Apple is a brand that’s known for creating products that mix impeccable design with superb function.  But as much as we love Apple, there are instances where the functionality falls a bit short of what it could be.  Case in point:  the iPod shuffle. The smallest member of the iPod family, the shuffle is geared directly to athletes, offering a compact, clip-on, go anywhere design that lets you listen to your favorite music without getting in your way.  There’s only one problem:  if you’re an athlete, you’re probably going to get wet, whether it’s rain, sweat, etc.  Furthermore, there are a huge number of sports that take place in the water, further limiting the shuffle’s usefulness.

Waterproof iPod Shuffle Swimbuds Bundle

Enter Underwater Audio.

They take a conventional 4th generation Apple iPod shuffle, and they transform it into what it should have been in the first place:  waterproof.  You can wear it swimming, surfing, in the shower, or any other place you can imagine.  And the best part?  There’s no ugly cases that alter the shuffle’s sleek design – Underwater Audio’s waterproof shuffle looks, feels and functions identically to a standard iPod shuffle.  It’s just awesome.

As an endurance triathlete training for my first Ironman, I can tell you firsthand that I spend long amounts of time both on land and in the water, and if it wasn’t for music, my workouts would not be even the slightest bit enjoyable. Music helps to keep my mind off of the endless circles I’m running around the track in the winter and the three hours I’m spending in the saddle on my trainer. The problem was that before my Underwater Audio shuffle, the only thing music didn’t get me through was my swim workout (which is perhaps why most triathletes consider swimming their weakest sport).  No one, no matter how dedicated you are to the sport, enjoys staring at the bottom of the pool with nothing but your thoughts for an hour.

It was during one of my hour long swims that I noticed the girl I was sharing a lane with had an iPod shuffle attached to the back strap of her goggles. After she finished, I couldn’t resist quizzing her on exactly what it was and where I could get one, and she introduced me to Underwater Audio. Three days later, my very own waterproof iPod shuffle arrived. Even after seeing one in person I was a bit skeptical at first, as when it arrived, it felt and worked exactly like an iPod shuffle, including the original Apple packaging.  I actually questioned whether or not they forgot to waterproof mine, so I gave it a quick test in the sink to make sure it was ready for the pool.

Still playing perfectly after a quick dip in the sink,  I created a custom swim mix in iTunes and synced the shuffle, which works identically to any other iPod you already have. The days workout called for a straight two-mile swim, no stops, no breaks, just keeping my head in the water for a little over an hour. After giving it a final dunk test in the pool, I clipped my shuffle to the back of my goggles, pressed in the Swimbuds Sport headphones with the tree earbuds and started swimming.

Immediately I was amazed at the clarity of sound, and the comfort of the earbuds. Throughout all of my flip turns, the earbuds stayed in place with no sound variation at all. At 1:01 into my workout, I was shocked when my watch alerted me that I had finished my two miles – four minutes faster than my normal time. I didn’t feel like I had exerted extra effort in my workout, I had just gotten lost in the music and the tediousness of a silent, hour-long swim in the pool was gone.

Waterproof iPod Shuffle

After seeing how well the Underwater Audio performed on a long swim, I was anxious to see how they’d perform in a master swim session with sprints and lane sharing. Even with the increased speed and wake from sharing a lane, the earbuds again stayed in place with no water leaking in or sound distortion, and the shuffle stayed clipped and out of the way on my goggle strap the entire time with no adjustments necessary.

Dozens of swims later and the waterproofed shuffle works just as it did the first day it arrived, no corroding, no sound distortion, no glitches. The only thing that has changed during my pool workouts is that I actually enjoy them now, as I’m no longer just staring at the bottom of the pool counting laps and waiting for my time to be up.  They’ve completely changed my swims, and made them a hundred times more enjoyable than what they were before.

In shopping for a waterproof iPod shuffle from Underwater Audio, you’ll see that you can choose from a few different bundles, which I highly recommend.  Not only will you save money over buying the pieces individually, but you’ll get an assortment of headphones that are great for different activities, while  the different earbud options will ensure you get the perfect fit. For those of you that already own a 4th generation iPod Shuffle, you can also send yours in and they’ll waterproof it for you and send it back ready to get wet, although you’ll still want to pick up some of Underwater Audio’s waterproof earbuds as well.

Waterproof iPod Shuffle Swimbuds Bundle

Bottom line, Underwater Audio has taken a beautifully designed product in the Apple shuffle and given it functionality that makes it the ideal workout companion, especially for water lovers. Swim sessions have never flown by the way that they do now, and while it sounds like an overwhelmingly positive review, I’d like to point out that, no, I’m not in anyway getting paid to tell you this – they’re simply that awesome. If you spend anytime in the water, even if it’s just running in the rain and don’t want to worry about your iPod getting wet, the waterproof iPod from Underwater Audio is a must, as it will change the possibilities of listening to music during your workouts.

I’m a huge fan of new technology.  Phones, tablets, computers, cameras, you name it.  But as much as I love innovation and the benefits innovation brings, there’a a byproduct of technology that I absolutely hate:  cords.

I simply can’t stand them.

And yet every time I buy a new piece of technology, I’m once again forced to add to my cord collection.  It’s as if companies think about every element of their new product’s design and feature set, and yet never consider how to eliminate the one thing everybody wishes wasn’t there.

And then I met Libratone.

