Toyota Teases Furia

TORRANCE, Calif -- +Toyota USA  has announced that they will be unveiling the Furia Concept at the 2013 North American International Auto Show.  In order to gain some interest in the concept, Toyota has released a video to stroke people's curiosity.  Toyota did not specify whether this was a pure concept, or a prelude to a production vehicle.  The only clues is that Toyota has said " this exciting new sedan concept will be revealed in the Toyota display at Cobo Hall."  Full details will be unveiled on January 14, 2013.

Infiniti Reveals New Naming Strategy

HONG KONG -- Infiniti has announced a new nomenclature in its "desire for clarity and cohesiveness."  In its current naming strategy, the letter defines the model and the number defines the powerplant.  The new simplified naming strategy is for all sedans, coupes and convertibles to be prefixed with Q and crossovers and SUVs to be prefixed with QX.  Each model now will be identified with a number representing its place in the model range.  An example is the FX is higher in the model range and so will be branded QX70, where as the EX is lower in the model range so it will be branded as QX 50.  The change will take place with the 2014 model year and the first model to debut with the new nomenclature is the Infiniti Q50, currently known as the G37 sports sedan.

Roabst's Picks For Best Smartphone 2013 Part I

The year is almost coming to a close and we hope next year will bring everyone a lucky `13!  Here are our picks for the best smartphones currently on the market. Some of our picks may even surprise you.

Best Smartphone on AT&T

Selection at one time was an issue at AT&T.  Rumors blamed the exclusive contract with Apple as the reason why the selection was somewhat poor.  Logically it does make some sense.  If iPhone sales were so great and helping their bottom line, what's the need to sell anything else?  Times have changed and AT&T is no longer the exclusive carrier for the iPhone.  Even T-Mobile has announced they'll be selling some Apple product in 2013, but it hasn't been announced what exactly it is.  It's pretty remote that it isn't the iPhone.  AT&T currently has a wide selection of smartphones and picking one phone as the best is a challenge.

HTC One X+

It was hard to choose one, but there can be only one winner and we picked the HTC One X+ on the AT&T network.  The One X+ is powered by a NVIDIA 1.7 Ghz Tegra 3 processor and Android 4.1 Jellybean with HTC Sense.  It runs quick and smooth and looks lovely on its 4.7" Super LCD 2 display.  The OneX+ can take lovely pictures with its 8 megapixel camera and a dedicated HTC Image Chip processor.  It doesn't have an expansion slot but it has a huge 64 GB of storage space.  Unfortunately, not all of it is user accessible.  The battery is a good size at 2100 mAh, but its the embeded type, so it's not user replaceable.  With a two year contract, the One X+ is $199.99 on AT&T.  It's a very good price considered a 64GB Apple iPhone 5 will set you back $399.99, and that's the two year contract price.  With a large and ample storage space, powerful processor, and lovely display, the HTC One X+ is our choice for best smartphone on AT&T.  

Best Smartphone on Sprint

Sprint is one of the carriers that is in transition. Nextel is just a memory and the company is being bought up by Japan's Softbank. What is interesting is that even though it's being bought up, Sprint is in the process of buying Clearwire. Sprint gambled big on Apple's iPhone and its made some traction except it hasn't really put a dent on its bigger rivals AT&T and Verizon.  Sprint touts its "Simply Everything" plan which gives you unlimited everything including data on its network.  The big question here is if Sprint is your choice of carrier, what's the best smartphone on the Sprint network.

Samsung Galaxy S III

The answer to that question would have to be the Samsung Galaxy S III.   It is one of the most advanced smartphones currently on the market.  It's quite a productivity workhorse.  It'll be even more useful when it gets the Premium Suite upgrade.   It's got a large and beautiful 4.8" display.  It's great for things like watching videos and navigation   Part of what separates the Galaxy S III from smartphones of other manufacturers is motion gestures.  Features like Direct Call, Smart Alert, and our favorite, Smart Stay, are useful and improves upon the wonderful experience that Android provides.  The Samsung Galaxy S III also still has two important features that are missing from a lot of phones these days and that's microSD card slot and user replaceable battery.  The Samsung Galaxy S III has an abundance of features so it's sure not to disappoint.

