The M Power app measures vehicle acceleration using your iPhone’s (or iPod Touch’s) built-in accelerometer. After securing the iPhone (via a windshield mount or just tossing it in a cup holder), the app will measure 0-60 mph times other user-customizable speeds in mph or kph. The app will also measure forward and lateral G-forces for users who want to take a spin on a skidpad. Users can also unlock different skins on BMW’s Web site to customize the look and feel of the app.

Although branded with the BMW M badge, the M Power app will work for any car that you can fit an iPhone into. Unlike my favorite paid iPhone accelerometer-based speed computer, Dynolicious, BMW’s app doesn’t look like it will calculate your vehicle’s horsepower or torque. But at the low cost of “free,” the M Power app is a hard bargain to turn down.

Check out the BMW M Power app in the iTunes App Store.

Source: CNet

Volkswagen of America, which is headquartered in Herndon, VA, said in announcing its new site that “constantly on the go” shoppers could now avoid having to do research about a new Volkswagen at home. Instead, potential owners could, “find a vehicle they’re interested in while on the way to their Volkswagen dealership. And, if they have any questions before they arrive, the Volkswagen dealer’s number is just a click away.”

The site, mobile site (m.vw.com) is data rich with all of the information found at vw.com, including instant access to Volkswagen’s full model range of vehicles, along with links to national and regional special offers. Visitors to the site can also pick up free exclusive ringtones and wallpapers featuring popular imagery and sounds from recent Volkswagen advertising.

“When we designed our mobile site, we kept in mind that many of today’s consumers are constantly on the go,” said Volkswagen general manager of digital marketing Charlie Taylor. “We focused on location-based services such as the ability to find a dealer, schedule a test drive, and get a quote,” Taylor said. “The result is a service that can help consumers and owners find the information they need when they need it.”

Volkswagen said in its announcement that over 270 million Americans, almost 9 out of 10, are mobile consumers and use their cell phones to help navigate their lives and accomplish daily tasks, according to the CTIA Wireless Association. But proliferating mobile phone use has provoked some societal push-back. On October 1st, Maryland made text-messaging while driving illegal, punishable by a $500 fine, and the Obama Administration announced it would seek to will seek to ban text messaging by interstate bus drivers and truckers and push states to pass their own laws against driving cars while distracted.

Volkswagen of America is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany.

Via: Business Weekly