Libratone is a Copenhagen-based company whose self-described purpose is “to liberate sound.”  How do they do it?  By combining kick-ass sound quality in a gorgeously designed package.  Best of all, however, is that they deliver sound wirelessly.  So if you have a piece of Apple hardware (computer, iPhone, iPad, etc.), any music or media you listen to on your device can be streamed wirelessly to your Libratone speakers, no cables required, with superb sound quality.  It’s as simple as that.

I met Libratone when I picked up their Libratone Lounge – a large, five-speaker soundbar that I use for my television as well as my iTunes library.  I loved the Lounge so much I picked up the Libratone Live, which is a smaller, more portable speaker set, still with awesome sound in a smaller package.  I’m going to share my thoughts on each, detail how they work and tell you why you need one.

Read on and find out how to enjoy unadulterated wireless audio bliss.

The Libratone Lounge ($1,299)

My first forray into the world of Libratone was the Libratone Lounge, the largest of Libratone’s offerings.  I purchased it for the simple fact that I hate the look of conventional surround sound setups, but I wanted more than the standard audio my television could produce.  The Libratone Lounge was the perfect medium, a beautifully designed speaker that offered superb audio quality without the distraction of a full surround setup.

At one meter long the Lounge is substantial, but it’s designed in a way that makes it an accent to your home’s style, as opposed to a distraction.  With key design elements including a fine Italian cashmere wool cover and a piano finish, the Lounge looks more like a piece of furniture than a speaker.  You can mount it on a wall (with the included wall mount), set it on a bookshelf, media center, etc., and because it’s available in five color options (which are user changeable), you can make it blend in or stand out from your home’s style as much as you want.

Audio wise, the Libratone Lounge is brilliant.  Inside, five dedicated amps power one 5-inch 50W bass, two ribbon-based 1-inch 25W tweeters and two 3-inch 25W mid range speakers, combining to offer 150W total.  From there, Libratone takes audio quality a step further thanks to their patented FullRoom technology.  Unlike conventional speakers that beam sound in one direction, creating a so-called “sweet-spot” in each room, Libratone’s FullRoom technology sends the sound waves multiple directions, bouncing them off walls and creating superb audio throughout the entire room.  Libratone calls it 360-degree listening, and it’s fantastic at enveloping the room with sound, even in different positions.  For more fine tuning, there’s even a Libratone app that lets you adjust the sound from your various mobile devices.  Simply input a few basic pieces of information about the Libratone’s positioning as well as the type of music you’re listening to, and sound quality is enhanced even more.

And then there’s the wireless functionality – the single greatest feature that makes the Lounge (and other Libratone speakers) so awesome.  Thanks to Apple’s AirPlay, any device that uses AirPlay can stream sound through the Libratone Lounge.  Setup takes a minute or two at the most, and once completed, you can select to play sound through the Lounge on any device that supports AirPlay (which is a feature built into iTunes).  For me, this includes my iPhone, iPod, iPad, and both Mac and PC computers, and all have worked flawlessly.

Best of all, it’s not just iTunes that utilizes AirPlay –  there’s a wealth of apps that incorporate AirPlay, so you can send music from apps like VEVO, YouTube, and iHeartRadio straight to the speakers.  On my Apple devices, browsing mp3’s online works through the Libratone wirelessly.  And on my newer Mac computers, I can even opt to set audio to output to the Lounge, so all sound from the computer is sent to the speakers wirelessly.

In short, if you have an Apple device and want to listen to music wirelessly, it’s not going to get better than the Libratone.  Every source that I use to music through my Apple device works with the Libratone speakers; they’re just significantly more awesome now that there’s no wires necessary to use them with my speakers.

Of course, should you wish to listen to music with wires, you can do that too.  Both the Lounge and Live include a minijack, meaning you can also choose a wired analog or digital connection.

The Libratone Live ($699)

I love my Libratone Lounge, but the one thing it doesn’t offer is portability.  At a meter long, it’s not exactly easy to transport around the house.  That’s where the Libratone Live comes into play.

Take all the great features of the Libratone Lounge, put them in a smaller, more portable package, and you’ve got the Libratone Live.

Whereas the Libratone Lounge notes a long, rectangular design, the Live boasts an upright design, making it substantially easier to fit into a variety of spaces (its exact dimensions are H 18.5 in. x W 7.7 in. x D 6 in.).  And like the Lounge, the Live boasts a gorgeous Italian cashmere cover in five color options, meaning it fits perfectly into both modern and classic home settings.  I use mine in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom and office, and it fits everywhere easily (and looks great at the same time).

Inside, the Live boasts specs similar to that of the Lounge.  Five dedicated amps provide power for a 5-inch bass unit, a pair of 1-inch ribbon-based tweeters and a pair of 3-inch midrange drivers, offering up a total of 150W.  In terms of sound quality, the Live again offers exceptional sound from a single unit.  Bass and clarity are both fantastic, as is the ability to listen anywhere in the room with little deterioration in quality.  This again is thanks to Libratone’s patented FullRoom technology, which like an acoustic instrument, bounces soundwaves off walls and throughout the room, as opposed to in a linear path like other speakers.

And like the Lounge, you can also fine tune the sound of the Live with Libratone’s free app.  Enter the details of your Live’s positioning in the room as well as the type of music you’re listening to, and sound is delivered based on your unique configuration.

