Four new BMW models launched in Singapore

For the first time in Singapore, BMW Group Asia is launching four new models at once.

First-ever BMW i8 Roadster

The BMW i8 Roadster has doors that open upwards.

This first-ever BMW convertible plug-in hybrid, a "gentleman's racer", can go from 0-100kmh in 4.6 seconds. There is already one in this colour on the roads in Singapore, a first edition. Owner CS Liew, a director with an agricultural science company, said that he initially preferred 'hard top' convertibles, but changed his mind with the i8 Roadster.

BMW representative (left) with Liew posing with the BMW i8 Roadster.

"I was won over because of the way it is designed, because it is just incredible," he said. Liew is the only Asian buyer and the only one from Singapore who owns a BMW i8 Roadster first edition.

New BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer 

The BMW2 Series Gran Tourer.

Equipped with a dual-clutch transmission*, the New BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer have been updated with sport line exteriors, new sport seats, a black panel instrument display and an electronic gear selector.

The All-new BMW X4

Source: BMW Group Asia. The BMW X4.

Powered by xDrive for all-weather and all-terrain capability, this sports activity coupé has a new wider stance, M Sport suspension and variable sport steering. 

The four new models can be seen at the BMW World of Passion and Joy event which ends today. This is the third-ever such event in Singapore, with the previous one held in 2010. Another three new models are showcased, including the All-new BMW Z4 First Edition, which was five years in the making. Visitors have an opportunity to experience the BMW and MINI brands, including BMW heritage cars; explore The MINI Story, and enjoy performances and interactive activities. 

“BMW World of Passion and Joy is the motoring event of the year in Singapore as we aim to unite the past, present and future under one roof,” said Christopher Wehner, MD, BMW Group Asia, who also said that the event is "about values we embrace and experiences we create".

Showcases include:

The new BMW i3s REx electric car

The BMW i3s REx electric car.

The new BMW i3s REx possesses a higher output, model-specific chassis technology and more dynamic driving qualities.

The all-new BMW Z4 First Edition

Performers pose after a skit starring the All-new BMW Z4 First Edition.

The All-new BMW Z4 First Edition boasts lithe and compact proportions and a dynamic silhouette, encapsulating the BMW Group’s vision of a modern roadster.

The All-new BMW 8 Series

Models pose next to The 8 by BMW, with Wehner in the background.

The 8 redefines the sports car. The All-new BMW 8 Series combines lateral and longitudinal dynamic performance with poise, assurance and luxury over long distances. According to Wehner, the 8 Series "is about autonomy and saving the time for people you like and the things that you like and to have unique experiences".

The all-new BMW M2 Competition

The BMW M2 Competition has racing DNA.

The racing DNA is clear here. The BMW M2 Competition has a new bi-turbo inline six-cylinder engine goes from 0-100kmh in 4.2 seconds. It boasts new M Mirrors, a redesigned kidney grille, new M alloy wheels, M Sport bucket seats and an illuminated M2 badge. 

The BMW Concept X7 iPerformance

BMW Concept X7 iPerformance.

The BMW X family’s new top model extends BMW’s offering in the luxury class.

BMW heritage cars at the event include the BMW M5 (E39), BMW M3 CSL (E46), BMW 327 Sports Cabrio and the Isetta.

Test drives

The BMW 2 Series all the way to the BMW 7 Series, the BMW i3 and the BMW X models are available for test drives.

Virtual reality (VR) experiences

VR technology is available to allow visitors to get behind the wheel and check out the vehicle's nooks and crannies.

The MINI Story 

Visitors to the event are also invited to explore five unique chapters in The MINI Story: Creative Solutions, MINI In Design, Personalities, Makers, and Personalisation. Visitors can also create something of their own, walk away with a memento from the MINI photo booth, and explore the past in the Alec Issigonis design studio. Issigonis is known for his development of the MINI.

Designer Mini by Paul Smith

One of three Designer Minis, the Designer Mini by Paul Smith has 86 stripes in 26 colours.

The Designer Mini by Paul Smith is one of three Designer Minis presented by Rover as part of Mini's 40th anniversary in 1998. Taking the inspiration for his design from the stripes characteristic of his 1997 collection, the car was eventually sprayed with 86 stripes in 26 colours.

Details:

BMW World of Passion and Joy

Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre
Level 4, halls 403 and 404

10am to 10pm

Adult: S$20
Enjoy S$20 off favourite BMW or MINI Lifestyle Collection products after spending a minimum of S$100 nett in a single invoice. Terms and conditions apply.

