Ok, so unless you have been hiding in a cave for the last 12 hours, you probably already know that this morning the iPhone 5 was officially announced and revealed to scores of drooling hipsters. I am not really much of an Apple device fan so for the most part I didn’t care, until I heard that the first video game demonstrated on the iPhone 5 was the third installment of the popular Real Racing series “Real Racing 3″.
The increased graphics performance of the iPhone 5 allowed Firemonkeys (the development team behind Real Racing 3) to create a racing game with visuals that rival some of the stuff out for home consoles today. Again, I am the last person to ever buy an Apple product but I have to say I am impressed with this game. Scroll down if you want to see the official trailer.
People get pretty serious about their iPhone cases. At first it was just about what case would protect the phone you waited in a 5 hour line for in the middle of the night. Although these days iPhone cases are all about style and showing off. Volk Racing decided to try and hit two hipsters with one stone by releasing a two piece 6066 aluminum alloy anodized case for the iPhone 4/4S. Even though I kind of hate all things Apple, I have to admit this case looks pretty damn good. The only problem is that it will cost you over $250! Not a typo!
While that does seem like a lot of money to pay for a cell phone case, to some this kind of thing is just that important. If you are willing to drop that kind of coin then more power to you! Although if you are one of those early adopter types you might want to hold off as rumor has it Apple will be announcing the iPhone 5 tomorrow (Sept. 12th 2012). On the other hand if you are one of those who like to take advantage of price drops on previous gen Apple devices when the new ones come out then maybe you will want to pick up this case after all. However, considering the price, you might want to just get the iPhone 5 too..
Did you know that there is a trick to make a guitar sound like a race car? Up until now that was really the only motorsports/music collaboration I really knew about. Today that changed when I found out that Lotus F1 has teamed up with Linkin Park to create a new racing game/music game app called “Linkin Park GP”. The app is built like a racing game featuring Lotus F1 E20 racecar. As you race around the track you simultaneously re-mix the video to Linkin Park’s new single “BURN IT DOWN”. I know it sounds kind of weird but in practice its supposed to be awesome. You can find out for yourself when the app launches in the iTunes App store this Thursday (May 24th). The video below might give you some idea as to how it works so check it out below.
Anyone who owns a smart phone or tablet knows the wonder of apps. These days there is an app for just about anything, no matter if you have an Android device or an Apple device. When it comes to things like sports apps really shine. The official NBA app allows fans to keep track of virtually everything going on in the league, same with the official NFL app, and NHL app. NASCAR and Indy Car have their own official apps too as well and the best thing about all the apps I mentioned is that they are all free.
Last year Formula 1 used to be a part of that group as they offered a free live timing app that also included other features like track notes and weather conditions. I will admit it was a pretty basic bare bones app when compared to what some of the other sports offered but its simplicity actually made the user experience more enjoyable and it really came through when I could not watch a race on TV.
However, this year that all changed. Formula 1 enlisted developer Soft Pauer to revamp their official mobile app and revamp they did. The new app has everything last year’s app had but now with beautiful graphical representations of each track with live position markers for each driver, tire data for each driver (know who is on what tire), DRS zone markers on each track map, live news updates from race control, the ability to follow a specific driver, and pick out certain virtual (not live broadcast) corner views and such. I will be the first to say that is an impressive list of features. The only problem is that this app will set you back a whopping $30 bucks! (Actually $30.99 on Google Play and $28.99 in the iTunes App Store).
In a marketplace where most apps are 99 cents or free a $30 price tag for a mobile app to follow a sport is ridiculous! Or is it? Am I being unfair? Is there a good reason for the high price tag? Lets take a deeper look at some comperable apps (Indy Car and NASCAR) to see how they stack up against F1′s current offering.
NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile
The NASCAR Sprint Cup mobile app gives users access to live in-car audio from all the drivers in the field, race radio live broadcasts, live timing, live telemetry, and other cool stuff like highlight videos, interviews and the like. All of that stuff is offered for free, or so it appears.
As the title says it is the NASCAR Sprint Cup mobile app. So while the app is technically free, it can only be downloaded if you are a Sprint service subscriber. Also, even if you are on Sprint if you have the iPhone 4 or 4S you are SOL since the app is currently not offered in the iTunes App Store. Some have complained that the only reason they switched to Sprint was for this very app yet they cannot get it because they chose an iPhone instead of an Android powered phone.