Lastly, there’s the wireless.  The glorious, glorious wireless.  The defining feature of the Lounge is wireless, and the same holds true for the Live.  Any AirPlay capable device works brilliantly with the Live, whether it’s your Mac/PC, iPhone, iPod, iPad, Apple TV, etc.  Your entire music library from iTunes can be listend to wirelessly; apps like YouTube, VEVO and iHeartRadio can be listened to wirelessly; and any websites offering up mp3’s online can be listened to wirelessly.  Chances are, if you’re listening to it on your Mac or other Apple device, you can send it wirelessly to your Libratone Lounge.

Want music throughout your house?  You can even combine multiple Libratones speakers (both the Live and the Lounge) on the same network, and control each individually through iTunes.

Libratone Lounge and Live Conclusion

Ultimately, if you’re looking for superb audio quality in a gorgeously designed and crafted package, the Libratones need to be at the top of your list.  They look exceptional in any setting, bass and clarity are excellent, and the wireless functionality means you can listen to music from an incredible amount of sources wirelessly.  There simply isn’t an easier or better looking way to bring superb quality into your home wirelessly than the offerings from Libratone.

You can check out both the Libratone Lounge and Live in the gallery blow, or head over to the official Libratone website to check out the full lineup of Libratone products.

Taking its digital reach to the next level, Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) has introduced the Mercedes-Benz MY ’12 CLS-Class iPad App. This application is the first of a series of MY ’12 product apps and is available now through the Apple App Store for free. Users can find the app by searching “Mercedes-Benz 2012 CLS.”

The new CLS-Class iPad App puts a spin on traditional communications by providing a media-rich, eco-friendly channel for prospects to learn more about the CLS-Class. Although this app has been created as a tool for dealership sales associates, it can easily be obtained through the Apple App Store by consumers as well.

Through logical placement and smart navigation, the app provides a smart, user-friendly experience that includes virtual tours of the interior and exterior of the vehicle, as well as an “Explore” section that allows users to customize the CLS. The app also offers a wide selection of videos that demonstrate the groundbreaking technical innovations of Mercedes-Benz.

Additional apps for MY ’12 vehicles will launch throughout 2011 to coincide with the retail release dates.

The BRABUS 800 “iBusiness” represents the world premiere of a unique luxury sedan that combines the expected high performance from BRABUS and high-tech multimedia. The 217-mph sedan is based on the Mercedes-Benz S600 and is powered by a BRABUS SV12 800 V12 Biturbo twelve-cylinder engine with 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW and a peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft). But there is far more to the “iBusiness” than what’s under the hood. The rear compartment is stocked with two Apple iPads, two seat-mounted multimedia screens, a 64GB iPod Touch and a 15.2-inch headliner-mounted Mac display. Not only can these products be used for personal use, but the two iPads also control the car’s Command system, encompassing the radio, navigation and telephone systems. The whole Apple setup is powered by an ultra-small Mac Mini in the trunk that is housed in an electronically deployed drawer.

The “iBusiness” is truly an Apple lover’s dream and the perfect mobile office. We have no doubt we will see one of these pulling out of Steve Jobs garage soon.

This is the first time BRABUS specialists have integrated Apple components into the vehicle electronics of a Mercedes. The company upholstery shop created a luxurious environment in the form of an elegant all-leather interior with two individual power rear seats. The two-tone upholstery is made from high-quality BRABUS leather that is especially soft, breathable and highly durable.

At the heart of the “iBusiness” is state-of-the-art entertainment and communication technology on wheels. The centerpiece of the system is an ultra-small Mac mini computer safely housed under the rear shelf in an electrically deployed drawer whose design mirrors the design of the computer itself.

A 15.2-inch TFT display with 16:9 aspect ratio is integrated into the headliner covered with the finest Alcantara and contrasted with leather. Together with the standard screens in the back of the front headrests it serves as a display for the multimedia system. USB 2.0 ports integrated into the rear compartment allow connecting various peripherals to the Mac such as a webcam for video conferencing or a digital camera. The “iBusiness” is connected to the Internet via UMTS and HSDPA.

The entire BRABUS multimedia system is controlled from the rear or the front passenger seat with two iPads, connected to the central computer via a WIFI network. These iPads also control all functions of the standard COMAND system such as radio, navigation and telephone.

While on the move the two tablet computers and the Bluetooth keyboards can be safely secured in precisely fitting recesses in the luxurious BRABUS rear tables. The table tops are covered with the same exclusive leather as the entire interior and are bordered by high-gloss aluminum frames. The tables are electrically deployed from special BRABUS seatback consoles and are infinitely adjustable to any angle. They offer ample space for perusing documents, the Apple mouse and keyboard.

When the iPads are not in use or when the “iBusiness” is parked they can be stored securely and hidden from sight in custom-tailored compartments in the BRABUS center console. A special BRABUS App is also available for iPad and iPhone. It is part of the standard equipment of the luxury sedan.

The music comes from a 64GB Apple iPod touch that can store more than 14,000 songs. The sound is reproduced either by the sound system of the S-Class or by Sennheiser Noise Gard headphones, which filter out any unwanted ambient noise for unparalleled listening pleasure.

Power-operated curtains provide privacy for the rear passengers and together with an innovative color-changing interior lighting system create a serene atmosphere. The BRABUS fully leather interior creates an exclusive ambiance further augmented by the new BRABUS Yachting wood trim package. It lends the interior of the luxury sedan a maritime feel that is reminiscent of classic Italian sport boats. All wood trim elements of the S-Class are painstakingly created by hand from hundreds of individual pieces and have the look and feel of a miniature ship veneer. The wood inlays have a high-gloss finish and meet the latest automotive quality and safety guidelines.

Scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and anodized aluminum pedals add further individual highlights.

The BRABUS “iBusiness” is also the most powerful luxury sedan in the world and thus the world’s fastest office on wheels. This unique automobile is powered by a BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo engine, a prime example for the ancient wisdom that nothing can replace displacement except more displacement.

Displacement of the V12 engine that normally powers the latest Mercedes 600 models is increased from 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 385 cu. in.) The displacement increase is the product of a special crankshaft with longer stroke, precision-balanced piston rods, larger-diameter pistons and corresponding larger cylinder bore. The inner workings of the BRABUS engine are modified further by high-performance camshafts and flow-optimized cylinder heads.

The new air intake was custom-developed to fit in the available space under the hood of the S-Class. The combustion air is routed through a special carbon-fiber system. Also newly developed was the BRABUS Biturbo system with two special high-performance manifolds with integrated turbine housings and high-performance turbochargers. The system also includes four water-to-air intercoolers. The BRABUS stainless-steel high-performance exhaust system with sport catalysts and four exhaust tips with BRABUS-characteristic design optimizes power yield and gives the engine a more dominant exhaust note.

Newly calibrated engine electronics with precision-programmed mapping for injection and ignition ensure exemplary power yield and compliance with strict EURO V emission limits. The high-tech lubricants for the entire powertrain are supplied by technology partner ARAL.

The SV12 800 V12 Biturbo engine produces 800 hp (788 bhp) / 588 kW at 5,500 rpm and an even more impressive peak torque of 1,420 Nm (1,047 lb-ft), available from a low 2,100 rpm. For technical reasons peak torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a reinforced five-speed automatic transmission. A BRABUS high-performance limited-slip differential with a locking rate of 40 percent is available as an option.

The extraordinary performance figures elevate the BRABUS 800 “iBusiness” to the exalted position of the world’s most powerful and fastest luxury sedan. Acceleration times from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) of 3.9 seconds and of just 10.3 seconds to 200 km/h (124 mph) are as unmatched in this vehicle category as is the electronically limited top speed of 350 km/h (217 mph).

On the outside the “iBusiness” is clad in a sporty yet elegant designer suit. The BRABUS designers went into the wind tunnel to develop a striking front fascia whose sophisticated shape reduces lift on the front axle. The large center air inlet further optimizes cooling of the engine and the front brakes. Integrated auxiliary headlights and LED daytime running lights increase the safety factor.

Custom-tailored BRABUS aluminum sport fenders that replace their production counterparts give the S-Class sedan an even more extravagant look. The exclusive character of these fenders is embodied by an integrated air vent made from clear-coated carbon fiber and a horizontal brace that spans the vent with embossed BRABUS signet and integrated LED lights. The latter are activated just like the ones in the BRABUS side sills via the keyless remote or by pulling on a door handle.

For optimizing the airflow around the sides of the vehicle the designers shaped BRABUS sill skirts that feature integrated entrance lights for added utility. They are activated by the keyless remote or by pulling on a door handle as are the blue-illuminated BRABUS logos integrated into the side skirts on both sides of the vehicle.

The BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement concept is rounded out by the BRABUS rear spoiler lip, also available in a clear-coated carbon-fiber version, and the new rear fascia with centrally located reflector and custom cutouts for the BRABUS quad sport exhaust system. The underside of the rear fascia also features integrated LED lights which illuminate the ground behind the vehicle. They help avoid any unfortunate missteps into puddles of potholes lurking in the dark.

The enormous performance of the “iBusiness” with BRABUS 800 V12 Biturbo engine is kept safely under control with custom-tailored solutions for tires, brakes and suspension. They include BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels with diameters ranging from 19 to 21 inches.

The largest possible version features size 9Jx21 wheels on the front axle and size 10.5Jx21 in the rear, available in four different designs. They are: three-piece forged and high-gloss polished BRABUS Monoblock VI evo wheels with six double spokes, Monoblock E multi-spoke wheels, the Monoblock S double-spoke wheel and the especially exclusive Monoblock F “PLATINUM EDITION” forged wheel with cross-spoke design. All versions are mounted with Pirelli or YOKOHAMA tires in size 265/30 ZR 21 in front and size 295/30 ZR 21 on the rear axle.

For all gasoline models up to the S 500 (US: S550) BRABUS also certified Monoblock VI, E, G, Q and S 10Jx22 in size 10Jx22 with high-performance tires in size 275/25 ZR 22 in front combined with size 295/25 ZR 22 tires on the rear axle. Thanks to a tire design specifically calibrated to luxury sedans and high-performance coupes the new BRABUS tire/wheel combination offers sporty and agile handling combined with excellent ride comfort.

The large wheels also create the necessary space for installing the BRABUS high-performance brake system with 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 380 x 36-mm (15.0 x 1.42 inches) vented and cross-drilled discs in front, and 355 x 28-mm (14.0 x 1.1 inches) discs and six-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the rear axle.

The BRABUS 800 “iBusiness” is built to order and can be combined with any engine variant from the S 350 to the S 65. Alternatively any existing current Mercedes S-Class model can be equipped with the innovative multimedia system and all other BRABUS options.