Explore:

View pictures of the BMW World of Passion and Joy launch event on Facebook

*Also called a semi-automatic transmission; two clutch mechanisms are deployed, one for odd and the other for even gears.

New Pioneer Z-Series receivers run smartphone apps in vehicles

Source: Pioneer. Easy connectivity with Apple CarPlay, AppRadio Mode+, and Android Auto with the Pioneer AVH-Z5050BT multimedia receiver.

Pioneer Electronics Asia Centre, a specialist in aftermarket car audio, has announced four new multimedia receivers in Singapore.

Leading the 2017 lineup are the 1-DIN AVH-Z7050BT and 2-DIN AVH-Z5050BT, followed by the AVH-Z2050BT and AVH-Z1050DVD. In line with Pioneer's focus on enhancing user experience, the entire range offers even greater smartphone connectivity, a one-cable connection, and better audio-visual performance -- making Apple CarPlay*, Android Auto ², and other premium entertainment features accessible to every driver.

"The world is more connected than ever. Together with the proliferation of smartphones and mobile internet across Southeast Asia, local drivers are expecting better seamless connectivity from their in-car infotainment systems," said Takao Chiba, Deputy GM of Business Planning and Marketing Division, Pioneer Electronics Asia Centre.

"The new Z-Series multimedia receivers were developed to meet consumers' evolving expectations of easier smartphone connectivity and superior audio/video performance. With that in mind, we have focused on both hardware and software upgrades to offer a complete and improved user experience."

Features in Pioneer's 2017 multimedia receivers include:

More smartphone connectivity options. All Bluetooth-ready Z-Series multimedia receivers can simultaneously connect up to five Bluetooth devices. Additionally, users can browse their media library with upgraded Bluetooth AVRCP 1.6 capability.

Enjoy a premium selection of mobile applications (apps), simply by connecting a smartphone to the head unit, via AppRadio Mode+, Pioneer's proprietary entertainment platform.

An example is Waze, the world's largest community-based traffic and navigation app. Viewing maps and directions from Waze is easier with the head units' larger touchscreen. Users can also play videos stored in a smartphone, as well as stream online videos via the AppRadio LIVE app.

Another highlight is Spotify³, currently available in Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines with more Southeast Asian countries in the pipeline⁴, which has a library of over 30 million titles⁵. This music-streaming app can be selected from the head unit's source list, and operated directly onscreen.

Connecting a smartphone to any one of the 2017 multimedia receivers is now a plug-and-play affair, as the head unit can automatically detect and retrieve the available content from the phone.

Operating the new multimedia receivers is now easier thanks to a new customisable graphical user interface. Key enhancements include easy device switching, icon display customisation, plus colour and design personalisation with 112 backlight illumination colours and seven background themes.

Pioneer is upping the ante by delivering a more cinematic entertainment experience for discerning movie lovers. The plug-and-play convenience extends to video playback, thanks to new full-HD (1080p) support for popular video file formats like MKV, as well as additional support for the NTFS format, giving users the flexibility to play clips that are larger than 4GB direct from portable hard disks. With a new and improved 24-bit true colour LCD screen, these receivers can reproduce up to 16,777,216 hues, or with around 256 times better colour fidelity than most regular displays.

To elevate the overall sound quality of these receivers, Pioneer has made refinements 'under the hood' with technologies and expertise from its TAD professional audio division. This includes a newly developed circuit board, which eliminates external interference to enhance audio signal integrity. Performance is further improved by leveraging audiophile-grade components for maximum listening pleasure. Lastly, all models are professionally tuned by Pioneer's sound engineers, in addition to the following audio-enhancement functions:

• A 13-band graphic equaliser
• Auto equaliser
• Auto time alignment
• Advanced sound retriever
• 192kHz/24-bit FLAC file playback
• Clearer hands-free voice calls via the implementation of wideband speech support for Bluetooth-enabled models.

Pioneer Electronics Asia Centre is the regional headquarters of Pioneer Corporation. Pioneer's core business is in car audio visual technology. Pioneer aims to be a leading aftermarket manufacturer and supplier to leading car brands, providing comprehensive infotainment solutions for in-car, by developing next-generation devices and innovative cloud services for the growing connected car market.

Interested?

The new Pioneer Z-Series multimedia receivers will be available in Singapore soon.

