Jedes auch noch so winzige Nähtchen sitzt, auch in Audis neuem A3 Sportback. Premium in Oberklasse-Manier bieten die Ingolstädter in ihrem kompakten Fünfsitzer, der Anfang 2013 in den Verkauf geht. Dafür sorgen entsprechende Materialien und deren exakte Verarbeitung, aber auch Assistenzsysteme, wie sie bislang nur in den oberen automobilen Sphären zum Einsatz kommen. Neben Systemen wie „Audi adaptive cruise control“, „Audi side assist“ und „Audi active lane assist“ setzt beispielsweise die neue Generation von „Audi connect“ Maßstäbe. Es gibt Apps, die unter anderem den Weg zur günstigsten Tankstelle weisen. Die Bedienung des „Audi connect“ ist derart simpel, dass sie fast intuitiv ablaufen kann.
Als 1988 Audi den ersten A8 vorstellte überwogen die Stimmen der Skeptiker – das kann doch gar kein Erfolg werden. Als die Ingolstädter 1994 mit der zweiten Generation erstmals in der Großserie die selbsttragende Aluminiumkarosserie einführten, mokierte sich teilweise der Wettbewerb – das ginge gar nicht, das sei viel zu teuer und nach Unfällen würden die Reparaturkosten immens sein. Nun man irrte sich. Nach anfänglichen Akzeptanz-Schwierigkeiten mauserte sich das Audi-Flaggschiff zum Erfolgsmodell. Die jetzt gründlich überarbeitete vierte Generation, die im November beim Händler steht, soll dies möglichst noch toppen. Der Einstiegspreis beträgt 75.400 Euro. Mit 5,14 Meter Länge, 2,99 Meter Radstand, 1,95 Meter Breite und 1,46 Meter Höhe ist der A8 in seinen Abmessungen gleich geblieben; beim A8 L kommen in Radstand und Länge je 13 Zentimeter dazu. Beibehalten wurde natürlich auch der Leichtbau. Die Karosserie besteht nahezu komplett aus Aluminium und wiegt – in der Audi Space Frame-Bauweise konzipiert – lediglich 231 Kilo und auch das Gesamtgewicht des A8 3.0 TFSI stellt mit 1.830 Kilo einen Bestwert unter den Wettbewerbern mit Allradantrieb dar. Darüber hinaus gibt es noch zahlreiche optionale Assistenzsysteme, die das Fahren im A8 noch souveräner machen. Die adaptive cruise control mit Stop&Go-Funktion ist mit einer Ausbaustufe des serienmäßigen Sicherheitssystems Audi pre sense basic gekoppelt, das Gleiche gilt für den Audi side assist. Neu im A8 sind der Audi active lane assist, der die Lenkungsrichtung gegebenenfalls leicht korrigiert, und der Parkassistent mit Umgebungsanzeige, der die Lenkarbeit beim Parken übernimmt. Das ebenfalls neue Head-up-Display projiziert wichtige Informationen im Sichtbereich des Fahrers auf die Windschutzscheibe und der Nachtsichtassistent kann neben Fußgängern jetzt auch größere Wildtiere erkennen.Da bleiben also kaum noch Wünsche offen – allerdings bewegt man sich dann in Preis-Regionen von weit über 100.000 Euro. Muss man ja nicht alles haben. Für die Ingolstädter ist ein derartiges Angebot aber wichtig, um die Ansprüche betuchter Käufer zum Beispiel im Nahen Osten oder in China erfüllen zu können.
An early crop of advanced crash avoidance technologies includes some clear success stories when it comes to preventing crashes, insurance claim analyses by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) show.
Forward collision avoidance systems, particularly those that can brake autonomously, along with adaptive headlights, which shift direction as the driver steers, show the biggest crash reductions. Lane departure warning appears to hurt, rather than help, though it’s not clear why, and other systems, such as blind spot detection and park assist, aren’t showing clear effects on crash patterns yet.
HLDI analysts looked at how each feature affected claim frequency under a variety of insurance coverages for damage and injuries. Clear patterns were seen in claims under property damage liability (PDL) insurance, which covers damage caused by the insured vehicle to another vehicle, and collision insurance, which covers damage to the insured vehicle. Frequency is measured as the number of claims relative to the number of insured vehicle years. An insured vehicle year is one vehicle insured for one year, two vehicles for six months, etc. The model years of the vehicles included ranged from 2000 to 2011, depending on when an automaker introduced a feature. Insurance data through August 2011 were used.