The first iPad app from smart can now be downloaded from the iTunes store. smart is presenting an interactive history of great visions and visionaries entitled “Ideas in motion”. And the name also says it all about the app itself: it is always in motion. iPad owners can add their own contributions and continue writing the story together with smart. In this way the eBook will keep growing and new updates will be added for users to read on their iPads.

The world is driven forward by pioneers who think outside the box; opinion makers who don’t just talk but act, and idealists who defend their ideals against all resistance. smart is presenting some of these people. There are stories about visionary people and revolutionary events in 17 subject areas. The wide topics range from society and politics to philosophy, science, lifestyle and communication. Film, fashion, architecture, environment and mobility – iPad users can write their own contributions in all the areas that move people and the world and they can share their thoughts, opinions and convictions with others. In this way an eBook will be created that reflects the ideas that move people today.

“We want to use the new smart iPad app to create a platform where people can examine the world in a creative way, write down their views and share and discuss them with others. This will create a unique kaleidoscope which reflects the diversity of people and their ideas”, says Dr. Annette Winkler, head of smart.

The eBook will be updated and new contributions published every two months.

The smart iPad app “Ideas in motion” is now available free of charge at http://store.apple.com/.

The “iBusiness” represents the world debut of an absolutely unique luxury sedan that combines the latest Apple components with a powerful Brabus engine. The four-seater based on the Mercedes-Benz S600 reaches a top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph). It is powered by a BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 12-cylinder engine with a rated power output of 750 hp (740 bhp) / 552 kW and a peak torque of 1,350 Nm (995 lb-ft). The designers from BRABUS combine this engine with an innovative multimedia system that features the latest Apple components. Two iPads in the rear compartment not only play movies, music and Internet content, they also control all functions of the S-Class COMAND system.

The BRABUS “iBusiness” stands for more than just peak performance. It stands foremost for innovative multimedia technology for which the BRABUS electronics specialists integrate state-of-the-art Apple components into the vehicle electronics of a Mercedes for the very first time. The BRABUS upholstery shop creates the perfect luxurious surroundings. The elegant fully leather interior is masterfully crafted from a two-tone combination of high-quality BRABUS leather that is especially soft, breathable and highly durable.

At the heart of the “iBusiness” is state-of-the-art entertainment and communication technology on wheels. The centerpiece of the system is an ultra-small Mac minicomputer safely housed under the rear shelf in an electrically deployed drawer whose design mirrors the design of the computer itself.

A 15.2-inch TFT display with 16:9 aspect ratio is integrated into the headliner covered with the finest Alcantara and contrasted with leather. Together with the standard screens in the back of the front headrests it serves as a display for the multimedia system. USB 2.0 ports integrated into the rear compartment allow connecting various peripherals to the Mac such as a webcam for video conferencing or a digital camera. The “iBusiness” is connected to the Internet via UMTS and HSDPA.

The entire BRABUS multimedia system is controlled from the passenger seat or the rear compartment by two iPads that also control the car’s standard COMAND system with all functions such as radio, navigation system and telephone.

While on the move the two tablet computers and the Bluetooth keyboard can be safely secured in precisely fitting recesses in the luxurious BRABUS rear tables. The table tops are covered with the same exclusive leather as the entire interior and are bordered by high-gloss aluminum frames. The tables are electrically deployed from special BRABUS seatback consoles and are infinitely adjustable to any angle. They offer ample space for perusing documents, the Apple mouse and keyboard.

When the iPads are not in use or when the “iBusiness” is parked they can be stored securely and hidden from sight in custom-tailored compartments in the BRABUS center console. A special BRABUS app will be available shortly for iPad and iPhone, the latter of which is also part of the standard equipment of the luxury sedan.

The music comes from a 64GB Apple iPod touch that can store more than 14,000 songs. The sound is reproduced either by the sound system of the S-Class or by Sennheiser Noise Gard headphones, which filter out any unwanted ambient noise for unparalleled listening pleasure.

Power-operated curtains provide privacy for the rear passengers and together with an innovative color-changing interior lighting system create a serene atmosphere. The BRABUS fully leather interior creates an exclusive ambiance further augmented by the new BRABUS Yachting wood trim package. It lends the interior of the luxury sedan a maritime feel that is reminiscent of classic Italian sport boats. All wood trim elements of the S-Class are painstakingly created by hand from hundreds of individual pieces and have the look and feel of a miniature ship veneer. The wood inlays have a high-gloss finish and meet the latest automotive quality and safety guidelines.

Scuff plates with illuminated BRABUS logo, an ergonomically shaped sport steering wheel and anodized aluminum pedals add further individual highlights.

The BRABUS “iBusiness” is also the world’s most powerful luxury sedan and the fastest office on wheels. This unique automobile is powered by a BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 engine, a prime example for the proven fact that there is no substitute for displacement except more displacement. A special crankshaft with longer stroke, forged pistons with larger diameter and increased cylinder bore bump displacement from standard 5.5 to 6.3 liters (336 to 385 cu. in.). In addition the inlet and outlet ports of both cylinder heads are optimized for improved mixture flow. Four special camshafts also contribute to that same effect.

The BRABUS engine specialists also fit the engine with larger turbochargers, a more efficient intercooling system and a stainless-steel high-performance quad exhaust system with free-flow metal catalysts. Newly programmed engine electronics coordinate the perfect interaction of all new components and ensures not only maximum power yield but also exemplary low emissions that meet the latest emission limits.