Recommended retail prices (S$):

• AVH-Z1050DVD/$649
• AVH-Z2050BT/$699
• AVH-Z5050BT/$999
• AVH-Z7050BT/$1,099

Additional notes:

i. 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 countries, certain operations of devices while driving may be illegal. Where such regulations apply, they must be obeyed.

ii. Pioneer Multimedia Receivers are compatible with selected Android and iPhone smartphones only.

iii. Compatibility with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, AppRadio Mode +, AppRadioLIVE, and third-party applications varies by the iPhone/ Android models and their software versions.

iv. Android Auto may not be supported on all Android devices, and is not available in all countries or regions.

v. Bluetooth functionality requires a compatible Bluetooth-enabled mobile phone.

vi. 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.

vii. AppRadio LIVE requires a Pioneer AppRadio Mode compatible multimedia receiver. Specific models vary by region.

viii. Pioneer does not guarantee compatibility with all USB mass storage devices, and assumes no responsibilities for any loss of data on media players, smartphones, or other devices while using the receiver.

ix. FLAC Codec support are for the files stored in USB thumb drive.

x. Full-HD playback, for USB devices, is not supported for some compatible codecs.

xi. CarPlay is accessible via the user's iPhone cable or Pioneer's optional CD-IU52 cable, and Android Auto is accessible via the user's compatible Android device cable or Pioneer's optional CD-MU200 cable. USB Type-C devices may require additional Google certified adapters or cables.

xii. Notes on connecting Android smartphone with USB Type-C to Pioneer receiver - For audio and multimedia receivers featuring Android media playback and control via AOA and/or MTP, it is recommended that the audio or multimedia receiver is directly connected to the phone using only the CD-CU50, or a certified USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable (preferably under 1m in length). For AV receivers featuring Android Auto, it is recommended that the AV receiver is directly connected to the phone using the USB Type-A extension cable supplied by Pioneer and the CD-CU50, or only the CD-CU50, or a certified USB Type-A to USB Type-C cable (preferably under 1m in length). In some cases, a connection between a Pioneer receiver and a phone using a conventional USB Type-C cable may be dysfunctional.

xiii. An active data connection is required to use the Waze application. Functionality is limited when driving to reduce driver distraction. The parking brake must be engaged to access the keyboard and enter location destinations.

xiv. To use Auto EQ or Auto Time Alignment, Pioneer's CD-MC20 microphone is required and is sold separately.

xv. Compatible mobile digital devices and premium subscriptions are required for Spotify, where available.

*Apple CarPlay is available on Apple iPhone 5 or later with iOS 7.1 or higher, and requires Lightning to USB cable. For information about Apple CarPlay's availability, please visit https://www.apple.com/sg/ios/carplay/. To find out about supported Apple CarPlay features in each market, visit https://www.apple.com/ios/feature-availability/#applecarplay-applecarplay

2 Android Auto is only available for AVH-Z7050BT and AVH-Z5050B. Android Auto is available with Android phone running Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher with a data plan. Availability of Android Auto may vary depending upon the country and phone model. Visit http://www.android.com/auto for more information.

3 Only for DEH-X2950UI, DEH-X3950B, DEH-X4950BT, DEH-X7850BT, MVH-X195UI, MVH-X395BT, MVH-X585BT, and FH-X785BT

4 http://sea-globe.com/spotify-singapore-asia-headquarterds-focus-asean/

5 https://press.spotify.com/sg-en/about/

posted from Bloggeroid

Caarly users can now cross-post to Carousell

Carousell has acquired Singapore startup Caarly as part of its goal to lead in the classifieds space.

Caarly is a mobile-first productivity tool that makes it easier for used car dealerships to manage their inventory. Since its launch in Singapore in 2014, Caarly has become a trusted partner to more than 200 car dealers, which make up a significant proportion of the car dealerships in Singapore. Existing Caarly partners can continue to use the Caarly platform to list their inventory and can cross-post to the cars category on the Carousell marketplace with a single tap.

“Carousell has grown over the last 4.5 years, and so have our users. Over 50% of them in Singapore are now over 25 years old, and have significantly more purchasing power. We’ve seen how their evolving needs have resulted in more listings and greater demand in higher value verticals like cars. This acquisition allows us to tap on Caarly’s relationships with car dealers to give users the widest selection of cars on a classifieds marketplace, beginning in Singapore and throughout the Asia Pacific region (APAC) soon after,” said Siu Rui Quek, Co-founder and CEO of Carousell.

