Kenwood brings new CarPlay in-dash head units to market

Apple may have been quiet about CarPlay recently but this hasn't stopped car infotainment partners from releasing new aftermarket head-units which are ideal for older vehicles. Kenwood's released the Excelon DDX6902S (MSRP US $850.00) and DDX6702S (MSRP US $800.00) expand the family of units equipped with Apple® CarPlay, the Apple-produced in-vehicle interface for iPhone.  

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Google going with Nexus 5x and Nexus 6p as their next Pure Android flagships

Nexus smartphone users have spoken and they want variety. After last year's Nexus 6 proved to be a divisive device because of its large size (which urged many users to hold on to their Nexus 5 devices a bit longer), Google is offering some diversity in size as well as OEM partners. The Nexus 5x is going to be made by LG (who made the Nexus 5) and will bring the latest technology to a 5.2-inch smartphone that will satisfy Nexus 5 holdouts.

The Nexus 6p is a more interesting device. It isn't going to be made by former subsidiary Motorola but is coming from Chinese upstart Huawei. This one is bigger but sized at a more reasonable 5.7-inch form factor. What we're hearing is that these will be released on September 29 together with an all-new Chromecast and more information on Android 'M' a.k.a Marshmallow. There's no tablet news so far, so we don't know if there will be a follow up to the underrated Nexus 9 or the beloved Nexus 7 devices.

Source: Android Central

VW forced to recall 500,000 vehicles due to allegedly using illegal emissions bypass

VW is in hot water. The company needs to recall 500,000 vehicles because it supposedly bypassed emissions test using software called 'defeat device' which bypasses emissions tests. If proven guilty, VW could face massive fines.

Involved in this recall are  the 2009-2015 Volkswagen Golf, Jetta and Beetle, the 2014-2015 Volkswagen Passat and the 2009-2015 Audi A3. The 'defeat device' detects when the car is undergoing emissions testing and turn on all of the car's emissions control systems then. In normal driving, the systems would turn off, causing 40 times larger nitrogen oxide emissions, according to the E.P.A.

Why did VW resort to this, likely to increase performance and fuel efficiency since emissions control do make performance more sluggish. The recall is in effect in the US.

Review: Jamstik+ Smart Guitar

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Jamstik+ isn't an electric guitar but a synthesizer. It plays sampled chords or sounds depending on where you touch, hold or strum the instrument.

Jamstik+ is a unique new MIDI controller that's being marketed as a 'smart guitar,' this small and lightweight device recalls the look of Steinberger basses from the 80's, which are basically a neck, strings and pickups and not much else. It pairs to your iOS device via an app and can simulate various sounds ranging from steel strings to wah-wah distorted guitars and even sitars, saxophones and other synth sounds.

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