The rated power output of 750 hp (740 bhp) / 552 kW at 5,500 rpm of the BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 engine is as superlative as its peak torque of 1,350 Nm (995 lb-ft) at 2,100 rpm. In the car torque is limited electronically to 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft).

These extraordinary power specs make the “iBusiness” with BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 engine the most powerful and the fastest luxury sedan in the world. 0 – 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.0 seconds and to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 11.9 seconds are just as impressive as the electronically limited top speed of 340 km/h (211 mph).

Power is transferred to the rear wheels via a modified five-speed automatic transmission. The optionally available BRABUS limited-slip differential optimizes traction. All BRABUS powertrain components are operated with ARAL high-performance lubricants.

BRABUS also offers performance increases for the S 600 and S 65 models. The list of options ranges from the T12 performance kit for a rated power output of 580 hp (572 bhp) / 419 kW to the T 65 S performance kit which boosts power output of the S 65 model to 715 hp (705 bhp) / 526 kW.

On the outside the BRABUS “iBusiness” is clad in a sporty yet elegant designer suit. The BRABUS designers went into the wind tunnel to develop a striking front fascia whose sophisticated shape reduces lift on the front axle. The large center air inlet further optimizes cooling of the engine and the front brakes. Integrated auxiliary headlights and LED daytime running lights increase the safety factor.

Custom-tailored BRABUS aluminum sport fenders that replace their production counterparts give the S-Class sedan an even more extravagant look. The exclusive character of these fenders is embodied by an integrated air vent made from clear-coated carbon fiber and a horizontal brace that spans the vent with embossed BRABUS signet and integrated LED lights. The latter are activated just like the ones in the BRABUS side sills via the keyless remote or by pulling on a door handle.

For optimizing the airflow around the sides of the vehicle the designers shaped BRABUS sill skirts that feature integrated entrance lights for added utility. They are activated by the keyless remote or by pulling on a door handle as are the blue-illuminated BRABUS logos integrated into the scuff plates on both sides of the vehicle.

The BRABUS aerodynamic-enhancement concept is rounded out by the BRABUS rear spoiler lip, also available in a clear-coated carbon-fiber version, and the new rear fascia with centrally located reflector and custom cutouts for the BRABUS quad sport exhaust system. The underside of the rear fascia also features integrated LED lights which illuminate the ground behind the vehicle. They help avoid any unfortunate missteps into puddles of potholes lurking in the dark.

The enormous performance of the “iBusiness” with BRABUS SV12 R Biturbo 750 engine is kept safely under control with custom-tailored solutions for tires, brakes and suspension. They include BRABUS Monoblock light-alloy wheels with diameters ranging from 19 to 21 inches.

The largest version features size 9Jx21 wheels on the front axle and size 10.5Jx21 in back. Customers can choose from four different designs Three-piece forged and high-gloss polished BRABUS Monoblock VI wheels with six double spokes, Monoblock E multi-spoke wheels, the Monoblock S double-spoke design and the especially exclusive Monoblock F PLATINUM EDITION forged wheels with cross-spoke design. All versions are fitted with Pirelli or YOKOHAMA tires in size 265/30 ZR 21 in front and in size 295/30 ZR 21 on the rear axle.

For all gasoline models up to the S 500 (US: S550) BRABUS also certified Monoblock VI, E, G, Q and S 10Jx22 in size 10Jx22 with high-performance tires in size 275/25 ZR 22 in front combined with size 295/25 ZR 22 tires on the rear axle. Thanks to a tire design specifically calibrated to luxury sedans and high-performance coupes the new BRABUS tire/wheel combination offers sporty and agile handling combined with excellent ride comfort.

The large wheels also create the necessary space for installing the BRABUS high-performance brake system with 12-piston aluminum fixed calipers and 380 x 36-mm (15.0 x 1.42 inches) vented and cross-drilled discs in front, and 355 x 28-mm (14.0 x 1.1 inches) discs and six-piston aluminum fixed calipers on the rear axle.

The BRABUS “iBusiness” is built to order and can be combined with any engine variant from the S 350 to the S 65. Alternatively any existing current S-Class model can be equipped with the innovative multimedia system and all other BRABUS options.

We told you it was coming, and today it’s official.  We’ve finally managed to procure a 32GB Apple iPhone 4 in black, and we’re giving it away to you, our lovely readers.  By now, I’m sure you already know the iPhone 4’s extensive feature set.  It’s a phone; it’s got built in video calling; it’s got a new high resolution retina display; it records HD video; it’s got a 5 megapixel camera built in; and of course, it takes advantage of Apple’s huge app store.  At present, it’s the best phone on the market.

To win the new iPhone 4, the rules are the same as they were for Apple iPad giveaway.  First, leave a comment on this story telling us you want one (one comment per account please). It’s as simple as that. Once you’ve left a comment, you’re good to go. We pick the winner completely at random, and if we pick you, an email will be sent to the email address you used to register your eMercedesBenz account. We’re also giving you an optional two additional entries in the giveaway.   First, “like” eMercedesBenz on Facebook, and leave a comment on the Facebook entry for this story telling us you want one there as well. Secondly, follow eMercedesBenz on Twitter, and re-tweet this article with the title “#Win an #iPhone4 in the #Apple #iPhone 4 #Giveaway @eMercedesBenz”.