Winnie Khoo, newly appointed General Manager for Carousell Singapore and Malaysia, will be leading the charge to fully integrate the Caarly team into the Carousell platform. She said, “What began as a simple conversation to include used-car dealers inventory onto the Carousell marketplace (has) allowed us to realise the potential to make a bigger impact for our community. With the widest selection of cars, Carousell will become the go-to for anyone looking to purchase their next car.”

*An acquisition primarily to hire the talent at the acquired company.

Get Apple CarPlay in Malaysia through Pioneer

Source: Pioneer Electronics AsiaCentre. Apple CarPlay on the AVH-X8850BT.

Pioneer Electronics AsiaCentre has announced the availability of Apple CarPlay in Malaysia. Pioneer Electronics AsiaCentre (PAC) is the regional headquarters of Pioneer Corporation.

Accessible on three of its aftermarket in-dash car multimedia receivers - the AVH-X8850BT, AVH-X8750BT and AVH-X8650BT - drivers can upgrade their vehicles to enjoy a smarter, safer way to use iPhones while driving.

Utilising large, in-dash Pioneer LCD displays, Apple CarPlay featuring Siri voice control lets iPhone users with the latest version of iOS on their iPhone 5 or later use Siri to make and receive calls, compose and respond to text messages, use Apple Maps for navigation and listen to their music and podcasts.

"Pioneer's years of expertise integrating smartphone connectivity into the automotive environment has provided us the opportunity to be among the first to offer Apple CarPlay to drivers," said Isao Nomura, Deputy General Manager for Business Planning and Marketing Division of Pioneer Electronics AsiaCentre. "By providing an aftermarket option, selected Pioneer's in-dash multimedia receivers (AVH-X8850BT, AVH-X8750BT and AVH-X8650BT) give many iPhone owners in Malaysia the ability to add Apple CarPlay to their current vehicles."

Interested?

Car owners with the newly launched AVH-X8850BT and also the AVH-X8750BT will be able to access Apple CarPlay immediately.

Download the free firmware update for the AVH-X8650BT. Current AVH-X8650BT owners can load the firmware on a USB memory device and connect it to the receiver's USB cable input.

Call the service hotline in Malaysia at 1-300-88-2859, or visit the website

posted from Bloggeroid

Major LeEco launch covers phones, TVs, VR and a self driving concept car

Source: LeEco. Jia Yueting (left) and Ding Lei demonstrate the self-driving functions of the LeSEE concept car by using a Superphone to control the car remotely.

LeEco, formerly LeTV, has held a major cross-category product launch in Beijing, China during which the company introduced four new device families: Le 2 Superphones, a Super TV, the Le VR virtual reality set and the self-driving Super EV connected car. While traditionally placed in different categories, the four families share the same ecosystem, the company said.

Source: LeEco. The Le 2 (历2, literally Power 2) is the world's first flagship phone to support the LeEco-initiated Continual Digital Lossless Audio (CDLA) standard.

The Le 2 is the world's first flagship phone to support the LeEco-initiated Continual Digital Lossless Audio (CDLA) standard, which is accredited by the Chinese Musicians Association and takes the music industry into the continual digital lossless audio era.

The Le 2 series is available in three variants: the Le 2, Le 2Pro and Le Max2. While maintaining the first generation's popular features such as boltless exterior design, bezel-less display, Type-C USB support, and a metal unibody, the second-generation series is thinner and has a longer battery life. In particular, the 3.5mm earphone jack has been eliminated to provide users with a Type-C digital lossless audio experience.

The flagship Le 2Pro, treated with a three-level anodic oxidation process for the first time in the industry, gets a new refresh with new bezel-less ID 3.0 screen to provide an immersive visual experience. The three-level anodic oxidation process is the result of ten months of intensive R&D efforts with a total investment of more than RMB20 million, including personnel, material and equipment costs. The top-of-the-line Le Max2 continues Le Max's symmetrical design in the unique "dopamine red", created by applying insights from colour psychology to be emotionally appealing. Le Max2 is also among the world's first smartphones to be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor and the world's first commercially available metal-body phone to offer the ultrasonic fingerprint scanning feature.

The Le 2 Superphones are offered at "negative profit for hardware", basically priced so low that the company may have no profits from the sale, or may even lose money. The company is promoting the "hardware freebie model" to encourage a new ecosystem consumption pattern, LeEco said.

During the launch event, LeEco also unveiled its fourth-generation Super TV lineup. The Super 4 X50 Pro (RMB2,999), Super 4 X50 (RMB2,499) and Super 4 X50 CSL Edition (RMB2,699) are also offered at prices below their mass production cost, being subsidised by larger LeEco ecosystem.

