KeriBlog

What is HD Radio in New Cars

Nov 23 2015

If a new car offers HD Radio, it means it’s a richer type of radio in 2 ways:

1 – the sound is digital, so it’s less noisy than analog FM

2 – it allows the radio station to transmit both audio and data

See how much information is on the screen?

How to contact the station via text or Twitter. Then the screen refreshes, and shows the artist and song name that’s currently playing.

Many auto manufacturers offer HD Radio as an audio upgrade in new cars.

Example – the above screen is in a 2016 Mazda3 in which HD Radio comes standard, second trim (GX) and up.

When’s the Last Time you Wiped your Phone?

Nov 23 2015

Think of it like a spring / fall cleaning, when you de-clutter and start fresh, and give it more room to function by deleting years-old photos and apps.

Imagine opening iTunes and seeing this, so beautiful…

30 minutes

1 – Backup – photos / contacts / calendar / notes

2 – General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings

3 – Enter passcode and follow instructions

4 – For sure you’re backed up right

5 – Click Erase

6 – Re-install apps

7 – Use the opportunity to change all your passwords (or at least – bank / email / Facebook)

8 – Done.

***

When the phone is now behaving like new, you’ll be all, “why was I putting up with that lag all this time…”

Do it.

How my Neighbours Move Cars Around

Nov 23 2015

Ahahaha, there were chunks of bumper everywhere.

Note the beer.

A Different Kind of DEFCON

Nov 23 2015

It’s a racing company, and a security nerd joke.

It’s an independent shop outside Toronto – Defcon-Racing.com

Then look at the shirt’s back… same dragon as Kali? Huh.

***

See also – A different kind of Black Hat

I Tracked the 2017 Audi R8 V10

Nov 20 2015

All this 2017 Audi R8 V10 content looks pretty great eh.

Truth is – I stumbled on it, and when it was time to drive, I’m nervous for many reasons.

First, it’s wasn’t a media track event, as in, totally different setup.

It was the 3rd and final stop in Audi’s pilot program of their all-new sportscar experience.

So it’s 20 owners & enthusiasts and me, the only girl and only auto journalist… only one darting around taking 400 photos, paper and pen in hand, I’m awkward.

Today is my 1st time with 500+ hp, making it the most powerful car I’ve ever driven.

Specifically, it’s a 2017 Pre-Production German-spec Audi R8 V10.

It’s the fastest production Audi ever.

Audi R8 v10 = 540 hp, 398.3 lb-ft, 0 – 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, top speed of 320 km/h

Audi R8 V10 plus = 610 hp, 413.0 lb-ft, 0 – 100 km/h in 3.2 seconds, top speed of 330 km/h

During lunch I was photographing the 2017 when, “You excited to drive that, Keri?”

WHAT?! YES.

I had no clue it was part of the program, thought it was display-only. I’m about to be the first journalist to drive it in Canada.

There’s only 4 of these R8s in Canada.

The VIN # isn’t even 3 digits, look – #98 in the world.

And it’s my 1st time around a real track, a world-class one.

I have some autocross experience, done 3 small tracks, the end. Oh boy.

Wreck this car, and KeriBlog.com is on the cover of Jalopnik for all the wrong reasons, omg please no never no.

Coming out of a corner,
all the above is repeating in my mind.

Always and forever, say it with me – Queen of the Late Brakers.

How’s it handle compared to the 2015 R8?

The 2017 has more grip, the additional about 50 hp makes a real difference, and the all-new instrument cluster and steering wheel are ergonomic elegance.

But let’s be real here – I’m not experienced enough to give a proper comparison of the two. The Audi instructors are though – they’re some of Canada’s most decorated racers.

They feel it’s better balanced than the 2015, with more power, better brakes, and a better vehicle overall, “a huge leap ahead.”