The one stipulation is that you must comment directly on this story to be registered – you can’t use just Facebook or Twitter. If you do use additional entries on Facebook and/or Twitter, feel free to let us know in this comment section – as it makes our job searching the additional entries a little easier. The deadline for entering is Monday, July 12th at 12:00 pm midnight, and we’ll announce the winner on or before July 16th.

As always, best of luck to everyone that enters. And before I go, a bit of legal to avoid potential lawsuits:

*No purchase necessary. This giveaway is void where prohibited by law. The winner(s) will be chosen at random by a member of the eMercedesBenz editorial staff. Taxes if applicable are the responsibility of the winner. This giveaway is for the 32GB Apple iPhone 4 only.  All other costs relating to the use of the iPhone 4 including (but not limited to) voice, data, texts, 3G and wi-fi plans are the responsibility of the winner. eMercedesBenz is not liable for anything relating to this giveaway.

Mercedes-Benz service functions are now available as a free application for the iPhone in Germany. The new Mercedes-Benz Service App helps in emergency and breakdown situations through practical emergency, step by step. The contact to the service hotline or a Mercedes-Benz service is now a fast, mobile operation, and an integrated photo and notes function facilitates accurate documentation of damage.

Regular advice and information from Mercedes-Benz is present as are other practical daily living aids, such as the reference when the next service is due for general inspection of the vehicle.
In addition, the Mercedes-Benz Service App offers useful functions for each driver. It offers a parking assistant using automatic geo-positioning, and retrieves the parked vehicle displays. The modular Mercedes-Benz Service App will also grow in the future through through a series of new feature updates.

The Mercedes-Benz Service App is currently available in the German App Store and is available for download.

Of recent product launches, few have garnered the tremendous hype generated the Apple iPad, which led us to think:  wouldn’t it be great to give away an Apple iPad in one of our eMercedesBenz Giveaways?  Of course it would be, so that’s exactly what we’re doing.  We’ve got on hand one 32 GB, Wi-fi and 3G enabled Apple iPad (retail price:  $729), and we’re giving it away to you, our lovely readers, with the same simple rules that you’ve come to expect from all our eMercedesBenz Giveaways.

To enter, first leave a comment on this story telling us you want one (one comment per account please). It’s as simple as that. Once you’ve left a comment, you’re good to go.  We pick the winner completely at random, and if we pick you, an email will be sent to the email address you used to register your eMercedesBenz account.  We’re also giving you an optional two additional entries in the giveaway. First, “like” eMercedesBenz on Facebook, and leave a comment on the Facebook entry for this story telling us you want one there as well. Secondly, follow eMercedesBenz on Twitter, and re-tweet this article with the title “Apple 3G iPad Giveaway @eMercedesBenz”. The one stipulation is that you must comment directly on this story to be registered – you can’t use just Facebook or Twitter. If you do use additional entries on Facebook and/or Twitter, feel free to let us know in this comment section – as it makes our job searching the additional entries a little easier. The deadline for entering is Sunday, June 20th at 12:00 pm midnight, and we’ll announce the winner on or before June 23rd.

As always, best of luck to everyone that enters. And before I go, a bit of legal to avoid potential lawsuits:

*No purchase necessary. This giveaway is void where prohibited by law. The winner(s) will be chosen at random by a member of the eMercedesBenz editorial staff. Taxes if applicable are the responsibility of the winner. 3G and wi-fi service costs are the responsibility of the winner.  eMercedesBenz is not liable for anything relating to this giveaway.

Update:  Entries for the eMercedesBenz 32GB 3G Apple iPad giveaway are now closed.  We’re going to go through each of the Twitter and Facebook entries and add them to the list, and we’ll announce the winner in the next day or two.  To everyone that entered, a huge thank you, and if you don’t win this time, stay tuned, as we’ve got fantastic giveaways coming up all summer (including a new phone you may have heard about).  Best of luck to everyone that entered.

smart is the first car brand to develop its own drive app for the iPhone. Together with the smart cradle for the iPhone the popular phone becomes a multimedia trip computer that is optimised for the smart fortwo in terms of function and design. The smart drive app for the iPhone has all the important features needed whilst driving: phone calls via hands-free system, your own extensive music collection, internet radio and a clever navigation system with a special smart touch. There are also smart extras – for example the Car Finder that will guide you back to wherever you parked your car.

Furthermore, the smart drive app for the iPhone can be tuned with a further function tailored to the smart fortwo electric drive. This shows customers the current charging status of the smart fortwo electric drive’s battery, the distance that can be covered, nearby charging stations and the distance to them. If the smart fortwo electric drive is plugged into a socket, the app shows how long it will take to fully charge the battery again and the time at which this will be completed.

The new smart drive app for the iPhone is simple to operate and features extra large buttons among other things. The new app makes urban mobility even easier and more fun – the declared objective of the smart philosophy.

smart has prepared the way for modern city vehicles with lots of innovative ideas and has redefined urban mobility. And Apple brought new ideas to mobile phones with the iPhone. The new smart drive kit for the iPhone is now bringing the lifestyle phone to the smart fortwo as a multi-talented companion. Marc Langenbrinck, Managing Director smart brand and Head of Sales & Marketing smart says “The smart fortwo and the iPhone are both lifestyle icons. This is why the smart drive kit is ideal for our smart community.”

