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.

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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.

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Press Release:

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.

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.

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Press Release:

iPhone app: Test drive the new Audi RS 3

• 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.

Take a look at Pioneer’s newest head honcho head unit the AVIC-Z120BT.  This GPS Navigation unit has a 7 inch double-din screen, DVD playback, a 3D user interface, and Pandora functionality.  It also connects with your iPod and/or iPhone in more ways than the Karma Sutra.  You can even use Pioneer’s “MusicSphere” app to create “mood based” playlists via your iTunes account.  This is the perfect head unit for Apple fans.

Press Release:

LONG BEACH, CA – (May 24, 2010) – Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. continues to stay ahead of the curve in in-car entertainment and information technologies with the official launch of its top-of-the-line, AVIC-Z120BT in-dash navigation system. The highly sophisticated flagship unit introduced at the 2010 Pioneer Car Electronics Road Show for dealers, brings together the best route guidance features with more entertainment and convenience attributes that include PandoraLink for Pioneer App, MusicSphere^TM, Pioneer’s proprietary music analysis software, a revolutionary 3D user interface and ECO Graph for eco-friendly drivers.

“In 1994, Pioneer was the first company to bring in-car GPS to the U.S. market, and today we are continuing to advance the navigation category with the launch of our highly intuitive, flagship AVIC-Z120BT.  Our team of designers and engineers devised this model to not only deliver reliable route guidance and high quality audio and video, but also to enable users to easily adapt their personal devices to their cars.  And, now with its capability to deliver Pandora’s popular Internet music service, Pioneer again redefines the navigation category,” said Ted Cardenas, director of marketing for the car electronics department, sales and marketing division of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

Navigation and Entertainment from A to Z

The AVIC-Z120BT is the latest entry in Pioneer’s prestigious Z-series navigation systems, offering the best in in-dash navigation with compelling entertainment and sound quality features.  It features an elegant, motorized high-resolution 7-inch WVGA touch screen display, 3D graphics accelerator, onscreen iPod/iPhone control, built-in Bluetooth¹ for hands-free calling and wireless music streaming, USB connectivity², SD card slot located behind the motorized front panel, high quality CD/DVD audio/video playback, back-up camera input and is SIRIUS XM³ satellite and HD Radio⁴ ready.  The AVIC-Z120BT’s comprehensive map database from Tele Atlas® covers the entire United States, Canada, Alaska and Hawaii, enabling users to route to millions of destinations including more than 12 million points of interest (POIs).  Additionally, the unit features enhanced voice recognition, including the capability to input destination addresses by voice. 

Unique to the 2010 Pioneer navigation line, the AVIC-Z120BT features dual zone entertainment, which enables rear passengers to enjoy DVD video and audio on a separate rear display and headphones, while front passengers listen to AM/FM or XM or SIRIUS satellite radio sources.  Additionally, the unit also features several sound quality components, including Supertuner^TM IIID, Radio Data System (RDS), dual A/V inputs, 7-band graphic EQ and 4-Volts preamp outputs (X3).

 

• PandoraLink – Pandora internet radio fans using the service on an iPhone now have the same control interface directly on the AVIC-Z120BT.  When users launch the PandoraLink for Pioneer App, Pandora will be displayed as a dedicated source on the AVIC-Z120BT and provide similar functions on its onscreen display such as detailed track information and album art.  In addition to the capability of rating a track with “thumbs up” or “thumbs down,” the dedicated user interface provides easy navigation on a large 7-inch touch screen display and allows users to bookmark a song or artist, skip the currently playing track, change stations and select Quickmix playback. 

 

• Advanced User Interface – 3D animation utilized in the navigation maps has also been applied to the audio interface providing a completely new in-car experience.  The intuitive touch slide control capabilities of the AVIC-Z120BT feature dynamic shortcuts for source selection, expanded display of album art and improved display of audio track data.  The receptive touch slide interface is also utilized for

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Pioneer Advanced Navigation System pg. 2

 

searching through music content with a new, improved dual-speed scroll for ABC and List Searches.  The customizable home menu allows users to drag and drop up to 15 function icons into the home page display for easy one-touch access.

 

• MusicSphere – Pioneer’s new proprietary MusicSphere⁵ technology enables iPod and iPhone users to enjoy their library of music in a new way by creating unique, mood-based playlists that can be accessed onscreen with a distinctive 3D animated sphere. MusicSphere analyzes the user’s entire music library and creates 40 specialized playlists based on various musical attributes of the songs, such as feeling (bright, energetic, gloomy, relaxing calm), rhythm pattern, Beats Per Minute (BPM) and year of the song and/or date added to the device. The specialized playlists can be accessed on the navigation display through an animated 3D sphere that can be rotated with a touch of the screen, providing a quick and highly visual method of selecting MusicSphere generated playlists.

 

Additionally, the MusicSphere software allows users to create a “DJ Playlist” which will create a non-stop mix of the selected music types with the ability to blend between songs using transition effects.