The highlight of the launch was LeSEE's first self-driving concept car, which was put through its paces by Jia Yueting, LeEco founder and CEO of LeEco, and LeSEE co-founder and Global VP Ding Lei. The concept car's self-driving functions were demonstrated using a Superphone to control the car remotely. Positioned as an intelligent Internet car, it can drive and learn autonomously with capabilities such as face recognition, emotion recognition, environment recognition and road recognition. The car has received 804 patents worldwide, part of the 10,000 patents submitted worldwide to cover the products showcased at the launch. 

Source: LeEco. LeEco launches VR support.

At the event, LeEco's new VR product also made its debut, in addition to the latest EUI 5.8 operating system, which supports nine-camera live videostreaming, a step above the triple-camera live videostreaming support introduced last year. 

Source: LeEco. The new EUI 5.8 OS supports nine-camera live videostreaming.

The Ecosystem without Borders launch event set a number of records, LeEco added. The VR-enabled event was streamed live around the world on nearly 100 online video sites. The event was also the world's first product launch to be livestreamed on Facebook, a LeEco cloud-sharing distribution channel.

SoundStream Rubicon amplifiers designed for easy adjustment after installation

Source: Epsilon Electronics. The Soundstream Rubicon Nano amplifier.

Epsilon Electronics will also be unveiling new Soundstream Rubicon amplifiers at CES 2016.

Improving on the optimum class D performance, reliability, and footprint of the Picasso Nano platform, the Rubicon Nano has relocated signal inputs, power/ground, and speaker connections for an easier install. All pre-amp and crossover options are located at the top for adjustments after installation.

The device also has increased power supply and output stage components, as well as monoblock bridging capability. 2016 Rubicon Nano models include four-channel, five-channel, and class D monoblocks of up to 2,500 watts.

Interested?

Read the WorkSmart Asia blog post about other new Soundstream devices at CES

Hashtag: #CES2016

New Soundstream head units at CES

Epsilon Electronics, a car audio and video products manufacturer that operates as a corporate umbrella for Soundstream, as well as Power Acoustik, Precision Power, Farenheit, and Epsilon-Pro, has said that it will unveil a new product line of head units at CES 2016.

Source: Epsilon Electronics. The Soundstream AptiX series VR-65B head unit.

New in the 2016 product line are the Soundstream AptiX series VR-65B head units and the Power Acoustik head units Incite Series PDN-621HB. Both AptiX and Incite Series operating systems use advanced electronics to bring fast reaction times to automotive multimedia entertainment systems.

Premium units feature built-in advanced GPS Navigation with MobileLink 2-way MHL complete smart phone integration, or Sirius/XM satellite radio ready interface. Standards for all models include SmartSense capacitive glass touch panels, Bluetooth V3.0 for hands-free calling, and fast charging of enabled mobile devices. Selected units add multi-colour illumination or an advanced audio staging equaliser. Each universal 2-DIN* model uses a 6.2" active matrix LCD display with adjustable LED backlighting. 1-DIN models available around Q316 include motorised 7" and detachable 3.4" LCDs. 

Hashtag: #CES2016

*Head units often come in a size known as a single 'DIN' (180 x 50 mm) or a double DIN (180 x 100 mm panel).

Lexus introduces NX luxury crossover with video spots

Source: Lexus. The Lexus NX.

Lexus has introduced a luxury crossover, the Lexus NX, with a campaign that illustrates how the 2015 NX goes beyond the capabilities of a typical SUV to offer urban consumers a stylish vehicle that fits their active lifestyles. 

“Lexus is entering a new segment with our first-ever entry luxury crossover. The NX is a dynamic vehicle that blends high-end design with utility,” said Brian Smith, Lexus' VP of marketing. “This marketing campaign creatively demonstrates that this vehicle–which offers a chiseled, angular body design with an aggressive turbo-charged engine–is fun to drive and ready for any adventure.”

At least two of the video spots from the campaign are available for viewing at youtube.com/LexusVehicles, and the #LexusNX hashtag can be used on social media. In “What You Get Out of It,” a group of high-fashion urbanites showcase the vehicle that complements their lives. 

“Moving” continues the first spot’s story with the same group of friends and the question "any SUV can move something, but can it move you?". Key vehicle specifications, including the Qi wireless device charger and next-generation Remote Touchpad, are highlighted.