Technology

...unless new technology is embraced, a report says.Smart Grid Australia says intelligent meters and other devices can help consumers cut electricity use at certain times of day and reduce network traffic. This would reduce the need to build up poles and wires to deal with "peaks" in power use on extremely hot days or in the evenings.But the report warns that consumers must be educated on the benefits of such technology so that there is no public backlash against change.Read the full story at news.com.au.

Until now the mobile internet has been exclusive to top-end luxury vehicles that cost up to $200,000. The distributor says it's not a road safety concern because it can't be used while the car is moving. But drivers who use the system in traffic face fines up to $300. The display unit - made by French company Parrot and available in three sizes - can be fitted to almost any car and replaces the radio. It connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth, and uses a smartphone's internet connectivity for social media, email and web browsing, as well as navigation and other driving applications. ''It's safer than holding a phone because it is properly located in the dashboard,'' Frederic Albinet, marketing manager for Parrot told News Limited. ''It's the extension of the smartphone. With this kind of device you can make sure you're not handling the phone while driving.'' The unit has built-in Android applications, but is also compatible with Apple iPhones and other smartphone operating systems. But in NSW drivers risk a $298 fine and three demerit points if they use the internet or social media while in stop-start traffic - even via the unit's built-in touch screen. ''Even if you're stopped in the traffic you're still driving because the vehicle is not parked, so it would be illegal to use,'' said Assistant Commissioner NSW Police Traffic Services Commander John Hartley. According to rule 299, ''drivers must not operate a visual display unit in or on a moving vehicle or while it's stationary but not parked.'' Parrot says it is not possible for drivers to ''hot-wire'' the system to enable drivers to search the internet when the car is moving. ''There is a cable connected to the brake pedal, plus the system has a built-in GPS. If the system detects that car is moving, it will disable the internet and social media,'' says Albinet. The top of the range touchscreen model costs $1000 and is available with steering wheel control buttons for another $100. Rival car audio company Pioneer released a unit in June that connects with Apple applications but not the internet. ''Smartphone is king and consumers are asking for more and more,'' says Pioneer media manager Michael Broadhurst. ''It's a fine line. Consumers want to do more in the car but we're trying to balance that with safety.'' Broadhurst said not all Apple applications work with the Pioneer system. 'It's not a focus for us to bring in apps that are going to distract the driver,'' he said. ''It's about ways to enhance the driving experience and make things easier and less distracting. ''If people are desperate to Google, there's nothing to stop them using their phone now. So we need to find better alternatives.'' The Pioneer system will be compatible with Android phones in Australia next year.  

The new top-spec Barina CDX will with six-speed automatic gearbox will be the first to feature the Holden MyLink system when it goes on sale in November, starting from $20,490 for the hatch and an extra $500 for the sedan -- $2500 more than the equivalent CD model.The MyLink system uses the content of compatible smartphones, connected via Bluetooth, input jack or USB, but adds a new level of access to internet radio and navigation. A touchscreen controller for the MyLink system displays images and videos, as well as information from the phonebook and music player.MyLink will us the Stitcher Smart Radio application, as well as giving access to a growing number of applications to access global music and podcast content, including Pandora Internet Radio and TuneIn Radio, offering access to free talk radio, music radio and podcasts on demand from around the world.The system also works with BringGo Navigation. A nav app which runs on the mobile device but is controlled and viewed on the MyLink touch screen. Holden says its new MyLink infotainment system is the next level of integration when it comes to cars and smartphones.Also on the features list are 17-in alloys, rear parking sensors, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshifter, "Sportec" seat trim, trip computer, heated front seats, under-seat storage for the front passenger and MyLink. 

