Month: February 2014

iOS 7.1 Will Release in March ?

Posted on by sales

A new report from 9to5Mac claims iOS 7.1 will indeed be released to all iOS users in March, representing the first major revision since iOS 7 was launched publicly in September of last year.

Sources note the next version of iOS 7 will continue with the visual improvements, minor tweaks and bug fixes reported in earlier beta versions seeded to developers.

While recent reports are pegging a launch sooner than later, reliable sources say that Apple is currently planning to ship iOS 7.1, the first significant update to iOS 7, in March. The iOS 7.1 update is said to not have any “secret features,” and it will basically be what we have been told to expect by the past five betas: some user-interface tweaks in the Phone app, an improved Calendar app, speed improvements, and numerous bug-fixes.

BGR originally cited a March release date for iOS 7.1 back in late December, but a follow-up report earlier this week seemed to hedge on that claim somewhat by noting that the update was expected in the “coming weeks.” Slowing increments of build numbers from the developer beta versions suggest the software is nearing a public launch, but whether that date lands in late February or the early March is not clear.

ios 7.1

Previous iOS 7.1 betas have included various improvements such as a new “Button Shapes” option in Accessibility, keyboard tweaks that indicate shift and caps locks, a new event list view within the Calendar app and refined icons for the Phone, FaceTime, and Messages app. The unreleased iOS in the Car feature has also been refined in the iOS 7.1 beta testing period, but it is unclear when the functionality will be made available to the public.

OBD2 Bluetooth Adapters

Posted on by sales

Wireless OBD-II Bluetooth Connections

Traditional OBD2 code readers and scan tools use hard-wired connections, but Bluetooth has emerged as an alternative that cuts the proverbial cord. Although there are no traditional scan tools available that use a wireless connection instead of a physical cable and plug, there are a couple of different solutions out there.

DIY OBD2 Bluetooth Adapters

Most OBD2 Bluetooth adapters out there utilize the ELM327 microcontroller, which provides an interface with your vehicle’s onboard computer. Since these adapters use Bluetooth, they can be used in conjunction with virtually any Bluetooth-enabled device. Laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other devices can all function as scan tools when paired with an ELM327 Bluetooth adapter.

The main exception is iOS devices, which can’t be paired with just any off the shelf OBD-2 Bluetooth adapter. If you have an iOS device, and you want to hook it up wirelessly to your car’s onboard computer, then you’re better off with an OBD-II Wi-Fi adapters than looking for an ELM327 iPhone adapter..

Complete OBD-II Bluetooth Scanners

A handful of companies offer obd2 bluetooth scanner packages that include an OBD-II Bluetooth dongle or adapter, a device like a PDA, tablet, or a laptop, and pre-installed scan tool software. These packages are good for anyone who doesn’t have a compatible device or doesn’t want to mess around with potential incompatibilities or purchasing separate software.

OBD-II Bluetooth Software and Drivers

The functionality of an OBD-II Bluetooth connection will vary depending on the device you hook up to and the software you have installed. There is free ELM327 scanner software available for platforms like Windows and Android, but premium software typically offers additional functionality and more advanced features.

Devices that are equipped with Bluetooth typically won’t require any additional drivers in order to hook up to an OBD-II Bluetooth adapter. The process of pairing this type of adapter is similar to pairing a headset or any other Bluetooth device, so it is relatively straightforward.

Counterfeit OBD-II ELM327 Bluetooth Devices

Some low-cost OBD-II Bluetooth adapters use unofficial ELM327 microcontrollers that are based on pirated specifications. These microcontrollers sometimes fail to work properly due to poor quality control, and they also lack the tweaks and improvements seen in official ELM327 microcontrollers that are produced under license and according to updated specifications.