To elevate the importance of enhanced vision and kick-off its 2013 campaign – Transitions® adaptive lenses as the “Official Sponsor of Sightseeing™” – Transitions Optical, Inc. will unveil the “Feast Your Eyes Enhanced Vision Experience” at the Food Network South Beach Wine & Food Festival presented by FOOD & WINE in Miami, Fla., February 21 – 24. Festival attendees will be invited to visit the event’s only elevated structure on the beach to see what they’ve been missing – in Transitions Optical’s effort to raise awareness about the important role of vision in connecting with all of the “sights” around you and enjoying life’s everyday moments.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/59697-transitions-optical-feast-your-eyes-enhanced-vision-experience
After multiple outreach events across the country, Transitions Optical, in partnership with GRAMMY and CMA Award-winning country music artist and Transitions® adaptive lenses™ wearer Darius Rucker, have made healthy, enhanced vision possible for hundreds of children in need.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/63343-transitions-optical-darius-rucker-free-eye-care-new-glasses-to-children
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) in partnership with The PlowShare Group has launched a series of new public service advertisements aimed at raising awareness and enlisting support of the needs of injured service members of the nation’s armed military. Over 40,000 of our nation’s armed forces have been physically wounded during the current military conflicts. Hundreds of thousands more are estimated to be recovering from invisible wounds of war, including post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, and traumatic brain injury (TBI). WWP assists wounded warriors and their families through a holistic approach to their recovery. Whether through caregiver retreats, combat stress programs, career and education services, or adaptive sporting opportunities, WWP empowers warriors with the tools essential to not just survive their injuries but to thrive and achieve personal and professional success.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://multivu.prnewswire.com/mnr/woundedwarriorproject/48587/
AdaptiveMobile, the world leader in mobile security today reveals that machine to machine (M2M) technology is on the verge of widespread adoption, with 10% of UK residents already using it regularly and 54% expecting their phone to talk to, unlock and start their car by 2015. While awareness is high, however, so too is concern over security, with 86% of respondents stating that they see risks associated with M2M technology. AdaptiveMobile will be demonstrating the reality of these threats at Mobile World Congress, with the remote hacking and unlocking of a front door via a mobile phone.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/53773-adaptive-mobile
B&O PLAY proudly announces the launch of its latest active speaker system, BeoPlay A9, which integrates an all-star line-up of dedicated components with provocative design to create a complete sound solution that is as easy to listen to as it is to decorate with. With the launch of BeoPlay A9, B&O PLAY extends its innovative range of wireless sound systems with the most powerful performer yet. BeoPlay A9 features a 2.1 bass reflex loudspeaker system that combines five dedicated speaker units and amps with timeless design to create a complete sound solution. BeoPlay A9 features a fine-tuned DSP (digital signal processor) algorithm that makes one’s music collection come alive and deliver surprisingly rich bass tones which are cultivated and cool with the patented Adaptive Bass Linearization technology.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/58407-b-o-play-bang-olufsen-launches-premium-active-speaker-system-beoplay-a9
In 2013 Herman Miller introduced Living Office, an enlightened and more human-centred framework to approach contemporary office design. Continuing the company’s legacy of leadership in the design of the modern workplace, Living Office addresses wants and needs that are fundamental to all humans, while adaptive to the unique purpose, character and activities of individuals and organisations. Ultimately, Herman Miller’s Living Office seeks to inspire and enable a more natural and desirable workplace, fostering greater connection, creativity, productivity, and prosperity for all.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/7242951-herman-miller-brings-living-office-life-new-insights-tools-furnishings
To raise awareness about the importance of healthy, enhanced vision and its connection to enjoying the “sights” while traveling and in everyday life, Transitions® adaptive lenses™ and Food Network® host and celebrity chef Robert Irvine have teamed up to highlight ways to make the most of your travel and dining experiences, including wearing the right eyewear that allows you to see your best and enjoying flavorful eye healthy foods.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7095451-transitions-adaptive-lenses-wearer-robert-irvine-turns-dining-into-sightseeing/
iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT), the leader in delivering robotic technology-based solutions, today announced the Roomba 980 vacuum cleaning robot – iRobot’s most capable and best cleaning robotic vacuum to date. Roomba 980 is the first Roomba to combine adaptive navigation with visual localization, cloud connected app control, and increased cleaning power on carpets, helping people to keep cleaner floors throughout the entire home at the push of a button.
“With more than 14 million robots in people’s homes worldwide, iRobot is the global leader in automated home cleaning,” said Colin Angle, chairman and chief executive officer of iRobot. “Roomba 980 is the next big step as it marks iRobot’s first cloud connected product with mapping capabilities for the consumer market. Leveraging the cloud and mapping technologies, robots gain a better understanding of their environment, and customers are provided with more control. Looking ahead, these technologies will also enable expanded capabilities for connected robots in the smart home.”
“Vacuum cleaning robots can’t rely on any one feature or technology to clean effectively,” said Christian Cerda, executive vice president and general manager of iRobot’s Home Robots business unit. “Vacuum performance, efficient navigation, adapting to ever-changing environments and cleaning under furniture where dirt is hiding are all important factors, and they must be balanced. Roomba 980 takes this into account to deliver convenient, customized, powerful cleaning assistance, each and every day.”
To view the multimedia release go to:
http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7625951-irobot-roomba-980-vacuum-cleaning-robot/