Although, this is where the “Free” comes from. NASCAR does not have to charge users for the app since it is pretty much subsidized by the Sprint title sponsorship of the series.
Indy Car Mobile By Verizon
The Indy Car Mobile app is pretty similar to the NASCAR app except the Indy Car App allows for live in-car camera video (for select drivers), live “race control center” video during races, and the ability to split your screen into quadrants and watch 4 video feeds at once. You also get all the live updates, live track positioning, and other stuff you get with apps of this sort.
The Indy Car Mobile app is also free but like the NASCAR Sprint Cup app the key is in the app’s title. This app is only available to Verizon subscribers, and also like the NASCAR app it seems to be exclusive to Android devices at the moment.
“Free” is not so free
Ok, so it turns out that many “free” sports apps out there including the Indy Car and NASCAR apps are only offered as such due to sponsorships and since Formula One has no “official title sponsor” it is understandable why they decided to make their 2012 app a pay for play affair. However, my argument here is not that the Formula One mobile app should be free, its that $30 bucks for the privilege is way too much!
Again I fully conceed to the fact that the F1 2012 live timing app is very feature rich, and good looking but seriously, one would be hard-pressed to find a similar paid sports app period much less one that demands that kind of coin for use. I think Formula One/FIA would make much more money and make people much happier if they reduced the price of the current app to say $10 to $15 and offered a basic version (get rid of all of the 3D modeled live representation of cars, track position, etc) and offered it for a buck.
As it stands, the F1 2012 app has “5,000 – 10,000″ installs. While that may sound like a lot, the Indy Car Mobile app has 10 times as much and the NASCAR app has at least over 5 million installs. Despite locking out the other service subscribers and millions of iPhone owners those two apps still dwarf the F1 apps usership despite F1 being the second most popular sport in the world! What does that say?
It says your app costs too much F***ing money Formula One! Get a clue Bernie! You of all people should know what its like to be robbed.
Let me paint a word picture for you: You have your eye on a particular wheel but you are unsure how said wheel will look on your car. You then go to your forum of choice and make a desperate plea that someone “photochop” the wheel onto a picture of your car. Instead, forum trolls come out from under their bridge and begin an epic flame war hurling insults such as “your car is teh sux!!11″ and “mY eG CiViC PwNs U!” then the power-drunk forum mod closes your thread and nothing gets accomplished except raising your blood pressure. All too familiar isn’t it?
Well the guys at SSR Wheels found away for you to avoid all of that grief. If you have a particular SSR wheel in mind for your car simply download their SSR Wheel app for your iPhone or iPad, take a side profile picture of your car, then use the app to apply any one of their wheels to your car with some simple touch screen drag & drop action!
If this glorious innovation has not brought you to tears yet you will certainly sob after I tell you that this app is totally free! Yes! Gratis! Now, go fourth and wheel shop ’till your heart’s content!
Besides the huge auto show going on in Detroit there are new tech goodies making their debut in Las Vegas at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). While the two shows are far apart both physically and in content, there are occasional instances where the two mesh. For example, audio company Logic3 is using CES to announce a full line of Ferrari branded products. The “Ferrari By Logic3 Collection” will feature a myriad of products all dawning the famous prancing horse, including noise-canceling headphones and iPhone compatible speaker docks. One look at the pictures and I had to admit that the Logic3 designers did a pretty good job of translating Ferrari asthetics into their collection. I am especially drooling over the red/carbon fiber over-ear headphones! See the line for yourself in the pictures below and get the info in the press release.
Las Vegas, USA, 9th January 2012: Logic3 Collaborate with Ferrari to Create Iconic Suite Of Audio Products : Logic3 today announce an exclusive collaboration with Ferrari that unveils the creation of an iconic, world-leading collection of audio products. The Ferrari by Logic3 collection comprises a range of earphones, headphones and speaker docks that celebrate Ferrari’s excellence and flair, both on the road and in motorsport, by delivering superior audio performance and beautiful design.
Ferrari by Logic3 collection designed to bring performance, passion and technical excellence to life in the audio world
Ferrari selected Logic3 to produce the collection based on its proven, consistent and high quality audio heritage, combined with the company’s long-held passion and desire to produce the very best audio products on the market.