It's great to drive around hands-free and connected, but I wish I had a smile for every time I've had a technical problem or been asked why I sound like I'm talking to a tin can on the end of a piece of string.Every week there is another car to try and seduce you into a new relationship, but it never seems to be the same process. Just finding the pairing package can be a pain. Is it the button on the steering wheel, some sort of setting I must access through a jet fighter-style dash layout, or a hidden link through the infotainment system?Some systems want a password on the phone, some want it through the infotainment system, some want it for both. And some systems just don't want to connect. If you try to make a Bluetooth connection on a suburban street, how do you know if you're actually linking to the car in question or another that's idling at the kerb, someone sitting up the street, or even someone walking past with the Bluetooth activated on their cellphone? Urk. It's a mess.Just this week, as I was trying to connect to a new Infiniti hybrid, I realised my phone was storing connections for over a dozen cars I have driven over the past month. Doing a bulk delete definitely made things easier. My problems are a bit extreme, but each week I get emails from people who are having Bluetooth dramas. The most common complaint is that their particular phone won't connect to the system in their car.As an example, Doreen is complaining today that her iPhone won't talk to her new Mazda CX-5. And her neighbour has the same drama with a CX-9. Mazda is getting back to me.Bluetooth is becoming more and more important because of the safety risk of driving while talking, and NSW has just brought in tough new rules that will be rolled out across the country. You need to check them, now. But you should also spend a few minutes to focus on your Bluetooth needs and ensure you have a system that works with zero interruption to your driving.I've got to dash now, a Kia Sorento has just arrived and I need a few minutes to pair my iPhone. 

As a recent buyer of a Mazda CX-5, I share Keith's concerns (The Advertiser, October 6) about the added strain on mechanical parts, not to mention the battery, caused by the "i-stop" system. Personally I don't like the sound of it or the thought of what it could be doing to the various components, so the first thing I do after starting the car is to switch it off. The trouble is, each time the car is turned off, it reverts to "default mode" and the exercise has to be repeated for each restart. But, possibly worse than that, because of its safety ramifications, is that the engine has to be running in order to raise or lower the door windows! How stupid is that? It appears to be an offshoot of the push-button start switch and no key to turn on accessories, although the radio can be activated (for 40 minutes!) by pushing the start button without depressing the brake (automatic) or clutch pedal (manual). Pity the poor passenger who waits in a car park with no means of activating a window. Whoever designs these you-beaut systems obviously doesn't drive.

Attention automotive enthusiasts who have ever wanted to get behind the wheel of some of the awesome supercars they see at the Australian International Motor Show.Xbox 360 will be conducting the Australian launch of the newest addition to its successful Forza Motorsport racing franchise, Forza Horizon at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show.All visitors to the Motor Show, opening October 19, will be able to experience the thrills and action of Forza Horizon ahead of its global on-sale date of October 23 and take some of the supercars for a spin, a virtual spin that is.“It really is fantastic timing that Xbox was due to launch its newest automotive game, Forza Horizon around the same time at the 2012 Australian International Motor Show,” said Russ Tyrie, Show Director. “We thought it too good an opportunity to pass up and want to give the automotive and gaming enthusiasts of Australia a fantastic real-life and virtual experience.“For all those gamers who have ever wanted to see the supercars they race virtually in the flesh and for all those automotive fans who’ve wanted to get behind the wheel of some of these supercars – make sure you come to the 2012 Australian International Motor Show.”Forza Horizon is an action racing game set on the epic open roads of Colorado with a thrilling music festival backdrop.  Combining stunning graphics, and cutting-edge music with legendary Forza authenticity and a superb collection of cars to drive, Forza Horizon is an open-world automotive playground that puts a spotlight on speed, style and the freedom of the open road.The 2012 Australian International Motor Show will be held at the Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour and will open daily at 10am from October 19 to 28. For further information about the Show and to purchase early bird tickets, visit the 2012 AIMS website.www.motorshow.com.au 

The radio in my husband's Hyundai ix35 crackles really badly on both AM and FM. The dealer replaced the radio, but the same thing is happening, and the dealer told him that all the radios are the same and don't work very well. We know that is not true as my husband's car is supplied through work and others with the same model have no problem. Hope you can help.

My 2008 Hyundai i30 has a problem with AM radio reception, which is patchy and badly affected by location and weather. Earlier this year my dealer replaced the amplifier under warranty, but the reception hasn't improved. I have returned the car to the dealer and discussed options, but the problem seems to be with the Hyundai radios. What can I do?

The latest version moves beyond the much-vaunted concepts into near production form.VW posit combined fuel consumption of 0.9L/100km and emissions of 24 g/km from its 800cc two-cylinder turbo-diesel augmented by an electric motor.About the size of a Polo, the design features gullwing doors and staggered seats. Here possibly in 2013 at -- wild guess -- $40k. Note VW Oz: please try hard.