Group items tagged

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:

The vast majority that clicked on ads was likely to take some action, including receiving a coupon (51%), research a product (49%) or making a purchase (46%). After coupons, ads featuring specific product searching, favorite brands, and location information were most likely to entice smartphone users to interact with them. When it comes to mobile platforms, the study found iOS users trumped Android device owners in ad responsiveness. People using iPhones and iPads were more likely to make a purchase than Android-based users. The findings, presented Monday at the IAB's Mobile Marketplace conference, were based on a survey conducted by ABI Research of 552 U.S. adults who use a smartphone with data service at least once a week, and 563 corresponding tablet users. The sample was split evenly by gender and covered those18 to 65+. The study also emphasized that mobile no longer means merely "on-the-go," with virtually all tablet and smartphone owners using their devices at home-the most common place for mobile activity. Tablets are viewed mainly as media consumption devices;  smartphones are considered "mission-critical" tools that 70% won't leave home without.

for trends presents

So Wired says voice calls may be dying. Now Google is showing that people are becoming more comfortable with talking directly to devices for search. This could have implications for improved voice interfaces on mobile and other connected devices.

The team behind Signul bills the device as "the World's First Personal Beacon System," and offers an empowering stance on device management and oversight: "Streamline your life and automate things with a simple tool that leverages the power of beacon technology to do your bidding."

"Overall, 32% of those younger than 40 say they followed the debate live online, including 22% who followed it both on television and online, and 10% who followed exclusively on a computer or mobile device. Those 40-to-64 are less likely to have followed live online (11%); just 1% followed only online, while 10% followed online as well as on television. Very few Americans 65 and older followed the debate live online (2%) and none followed live coverage exclusively on a computer or mobile device."

The Walgreens mobile app lets customers scan their mobile devices at the register to earn points and redeem awards without the need to carry a physical card. The app allows us to integrate Balance Rewards with other great mobile features, including in-store aisle maps so you can find the school supply or Band-Aid you need, and photo print services so you can send your pictures direct from a mobile device to our store for copies. LoyalBlocks, customers sign up through the app with their favorite stores that participate with the program. When they visit the store, the app communicates with the merchant's tablet, which automatically checks the customer in and sends them token rewards and deals.

Mobile security provider PassBan has announced a wearable verification device that authenticates a mobile phone or tablet user. This smart wristband will enable the wearer to make their mobile apps secure and unlock them with simple gestures. 

"According to the study, which surveyed nearly 10,000 U.S. adults, around half of whom owned some sort of mobile device, a full 64 percent of tablets owners and 62prcent of smart phone owners said they used their devices for news at least one per week, meaning that one third of adults in the United States get some kind of news on a tablet or phone on a weekly basis, if not more frequently."

Providing devices with the ability to perceive the world, breaking down the barriers between virtual and physical reality is what we call mixed reality," wrote Terry Myerson, Microsoft's EVP of Windows and Devices

put a smart ID tag on your pet -- the device recognizes the tag and provides appropriate serving of food associated to that tag and the door to the food only opens when the tag is scanned.

consultants at Deloitte have put a figure on just how many of these devices will be in the market by the end of this year: more than half a billion. But many of these smartphones, they say, will be a far cry from what we think of as high-end devices today.

in 2011, 6.3% of all local online advertising was served up on a mobile device. Borrell Associates forecasts by 2016, 88% of all local online advertising will be served up on a mobile device.

Among the findings: Overall, 29% of video service customers watch paid video content via handheld device. Some 18% of customers use tablets for viewing paid video content, making them the most-often-used handheld device, up from 11% in 2011. The use of wireless phone customers has increased to 16% in 2012, up from 14% a year earlier. Viewing of paid content via desktop and laptop (PC/Mac) has declined to 39%, down from 48% in 2011.

Personal/ private wireless access points and 3G hubs (smart devices such as Android phones, iPhone and tablets are permitted inside venues, but must not be used as wireless access points to connect multiple devices

Nearly half, 47 percent, of tablet users say they engage with advertisements more than once a week. That's according to a recent report from the Interactive Advertising Bureau and its Mobile Marketing Center of Excellence. On the smartphone side, 25 percent of users said they have the same weekly engagement. Following ad engagement, 80 percent of smartphone users and 89 percent of tablet users take action, said the report. The "Mobile's Role in the Consumer's Media Day" report studied behaviors on both types of devices, finding each used devices in different ways.

"While Seedio might not be able to boost the volume on your iPhone's speakers, it will instead allow you to beam the song you're currently playing on your iPhone to other iOS devices on the same WiFi network who also have Seedio installed, essentially turning all iOS devices in the room/house into one giant unified speaker. "

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.

Users can also share their favorite shows on Facebook and pair their mobile device with a web browser on a computer, which turns the device into a remote control or a second screen. Not in the US

65% of all email is now being accessed via mobile devices up from 61% in Q3 2013.