Recognising the need to build this new range of audio equipment from the ground up, Logic3 has worked with highly respected audio designers in this specialised field to create a range of unique audio products that bring Ferrari’s iconic Italian heritage to life. The Ferrari team has been closely involved with Logic3 throughout the entire process, ensuring the marque’s characteristic style, design and personality are captured within every product.
The Ferrari by Logic3 range is comprised of two styles:
The Ferrari Cavallino Collection is influenced by the emotive driving experience of Ferrari’s iconic GT road cars. Premium textures and materials combine with superior finishes to create unparalleled luxury and beautiful aesthetics. A range that deservedly features the illustrious ‘Cavallino Rampante’ (Prancing Horse) marque.
The Scuderia Ferrari Collection is inspired by the competition, speed, and technological innovation of the Ferrari F1 team. Each product takes its design cues from the sleek racing lines and iconic chassis features that make Ferrari cars so instantly recognisable and globally adored. This collection carries the exclusive Scuderia Ferrari badge, recognising a shared vision of power, excellence and success.
Speaker Docks:
The Cavallino GT1 is a unique Speaker Dock which creates a rich & powerful audio experience through a market-leading 250W RMS Class HD AMP in a Multi Speaker Unit with a 6.5″ (165mm) Subwoofer. In addition to an Apple dock connector, the GT1 also features wireless Bluetooth connectivity for Android and Windows-based devices.
The Cavallino GT1 Air offers the same specification as the Cavallino GT1, but with the addition of Apple AirPlay wireless technology.
The Scuderia FS1 is a 2.1 Speaker Dock offering 120W RMS Class HD Amp with Twin Passive Bass Radiators. Wireless Bluetooth connectivity grants access for Apple, Android & Windows devices along with a specific dock connector for Apple devices.
The Scuderia FS1 Air offers the same specification as the Scuderia FS1, but with the addition of Apple AirPlay wireless technology.
Headphones and Earphones:
The Ferrari Cavallino Headphones and Earphones deliver a premium audio experience coupled with sumptuous comfort. With a focus on fine materials and detail, the collection is available in the following formats:
The T350 Over-Ear Headphones, which include active noise cancelling
(ANC) technology
The T250 On-Ear Headphones
The G150 & T150 Earphones, which feature TFAT and noise isolating technology
The Scuderia Ferrari Headphones and Earphones offer sleek design and high-quality audio, accompanied by superior comfort level in and on the ears. Mirroring Ferrari’s F1 focus, the whole collection is available in the following formats:
The R300 Over-Ear Headphones, which offer active noise cancellation (ANC) technology
The R200 and P200 On-Ear Headphones
The S100 and R100 Earphones, which feature TFAT and noise isolating technology
The Ferrari by Logic3 collection will be available from April 2012 and will be showcased for the first time at CES, Las Vegas (10th-13th January 2012). Customers wishing to pre-order any of the products from the collections can do so online – please visit www.ferrari-by-logic3.com for further information and details.
Ever since NOS Energy Drink started to support our favorite motorsports like drifting, indy car, and now even Major League Gaming; loyal fans have been chugging the beverage religiously ever since. Today NOS Energy has announced that they will reward all of you out there who have been faithfully increasing your “human horsepower” with them by rolling out a loyalty program called the NOS Reward Series. Soon you will see specially marked packages of NOS Energy Drink that will include codes that will unlock points on the NOS Energy website. Those points can be redeemed for limited edition, not available for purchase items related to motorsports or video games like exclusive downloadable game content or other items like Kyle Busch’s vintage trucker cap.
One of the first items up for grabs via the NOS Reward Series will be a new mobile game called “NOS Pro Drift” for iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. In the app you can pilot Chris Forsberg’s 370Z sideways around Long Beach and other drift courses. Check out some screen shots of the game and the full press release below.
NOS® introduces loyalty program;
Allows fans to get the points, get the goods NOS Rewards Series offers custom-created gear and prizes WHITESTONE, NY. July 5, 2011—Since launching in 2005, NOS® Energy Drink has built a die-hard following by offering consumers high-performance energy in a bottle or can. Now, the brand is upping the ante and offering a little something extra. Introducing NOS Rewards Series (NRS)—a loyalty program that incentivizes fans with NOS-branded custom-created gear and exclusive rewards.