 

• ECO Driving – The system also features the second generation ECO Driving function which provides driving status reports as well as the driver’s impact on the environment with visual graphics onscreen.  Through Pioneer’s proprietary AVIC FEEDS®⁶ PC software⁷, the unit can estimate the fuel cost of trip as well as the vehicle’s CO2 emissions through detailed Drive Reports.  Through a proprietary fuel consumption algorithm, AVIC FEEDS can also log and archive driving data and analyze driving habits to generate various reports with suggestions to improve fuel efficiency.  The ECO Graph shown on the navigation unit visually represents the user’s environmental impact, illustrated in 2D, 3D and divided map views.  Additionally, when a route is set the system will calculate a Drive Score based on driving efficiency which factors abrupt stops, accelerations and idle time. 

The AVIC-Z120BT can be fully integrated into a large number of vehicles with a 2-DIN dash opening, and can match any vehicle’s dash lighting with its more than 30,000 customizable illumination colors. 

The AVIC-Z120BT will be available in June for a suggested retail price of $1,599. 

Pioneer’s Car Electronics Department is known for offering the kind of in-car products that make driving more enjoyable by offering high quality audio and video, seamless connectivity and ease-of-use.  Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including audio video, navigation and satellite radio, while maintaining its strong heritage in products for car audio enthusiasts and sound competitors.

NOTE:  Do not use your Pioneer system if doing so will divert your attention in any way from the safe operation of your vehicle. Always observe safe driving rules. In some states certain operations of devices while driving may be illegal. Where such regulations apply, they must be obeyed.

¹Bluetooth functionality requires a compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone. Certain Bluetooth features may not be supported by all compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices, and/or the functionality of such features may be limited in certain devices or by certain wireless carriers. See more details about compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile phones at the following webpage: “http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/BluetoothCompatibility“.

²Not every USB device is compatible with a Pioneer head unit containing an USB port. See more details at the following webpage: “http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/USBCompatibility“. Pioneer head units containing a USB port are compatible with USB MSC (Mass Storage Class) devices only, and are not compatible with DRM (Digital Rights Management) contents and MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) connection devices. For size and other limitations, please see Owner’s Manual. Unauthorized copying of music or other files is strictly prohibited. Optional USB extension cable is available for use with front USB ports.

³SIRIUS XM satellite radio is a subscription service not affiliated with Pioneer Electronics – service is available everywhere within the continental U.S. More information is available at “http://www.siriusxm.com“. The “XM” and “SIRIUS” and related marks are trademarks of SIRIUS XM Radio Inc. Ability of the Pioneer system to access the SIRIUS and/or XM satellite radio service is subject to change without notice and could be affected by any of the following (but not limited to the following): changes to the SIRIUS XM radio service; or, discontinuation of the SIRIUS XM radio service.

⁴HD Radio and the HD Radio logo are proprietary trademarks of iBiquity Digital Corp.

⁵PC systems requirements for MusicSphere software includes:

        OS – Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows7

Windows Hardware

A PC with a 1GHz Intel or faster processor

512MB of RAM or greater

Screen resolution of 1024×768 or greater

Broadband Internet connection to use MusicSphere data download

 

Windows Software

Windows XP Service Pack 2 or later, 32-bit editions of Windows Vista, or 32-bit editions of Windows 7

64-bit editions of Windows Vista or Windows 7 doesn’t support

iTunes 9.0.3 or later

QuickTime 7.6.4 or later

Internet Explorer 7 or later

300MB of available disk space

⁶Functionality available via AVIC-Feeds varies by AVIC model.

⁷PC systems requirements for AVIC-FEEDS software includes:

OS – Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition / Professional (Service Pack 2 or later), Microsoft Windows Vista, Only supported by 32 bit version. (Not compatible with Mac OS)

CPU – Pentium III 500MHz or higher (Recommended: Pentium III 1.0GHz or higher)

Memory -256MB or more (Recommended: 512MB or more)

Hard Disk – 100MB or more of available hard disk space

Display – Display capability of 1024 x 768 resolution, 16-bit color (65536 colors) or higher

Other – Internet Explorer 6.0 or later preinstalled, USB/SD Card-accessible interface, Google Maps-capable internet environment

 

PIONEER, Supertuner, MusicSphere and AVIC FEEDS are registered trademarks of Pioneer Corporation.

BLUETOOTH is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc.

IPOD, IPOD TOUCH, IPHONE and iTUNES are registered trademarks of Apple Inc.

TELE ATLAS is a registered trademark of Tele Atlas North America, Inc.

 

A lot of newer cars come standard with an in-dash GPS these days.  This can be good and bad depending on who makes the car.  However if your car didn’t come with one stock be glad you have a variety of units to choose from!  Pioneer’s AVIC-F90BTis a pretty slick choice if you’re looking for a little bit of everything.  It plays DVDs, has bluetooth, a port to hardwire your ipod, voice command, and of course turn by turn navigation.

I dig performance but I’m a pretty big advocate of comfort and livability as well.  Part of that is a decent helping of I.C.E. With Blu-Ray taking over in the living room all your DVD’s need a place to go.  Why not the car?  The Pioneer AVH_P7800DVD is a nice choice if you’re in the market for a in-dash player.  It has a nice wide 7 inch screen and supports all the major formats.  It’s also satalite radio ready if you want to get rid of the old school antenna.

I used to think those ”all-in-one” head units were unessasary, but after driving a beater with no CD changer I finally see the light! The CN-NVD905U (thats a lot of letters and numbers) has built in navigation, DVD player, satellite radio functionality, and ipod functionality all in one 7 inch LCD screen unit.  I wouldn’t be surprized if the next model up lets you check your facebook page too.