PR Newswire's Business Technology Round-up, 3 January 2013

LONDON, January 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

Hyundai integrate Google Maps into software, crowd-funded projects to be exhibited and LG to unveil new robotic vacuum

Hyundai have enlisted the help of internet giants Google to aid American drivers in finding their way around in their latest line-up of motors.

The car manufacturing company announced yesterday that Google Maps application programming interfaces (APIs) will be utilised in their Blue Link telematics platform, which is based in the US and allows drivers to find routes to their chosen destination quicker.

The Hyundai Blue Link will receive a number of new features thanks to its integration of the Google Maps APIs including Local Search by Voice, Point of Interest Search and Send to Car. The technology will be exhibited by Hyundai at the 2013 International CES next week in Las Vegas.

Also being exhibited at the CES are a couple of innovations that have benefited from the investment of fledgling philanthropists on crowdfunding website IndieGoGo.com.

One of the inventions, Stick-N-Find, has managed to raise $450,000 via the web platform. The total is more than six times the original campaign goal.

The invention consists of a small Bluetooth sticker that can be attached or inserted into objects such as wallets and phones, enabling users to locate the objects through the related mobile app on a radar-style screen interface. The device is currently in production and will be delivered for distribution and promotion in March 2013.

Another innovation, MeterPlug, which plugs into power outlets and sends consumption usage and cost data directly to an app on user's smartphones, launched only a week ago and has already received more than $50,000 in funds backing its production.

Finally, in addition to their new range of Smart TVs and a number of other devices, LG will be demonstrating something designed to share the burden of keeping the home clean and tidy.

The LG HOM-BOT Square is the latest of the electronics company's robotic vacuums which clean rooms of the home autonomously.

The latest model, which has been completely redesigned from its predecessor, benefits from much-improved cleaning technologies, including Dual Eye 2.0™ cameras, which scan and map rooms as well and ultrasonic and infrared sensors which help the machine avoid colliding with obstacles.

A Turbo Mode can be selected in the vacuum's settings, allowing the owner to adjust the machine to work more effectively on their type of flooring, while a larger-capacity Easy-out Dust Bin and improved Lithium Ion battery mean that the device will run for longer before needing to be emptied or have its battery charged.

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