Each specially marked package of NOS will feature on-pack NRS codes either below the tab (can) or under the cap (bottle). Consumers will be directed to drinknos.com, where they can create an account and begin building towards the goods. All of the rewards are limited edition and unavailable for public purchase, like custom NOS-Major League Gaming wearables, exclusive downloadable gaming content, and the vintage trucker hat made famous by NOS partner and NASCAR driver Kyle Busch. Keeping true to its brand spirit —NOS is the Official Energy Drink of NASCAR, Formula Drift, and Major League Gaming—every prize on NRS will be tied to motorsports or video games.
“NOS has a loyal and passionate following, and we see NOS Rewards Series as a chance to further engage our fans and solidify the connection,” said Tutul Rahman, NOS brand manager. “NOS represents high performance energy behind the wheel and behind the controller, and we look forward to celebrating that with some really cool racing and gaming related prizes.”
To help kick-start the program, NOS will offer fans early access to a new mobile app called NOS Pro DRIFT. Soon to be available on iPhone, iPad and Droid phones, the authentic game—created by BlackBox Interactive—features NOS driver Chris Forsberg and fellow Formula DRIFT pros. The app will be available for 1 NRS point, so once fans sign up for the program with their first code, they’ll be able to download it. The download will be available to NRS members for three months before it’s offered at a fee to the general public.
The super die-hard NOS champions—those well aware of the brand’s commitment to competition and performance— will appreciate the NRS leaderboard on drinknos.com, which will display the best of the best NOS® fans.
About NOS Energy Drink Launched in 2005, NOS Energy Drink fuels victory by providing the high performance energy and enhanced mental focus you need to stay ahead of the pack behind the wheel, behind the controller and everywhere in between. NOS is part of the glacéau unit of Coca Cola North America. glacéau consists of brands that offer great-tasting hydration for every occasion, including vitaminwater®, smartwater®, POWERADE®, FUZE®, NOS® and Full Throttle®. The Coca-Cola Company is the world’s largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. For more information about NOS, visit www.drinknos.com or facebook.com/NOSEnergyDrink.
The cool book-like brochures that you used to pick up at the dealerships when you were car shopping are starting to go the way of the dinosaur as more and more of the populous invest in tablet devices like the iPad and XOOM. Car companies like Audi and now Mercedes Benz are saving money and trees by producing brochure apps instead of books for their new models. The latest app from Mercedes Benz is for the new 2012 CLS. Within this app you can take virtual tours of the inside and outside of the car to get a closer look. You can also customize a 2012 CLS within the app using all the available options to spec one out just the way you’d want it. If you want to start playing around with your own virtual CLS just search the Apple App store for “Mercedes-Benz 2012 CLS”
MONTVALE, N.J. – Taking its digital reach to the next level, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has introduced the Mercedes-Benz MY ’12 CLS-Class iPad App. This application is the first of a series of MY ’12 product apps and is available now through the Apple App Store for free. Users can find the app by searching “Mercedes-Benz 2012 CLS.”
The new CLS-Class iPad App puts a spin on traditional communications by providing a media-rich, eco-friendly channel for prospects to learn more about the CLS-Class. Although this app has been created as a tool for dealership sales associates, it can easily be obtained through the Apple App Store by consumers as well.
Through logical placement and smart navigation, the app provides a smart, user-friendly experience that includes virtual tours of the interior and exterior of the vehicle, as well as an “Explore” section that allows users to customize the CLS. The app also offers a wide selection of videos that demonstrate the groundbreaking technical innovations of Mercedes-Benz.
Additional apps for MY ’12 vehicles will launch throughout 2011 to coincide with the retail release dates.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz and Maybach products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse line-up in the luxury segment with 12 model lines ranging from the sporty C-Class to the flagship S-Class sedans and the SLS AMG supercar.
MBUSA is also responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Vans in the US. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbsprinterusa.com.
Want to test drive the Audi RS 3 without flying to Germany? Well you can if you own an iPhone/iPod touch. Audi just released a game featuring the RS 3 that not only lets you virtually drive the car but race, drift, and crash it should you feel so inclined. Although you may want to focus on the racing part since this game a part of a international contest in which the winner will get their very own Audi RS 3!. The contest runs from March 3rd to the 16th. Scroll below for some screen shots of the game and the contest details in the press release.
Asphalt Audi RS 3 racing game offers exclusive driving experience
International competition – grand prize is an Audi A3 Sportback
Free Asphalt Audi RS 3 game for the iPhone
Just in time for the exhibition debut of the Audi RS 3 Sportback at the Geneva Motor Show, a new app will arrive on March 3rd that allows all iPhone owners to take the new Audi model for a test drive. With the free racing game for the iPhone called Asphalt Audi RS 3, players can choose between two tracks (Bahamas and Tokyo), both of which feature thrilling graphics.
