Mark your calendars: FOTA webinar this week

Paul Leroux

A heads-up that, in two days, QNX Software Systems and Red Bend will deliver a webinar on keeping connected cars up to date with Firmware Over-the-Air (FOTA) technology.

Here's a summary of the webinar:

The connected car is revolutionizing the automotive industry. It brings together wireless connectivity, IP communications infrastructure, middleware and applications to transform the driving experience. Yet as the amount and the complexity of software inside cars increases, so too does the need to update the software in order to provide new functionality and perform software maintenance. To help streamline these activities, OEMs can use proven firmware over-the-air (FOTA) updating technology to deliver software improvements efficiently and reliably.

Please join QNX Software Systems and Red Bend Software as they present how QNX CAR 2 application platform supports the latest advancements in performing over-the-air software management and application updates in connected cars.

And here are the coordinates:

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 2:00 p.m. EST Details and registration

The folks delivering the webinar are Yoram Berholtz from Red Bend Software, an industry leader in FOTA, and my inimitable colleague Andy Gryc. If you can't catch the webinar — or even if you can catch the webinar — I invite you to check out Andy's article on the Red Bend website, Fill the Tank, Check the Oil, and Update the Software.
 

Tow Mater Now for Rent in Portland - Dad Gum

Tow Mater Now for Rent in Portland - Dad Gum

I swear I have seen Cars movie by Disney a billion times with my all time favorite Character Tow Mater the tow truck. For those of you without kids Tow Mater is the lovable character, sidekick and friend to the film's main protagonist, Lightning McQueen. If I have to explain it to you then you have been living under a rock for the past 6 years or don't have kids. Any ways David Emerson is the creator of this life size replicate of Tow Mater out in Portland Oregon and the best part is you can be the hero in your kids life and rent this art car for your kids birthday party, an experience they will never forget.

Tow Mater Now for Rent in Portland - Dad Gum

Tow Mater Now for Rent in Portland - Dad Gum

Pep Boys Sells for $800 Million

When you walk down to the local Pep Boys to replace your AC Condenser or Radiator Fan there may be a sign that reads “Under New Management.”  The iconic parts company recently sold to a Los Angeles equity firm for $800 million dollars.

There may be a sign out front, but not too much else should change.  The new owners plan on keeping management in place, and you know they will keep Manny, Joe and Jack around.  Pep Boys would just not be the same with those giant headed mascots.  There are no plans to shut down any of the 729 stores, or to let go any employees.

Pep Boys hit a rough spot in the road because of increased competition and a bad economy.  They posted losses for four straight years.  While their competitors saw growth during tough times, because of people wanting to fix their old cars instead of buying new ones, Pep Boys did not. Some analysts believe it is because Pep Boys has both a parts and service division while their competitors only focus on one.

The new owner speculates that it will take a while to get Pep Boys back in the fast lane, but they are confident it will happen.