Superchips turns an Archos into a vehicle interface, dubs it 'Vivid'
We've seen the awful, terrible, hideous things that an iPad can do to an otherwise respectable car interior, and now it's time to see what horrors Android can unleash. Superchips, makers of chips and flash units to summon a few extra ponies under the hood, has announced the creation of the Vivid "vehicle performance programmer" -- an Archos 43 Internet Tablet that's been... augmented with some software. Thanks to this, and a Bluetooth OBD-II module, the car can monitor car performance in real-time and display data while also acting as a G-meter and even a back-up camera. No word on what any of this will cost when it ships in early 2011, but those who already have a little Android buddy will be happy to know that a standalone Bluetooth dongle called the AVID will be releasing in the summertime, enabling all the same functionality without the need for another device. What'll we stuff in our headrests then?
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The Superchips VIVID, Powered by the AndroidTM Operating System,
Satisfies Your Need For Speed and A Whole Lot More
Superchips VIVID Performance Programmer Delivers More Tuning Capability,
Vehicle Data, and Entertainment - All on a 4.3" Touch Screen
SANFORD, FL. – Superchips, Inc., the industry leading aftermarket tuning company, today unveiled the Superchips VIVID vehicle performance programmer at the 2010 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV. The new in-cabin device includes a Bluetooth-enabled vehicle interface module coupled with the new ARCHOSTM 4.3" internet tablet powered by the Android 2.2 operating system.
The state-of-the-art Superchips Vivid is the first device of its type to successfully integrate today's popular personal electronics with a full-featured performance tuning solution. The key is the combination of Superchips' tuning features and the Android operating system opening up a whole new world of possibilities. With the addition of a few inexpensive accessories, the Superchips VIVID will work as a GPS unit, backup camera monitor and much more.
"Just about a year ago, we recognized a technology convergence and made a commitment to bring the flexibility of Android to the automotive aftermarket industry," said Tom Bennett, division president for Superchips. "The Superchips VIVID is the first truly integrated performance device that delivers vehicle performance, power, information and entertainment. We're taking a huge leap forward incorporating Superchips' tuning in an exceptional touch screen LCD delivering a user experience beyond anything available in the market today."
The LCD hardware supply partner was another key to making this happen. ARCHOS, innovators in portable personal entertainment, was the best choice for the next generation of tuning products. Bennett noted, "VIVID delivers tuning, gauges, diagnostics, web connectivity, data acquisition, and entertainment in one platform. The user experience has to meet extremely high consumer expectations and that's why ARCHOS was selected as the preferred LCD partner. There is nothing else in the tuning market with the Superchips VIVID's capabilities."
The Superchips VIVID comes with a Bluetooth-enabled OBD-II module, a.k.a. dongle, connecting the LCD to the vehicle allowing the user to tune for additional horsepower, torque or fuel economy. The dongle also makes it possible to use any of the pre-installed Superchips automotive apps, set advanced tuning features, and monitor internal engine parameters and display them in real time using the gauge suite. The Superchips VIVID automatically recognizes your vehicle and will only show the features and options available to you.
Derek Catterfeld, new product development lead for Superchips added, "We designed the Superchips VIVID to leverage the Android Operating System's innovation for an automotive application -- to enable you to do even more with your car, truck or Jeep. We are breaking down barriers so that consumers can experience automotive performance tuning and monitoring the way it was meant to be, while enjoying the vast entertainment and software application benefits of the Android Operating System."
Superchips VIVID is the most powerful device in the industry with a 1GHz processor and does more than tuning including high-speed web browsing; e-mail; social media integration; wireless connectivity; loads of memory; apps for pictures, music and video along with a host of unique Superchips apps such as Performance Tuning, Gauge Set, Maintenance Minder, Driving Coach, Inclinometer and G-Force Meter.
Superchips VIVID LCD is an industry leading 4.3-inch high-resolution screen for viewing gauges in clear detail, viewing videos or watching your favorite movie. The music and video capabilities let customers enjoy their favorite songs or capture spontaneous fun. The device combines a camera, HD camcorder, as well as HDMI connectivity to download, stream and share personal content online via Facebook, YouTube, Picasa or Flickr or just enjoy them at home on your TV.
Pricing and Availability
Superchips VIVID will be available through local and chain automotive stores as well as through online retailers in Spring 2011. Customers can also opt for the Superchips AVID which will be available in Summer 2011. The Superchips AVID is a stand-alone dongle and software suite that installs on third-party Android devices including smart phones and web tablets.
For information about Superchips products, visit a Superchips authorized MVP Dealer or call 407.585.7000 or go to www.superchips.com.
To download a high resolution image of the new Superchips VIVID, click here.
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About Superchips Inc.
Superchips offers a complete line of hand-held programmers for almost 1,000 domestic late-model cars, trucks, and SUVs and some import truck and SUVs. All Superchips programmers are available for purchase in retail stores and online wherever automotive performance products and accessories are sold. Superchips, Inc. is located at 1790 E. Airport Blvd, Sanford, FL 32773. For more information call 407-585-7000 or visit www.superchips.com.
Superchips, Inc.
1790 E. Airport Blvd
Sanford, FL 32773
Ph: 407-585-7000
www.superchips.com