2013 RAV4 Revealed At The Los Angeles Auto Show

Toyota Division Group Vice President and General Manager Bill Fay and the 2013 RAV4.

LOS ANGELES (Jidosha Shinbun) -- Toyota reveals the new redesigned 2013 RAV4 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  The new design reminds us of the previous generation Sienna, Mitsubishi, and perhaps even Nissan's Murano.   The RAV4 will be available in front and all wheel drive versions and is powered by a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 176 hp at 6,000 rpm and 172 lb-ft of torque at 4,100 rpm.

2013 Toyota RAV4 Limited

Mated to the 4-cylinder engine is a six speed automatic transmission.  Toyota says that the first two gear ratios are optimized for "around-town performance."  The RAV4 will be available in LE, XLE, and Limited trimlevels.  The crossover utility vehicle will go on sale early 2013.

Nissan Updates Leaf Electric Vehicle In Japan

YOKOHAMA, Japan -- Nissan unveiled an updated Leaf electric vehicle in Japan.  Nissan says the Leaf is the number one electric vehicle in the world.  A new S trim level has been added to the existing X and G trim levels.  There are currently 400 dealers in Japan selling the Leaf that have quick chargers.  Nissan plans to expand to 700 dealers with quick chargers.  

Honda Teases 2013 Civic Ahead of LAAS

TORRANCE, Calif (Jidosha Shinbun) -- Honda announces that the new 2013 Honda Civic will debut November 29, 2012 at the Los Angeles Auto Show.  The current ninth generation Civic was new for the 2012 model year, so it's a little unusual that the Civic is already getting revisions.  The Civic is one of Honda's most important models so  its perception is important.  The changes gives it more of a family resemblance to its bigger brother, the 2013 Honda Accord.  We like the changes Honda has made to the Civic.  The front end has a classy grille and looks aggressive.  The rear end continues the resemblance to the Honda Accord.

 "The 2013 Honda Civic exterior refinements infuse Civic with a more youthful, premium style. Coupling these with additional changes beneath will ensure that Civic maintains its top-ranked status," said Vicki Poponi, assistant vice president of product planning for American Honda.

The 2013 Civic will go on sale at dealerships also on November 29.

HTC And Apple Agree To 10 Year Agreement

TAIPEI and CUPERTINO, Calif. -- HTC and Apple settle patent disputes by reaching a "global settlement"  that dismisses all lawsuits and a ten year agreement that covers "current and future patents held by both parties."  

“HTC is pleased to have resolved its dispute with Apple, so HTC can focus on innovation instead of litigation.” said Peter Chou, CEO of HTC.
“We are glad to have reached a settlement with HTC.” said Tim Cook, CEO of Apple. “We will continue to stay laser focused on product innovation.” 

New Toyota Sub-Compact To Be Built At Mazda's Mexico Plant

TOYOTA CITY, Japan (CarPressions) -- An agreement has been signed between Mazda Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation to build a new car for Toyota based on the Mazda 2 at the new Mazda plant current under construction in Salamanca city, Guanajuato state, Mexico.  The agreement calls for Toyota to share a portion of the equipment, development, and production capacity increase costs.  

Google and T-Mobile Launch Next Nexus Despite Hurricane

Hurricane Sandy is hitting the east coast with high wind and tremendous amounts of rain, but that didn't stop the launch of Google's new Nexus devices.  The press event in New York was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy, so the new Nexus devices was launched on the World Wide Web instead.  In addition to the expected Nexus 4, Google also launched the Nexus 10, and relaunched the Nexus 7.  Along with the launch of the new Nexus devices, Google also launched Android 4.2 Jellybean.  Android 4.2 will come pre-installed on the new Nexus 4.  New to Google's Android 4.2 is the "Amazing Photo Sphere camera," which is what Google is calling their 360 panorama camera, Daydream, and an improved Google Now.  The new Nexus 4 is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4 Pro quadcore  processor.  This is the same processor that is powering the LG Optimus G since the two devices are related, but it is not the same device.  The beautiful display measures 4.7-inches with a resolution of 1280 X 768 and 320 ppi.  The new Nexus 4 has a 8 megapixel rear camera and a 1.3 megapixel front camera.  Like the Galaxy Nexus, the Nexus 4 does not have a microSD slot, and sadly the battery is also non-replaceable.  The lithium polymer battery is rated 2,100 mAh like the LG Optimus G, so the device should be able to last a day.

