PC Tech World: plugin

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Tuesday, April 16, 2013

BitTorrent Surf plugin launches in beta on both Chrome and Firefox

BitTorrent Surf plugin launches in beta, available for both Chrome and Firefox

After four months in the alpha incubator, BitTorrent has released its Surf file-sharing plugin in beta not just for Chrome, its initial browser, but for Firefox as well. In an effort to make downloading and discovery easier, the new plugin has a status window for monitoring file progress plus a recommendation engine that'll offer suggestions based on search terms. BitTorrent claims the results "prioritize legitimate content" and will "help creators and fans connect." With ventures like SoShare, Sync and live-streaming in the works, this is yet another sign that a brand (arguably) once synonymous with illicit activities is at least trying to go legit.

Source: BitTorrent (1), (2)

Friday, March 22, 2013

Ford Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid test drive (video)

The Ford Fusion Energi joins the C-MAX Energi and Focus Electric as the company's third vehicle with a charging connector and access to California's HOV lanes. While it's a larger car than the C-MAX Energi, it weighs about the same and features pretty much the same plug-in hybrid powertrain with 195 net horsepower and three EV driving modes. It combines a 2-liter DOHC 16V Duratec (Atkinson cycle) engine and CVT with an AC synchronous motor powered by a 7.6kWh Lithium Ion battery. This pack takes about 2.5 hours to fill up with a 240V charging station and provides a range of 21 miles (100MPGe) at up to 85mph in all-electric mode. Both autos share the same unfortunate battery protrusion in the trunk area, and while it's less of an issue in the Fusion sedan than the wagon-like C-MAX, it detracts from the overall package. The Fusion Energi also packs the company's latest and greatest tech, including MyFord Mobile, SmartGauge with EcoGuide, Eco Cruise and SYNC with MyFord Touch. Sure, that's pretty exciting, but how does it actually drive? Find out after the break. Ford Fusion Energi test driveSee all photoswhen.eng("eng.galleries.init")

We took the Fusion Energi for a spin on the rainy streets of San Francisco, and it was a pleasant experience despite the downtown traffic and sub-par weather. While we were impressed with the Focus Electric's excellent driving dynamics, we were disappointed with the C-MAX Energi's vague steering and soft handling (this despite sharing the same chassis as the Focus). The Fusion Energi splits the difference: it's not as playful as the Focus Electric, but it's far more engaging than the appliance-like C-MAX Energi. Handling is confident, with a compliant ride even on San Francisco's famously rutted streets -- it's clearly a vehicle that would be comfortable on longer trips. The steering feels precise and the brakes are drama-free.

We were less enamored with the powertrain. In the all-electric EV Now mode, the accelerator only responds to the first 1/3 of pedal travel. Beyond the initial surge of torque, the car slowly builds up momentum regardless of any further throttle input. Mash the pedal in Auto EV mode and, after the electric motor pulls you off the line, there's a brief delay before the gasoline engine comes to life and the CVT raises the RPMs to maximize efficiency. The resulting soundtrack is loud and buzzy and betrays the vehicle's overall refinement. EV Later mode provides less electric assistance as it attempts to conserve battery power.

Ford's outfitted the Fusion Energi with a dizzying array of driver-assist tech, including a lane-keeping system, adaptive cruise control, driver alert system, active park assist, rear camera, blind-spot indicator system with cross-traffic alert and pull-drift compensation (phew). It also features a Sony and Microsoft-branded SYNC with MyFord Touch infotainment system and an AT&T-powered wireless data connection for telematics. Speaking of which, the MyFord Mobile app's recently been updated to benefit from the company's partnership with PlugShare for real-time charging station location information. The Fusion Energi is availabe now starting at $38,700.

Source

By: Unknown On 8:18 PM

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

CES 2013: Delphi's new plug-in OBD2 device makes your car remote-controlled

Doesn't look like much, but that little black box turns your car into a robot. Kinda

Fancy adding remote control features and monitoring to your car? Then you want the new Delphi Connected Car. It's a simple plug-in device that enables a wide range of remote features including GPS tracking and remote unlocking via a smartphone app.

Car tech will be one of the big themes at CES 2013 and Delphi's getting in on the action with the announcement of this clever little gadget. The basics involve a wireless device that plugs into the OBD2 port, which you'll find on any car manufactured after 1996.

In that sense, it's a little like the xTool iOBD2. But Delphi's Connected Car device takes things further with both Bluetooth and cellular connectivity. The final piece of the puzzle is a GPS chipset.

Put them all together and you have a device that can both access OBD2 functions and track a car remotely. So what exactly does this allow you to do?

Your mileage will vary depending on make and model and, indeed, age of your car. The newer the car, the more automated features you'll have access to.

At the very least, picking up diagnostics and engine faults remotely is on the menu. The GPS function also means you'll be able to track your car's speed and location.

Worried parents, for instance, can set the device to alert them if a car being driven over a certain speed or goes beyond predetermined geographic boundaries.

With more recent vehicles a whole range of options open out. Pretty much any function of the latest smart keyfobs can be emulated, such as locking and unlocking or even starting the car.

For now it's only been announced for the US on the Verizon network in CDMA network format. But if it's a sales success, no doubt it will pop up in more formats and hopefully more countries too.