The iPhone app, which is available from the Apple App Store, was designed in partnership with Gameloft. Gameloft is the world’s biggest developer and publisher of video games for mobile devices. The sixth edition of the Asphalt racing game series, which has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, has been available since December 2010.
Winning in the Asphalt Audi RS 3 game involves more than just driving over the finish line: with skilled driving maneuvers players can beat their competitors or explore hidden short cuts. “This is a way for our customers to get to know the new Audi RS 3 Sportback even before the official market launch,” said Lothar Korn, Head of Marketing Communications at Audi.
In the game, the youngest member of the Audi RS family can be controlled using the touch-screen or via tilt control, which the iPhone allows to be used as the steering wheel. Customized configuration of the car is also possible.
For people who want more than just virtual driving fun, there’s a link that leads to Audi’s mobile website as well as to a page with an overview of all Audi apps (www.audi.de/apps). From there, iPhone owners can download numerous other Audi apps.
In the Asphalt Audi RS 3 Contest players can climb their way to the top of a worldwide online list. In this international competition, the player with the fastest time after three rounds on the Bahamas track will win an Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TFSI quattro with the S line sports and exterior package, quattro drive, leather trim, xenon plus headlights and a BOSE sound system. The contest runs from March 3 to 16.
Starting March 3, the Asphalt Audi RS 3 iPhone racing game will be available worldwide at no cost from the Apple App Store in German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Chinese and Korean versions. After installing the program players can use all of the content of the app with an active Internet connection. The game is designed for the iPhone, but also functions on an iPad and iPod touch.
The contest is being offered in Germany, Australia, Belgium, China, France, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Japan, Canada (except for Quebec), Mexico, the Netherlands, Austria, Russia, Switzerland, Spain, South Korea and the United States (including the District of Columbia). Participants must be of full legal age and possess a valid driver’s license.
If you paid a visit to the 2010 LA Auto Show you might have had a chance to play with Yokohama Tire’s iPad app in their exhibit. If not, then it is now available for download for free in the iTunes app store. So, what does the app do? Well it allows you to browse through Yokohama’s full tire line up and get an up-close look at what makes each model unique. You can also spin the tires, zoom in, watch videos, and get info about specialty tires like their orange oil race application. Its a fun way to kill sometime and if you are in the market for tires then this app gets even more useful. I played with the app myself and had some fun with it. If I were to make any suggestion to Yokohama on this I’d say make it available for Android powered tablets and phones!
FULLERTON, CA (Feb. 25, 2011) –Yokohama Tire Corporation’s new iPad app – the Yokohama Tire Explorer – introduced at the recent LA Auto Show, is now available free on iTunes.
“iPad apps are a new and unique way for consumers to get information,” said Alan Holtschneider, Yokohama manager, advertising, promotions & events. “Yokohama’s app takes advantage of the iPad’s touch gesture technology and provides consumers an interactive, graphically-appealing way to learn about our tires.”
Holtschneider said the app features videos and information on the technology behind Yokohama’s consumer tires. ADVAN®, GEOLANDAR®, AVID® ENVigor™, S.drive® and the orange oil-infused dB Super E-spec™ all have their respective sections for users to explore. “There’s information on tire compounds, tread design and construction, along with a ‘Tireology’ section and fun facts about tires. We hope consumers will find the Yokohama app an engaging tool, especially as they begin to consider replacement tires for their vehicle.”
Yokohama Tire Corporation is the North American manufacturing and marketing arm of Tokyo, Japan-based The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., a global manufacturing and sales company of premium tires since 1917. Servicing a network of more than 4,500 points of sale in the U.S., Yokohama Tire Corporation is a leader in technology and innovation. The company’s complete product line includes the dB Super E-spec™ – the world’s first tire to use orange oil to reduce petroleum – as well as tires for high-performance, light truck, passenger car, commercial truck and bus, and off-the-road mining and construction applications. For more information on Yokohama’s extensive product line, visit www.yokohamatire.com.
Yokohama is a strong supporter of the tire care and safety guidelines established by the Rubber Manufacturers Association and the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration. Details can be found at the “Tire Safety” section at www.yokohamatire.com.
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