The Google Nexus 4 is available unlocked and without a contract  in 8GB for $299 and 16GB for $349 starting November 13 on the Google Play store in the US, UK, Australia, France, Germany, Spain and Canada. The 16GB version will also be available through T-Mobile USA for $199 with a 2-year contract.  The Wi-Fi Nexus 7 is now available in 16GB for $199 and 32GB for $249.  It will be available in US, UK, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Canada and Japan.  A new unlocked 32GB Nexus 7 with cellular data is $299 starting November 13th. The new larger Nexus 10 16GB will be $399 and 32GB for $499 will also be available starting 11/13 in the Google Play Store in the US and at Walmart stores.  The Nexus 10 will also be sold in U.K., Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Canada and Japan.  All prices listed are US prices.  The Galaxy Nexus and Nexus Q is no longer at the Google Play store and replaced by the new Nexus devices and the Samsung Chromebook.  The new Nexus 10 is also made by Samsung.

 

Much Rumored iPad Mini Debuts

Lately, Apple can't seem to keep a wrap on its new products.  After rumors of its existence hit the web, Apple has finally officially revealed the new iPad mini.  The new iPad mini is like the iPad as the iPod touch is to the iPhone 5.  The new iPad mini uses an A5 processor.  You're probably wondering how this relates with the iPod touch and iPhone 5?  Well, in addition to announcing the new iPad mini, Apple also announced the fourth generation iPad.  The fourth generation iPad now has the A6 processor like the iPhone 5.  So if  you were looking for an iPad with a smaller screen being the only difference, then you'll be disappointed with the new iPad mini.  The new iPad mini has a 7.9 inch display with a 1024 x 768 resolution and Apple's dual-core A5 processor. Apple claims that their iPad mini has 35% more display area then competitor's 7 inch tablets.  If you use your tablet for Apple FaceTime, you'll still be able to do with the iPad mini.  The iPad mini features a 1.2 MP FaceTime HD front facing camera. The difference between the iPad mini and Google's Nexus 7 by Asus is that the iPad mini has a slightly larger display and a rear facing camera.  The rear facing camera is an iSight 5 MP rear camera.   Apple's MSRP for the iPad mini 16GB Wi-Fi model is $329 USD, $429 USD for the 32GB model, and $529 USD for the 64GB model.  The iPad mini can also be had with Wi-Fi + Cellular.  The Wi-Fi + Cellular model starts at $459 USD for the 16GB model, $559 USD for the 32GB model and $659 USD for the 64GB model.  The iPad mini will come in white and silver  or black and slate.  The iPad mini Wi-Fi variants will be available November 2nd.  Apple did not specify an exact date when Wi-Fi + Cellular models will be available except to say that it "will start shipping a couple of weeks after the Wi-Fi models."

Seventh Generation Corvette Logo Revealed

BRASELTON, Ga (CarPressions) - Chevrolet announced that the seventh generation 2014 Corvette will be unveiled on January 13, 2013.  The also revealed the logo for the new seventh generation Corvette which is an evolutionary of the previous one and looks more angular.

Asus Debuts Second Generation Padfone

Asus reveals the new Padfone 2 in Milan and Taipei.  The new smartphone and tablet combo is now a slide in and no longer has a door.  It is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon S4  Quad Corre 1.5 Ghz processor and Android 4.03 (Ice Cream Sandwich) with a 4.7 inch Super IPS+ Display.  Asus says that the Padfone has a 2140 mAh battery and the Padfone Station has a 5000 mAh battery.  Padfone 2 features a front 1.2 megapixel camera with a rear 13 megapixel camera.  The Padfone Station has a front 1 megapixel camera and has no rear camera because it is using the one from the smartphone.  Asus says the the Padfone 2 and Padfone Station combined weighs only an impressive 649 grams.

Welcome to Roabst

Welcome to Roabst!  Thank you for stopping by and we hope you'll enjoy this as much as we've enjoyed putting this together.