards through ITS-compatible devices in their cars.

Mercedes will begin to place QR codes onto all of their cars, which will provide all necessary information to rescue injured occupants from any model. This new QR code system will give firefighters, paramedics, and police the details they need to know to help passengers, including the location of airbags, gas tanks, and electric cables. These QR codes will be placed on the gas tank flap and another will be placed on the opposite side of the car.

In-game sponsorship by Nascar?  The Daytona Challenge in Facebook game Car Town allows players to assemble their own pit crews by recruiting friends, build stock cars, and race on the Daytona International Speedway.

AT&T's connected car deal with Volvo will include M2M tech (and data collection) as well as in-car wi-fi in addition to the standard options.

"It works like this: you walk out of the mall, you want your car. You open an app on your smartphone, press a button, and the car drives out to you. "

Gimme the Gig's focus is on the redesigned 2012 Ford Focus Ford will record the winning bands on the spot and upload the tracks to iTunes using the Focus's in-car wifi feature, chevy teamed up with band Ok Go -- Chevy Sonic is used to make the music: OK Go's members drive a specially equipped Sonic through a track lined with musical instruments and other sound-generating objects. Devices attached to the outside of the car play the instruments and devices along the route, resulting in sounds that make up the song.

UX Mag identifies three major "types of trends" impacting the future of online experiences. 1) Capabilities: Changing Technology Platforms - tablets, ambient devices and smart alarm clocks + anytime, anywhere expectation for rich online experiences. 2) Consumers: Evolving Online Behavior - broad consumer interest in new technologies and a desire to experience them and rapid rates of tech adoption. 3) Competition: Millions of New Entrants - flood information providers. The article also features the CARS attributes of online experience by Forrester. Customized. Aggregated. Relevant. Social. CARS. See? They then go on to discuss the Nationwide Insurance iPhone app and the Avis car rental site/iPhone app.

"in-car infotainment system" that aggregates services like Pandora and Open Table. 

"Austin, Texas-based rental car service Silvercar will offer streamlined operations, a seamless smartphone user interface, and only one type of vehicle: silver 2013 Audi A4s. Customers can book reservations through a smartphone app, which will also let them manage personalized vehicle settings and preferences. They will be able to choose and unlock their rental car by scanning it with their phone."

virtual assistants, connected cars

Buick ran a "Pinboard to Dashboard" promotion that encouraged Pinterest users to create interior design inspirations for the 2013 Encore luxury car. The automotive company invited ten of the most influential fashion, design and food bloggers to participate in the promo and create their inspiration board. The promotion is part of the company's efforts to reach out to a younger target market and show that the brand can use social media and have fun with it.

In a reflection of its expanding premium content strategy, YouTube has unveiled two new original channels focused on cars: Motor Trend and Drive. The Motor Trend channel, created by Source Interlink Media, will include original content from the likes of Motor Trend. Meanwhile Drive will take viewers behind the scenes and "[celebrate] the rich culture of cars." Content will include news, reviews and commentary from industry figures such as Chris Harris, Mike Spinelli, Leo Parente, and Alex Roy.

cool idea to help create buzz around new prototype cars.  cars are wrapped in QR codes and people have to scan 4 different QR codes for a chance to win a trip to the world premiere unveiling the new A-Class

An app that scans horribly parked cars and their license plates and shares it online to people with ip addresses within a certain radius of where the car is parked via social networks.