Two new elements developed by smart make the two-seater car and the iPhone a perfect team:

• The smart cradle for the iPhone with control unit and microphone serves as a stylish and functional holder. It charges the iPhone and also functions as a hands-free system using the loudspeakers of the smart radio for sound output and automatically muting it when phone calls are made.
• The smart drive app for the iPhone is the world’s first drive app on the market to be developed by a car brand. It combines all the features needed on the road in a single app. All the functions are extremely easy to use thanks to extra-large buttons and extra-large letters.

Really smart – the clever app from smart

Listen to music, make phone calls and find your destination straight away – the smart drive app for the iPhone masters all this and makes city driving even easier and more pleasurable.

Media. Enjoy your entire private music collection with the app. Thanks to an integrated web radio function you can also listen to your favourite foreign radio stations and podcasts whenever you want. The song ID function of the app enables you to obtain information online about titles and singers of songs that are being played on the radio or on web radio.

Phone. The hands-free system and all important functions needed to make phone calls are automatically available as soon as the iPhone is put in the smart cradle. Keypad, contacts, favourites, call lists and other telephony functions are clearly arranged for simple use.

Map. The basic version of the app shows the vehicle’s position on a map of the area (“Follow-me maps”) and enables points of interest to be found via both the on-board database and off-board using Microsoft’s “Bing” search engine. The navigation upgrade is a highlight and turns the iPhone into a full navigation system with maps for Europe or the USA – enabling navigation without being online. A smart guides you to your destination on the display of your iPhone. Street names are not only shown but also read aloud. In addition, traffic information can be called up in realtime so that you know where traffic jams are.

Assist. With the Car Finder your iPhone will automatically remember where you parked your car when it is removed from the cradle and it will find the way back for you after a day’s shopping. The app from smart also uses the GPS function of the iPhone for a further service. Should roadside assistance ever be needed, the driver can give his or her precise position via a direct line to the smart hotline.

Available from the summer

smart driving with the smart drive kit for the iPhone will be possible from June 2010. The smart cradle for the iPhone will be available from smart dealers at a price of €240 (German list price with VAT plus fitting costs). The smart drive app for the iPhone can be downloaded from the App Store at a one-off price of €9.99 for the basic version (price in the European countries where it will be available) and $9.99 in the USA. The navigation upgrade with up-to-date maps costs €49.99/$49.99 per year and will be available in the second half of 2010.

If you haven’t figured it out, we’re pretty big geeks here at eMercedesBenz, which may explain in part why we’re bringing you another story related to the new Apple iPad.  But if you’re not into the iPad, don’t worry – this story is less about the iPad and more about the wondrous service is Netflix.

If you’re unfamiliar with Netflix, the service is pretty straightforward.  You pay a monthly fee, and in return you get to watch movies via one of two ways.  You can 1) watch movies via traditional means (i.e DVD or Blu-ray), or 2) watch movies via their instant-streaming service.  To watch DVD or Blu-ray movies, you select how many you’d like to watch at one time (1, 2, etc.), go to the Netflix website and pick the movies you want, and Netflix will mail them to you.  Pricing is $8.99 for one movie at a time, $13.99 for two movies at a time, and it goes up from there.  There’s also a $3.00 additional fee if you want Blu-ray movies.  Once you’ve watched the movie, you simply put it back in the prepaid Netflix envelope, pop it in your mailbox, and you’re done.  There’s no late fees, hidden charges, or anything else.  Once Netflix receives the movie you watched, they immediately send out the next movie on your list.  Based on my experience, if I send out a movie Monday, I receive the next movie Wednesday.

Your second viewing option, and the option that led me to become a member of Netflix, is the instant streaming option.  Included in the aforementioned pricing (starting at $8.99), you can watch an unlimited number of movies via the instant streaming Netflix service.  That doesn’t mean you can watch every Netflix movie – the instant streaming library is significantly smaller than the list of available DVD and Blu-rays – but there is plenty of content to keep you entertained – somewhere around 20,000 movies and television shows.  All you need is a high speed internet connection and a Netflix streaming device (I use a Sony PS3), and you have the full Netflix streaming library at your disposal.  Both the DVD/Blu-ray and streaming Netflix services work beautifully and exactly as advertised – I’ve never had a single problem with either.

Now that you’re familiar with Netflix, on to the Apple iPad.  Up until now, your options for streaming Netflix were limited to either your television (via Netflix compatible streaming device) or your computer (assuming your computer runs a compatible operating system).  While that’s fine for home use, out in public you can’t always pop open your laptop.  Thanks to the new Netflix iPad app, however, Netflix just got a whole lot more portable.  It works just as it does on your home devices, meaning you have access to some 20,000 movies and tv shows, but it’s the first truly portable version that will actually be easy to use in public. The best part: the Netflix iPad app is completely free, meaning all you need is one of the unlimited $8.99 or $13.99 packages to start using it.

If you were one of the first to grab an Apple iPad and want to either connect an existing Netflix account to it or test drive Netflix with a free trial, you can find the full details of the Netflix iPad app in the iTunes store.

Whether you’re a die-hard tech aficionado or you just dabble with the occasional electronic device, you’ve no doubt heard the news that Apple is launching their version of a tablet computer in the form of the iPad.  It’s got a high-resolution 9.7″ LED backlit display, touch screen interface, and built-in 802.11n and 3G wireless connectivity, all in a package that’s only 1.5 lbs and 0.5″ thick.  You can browse the web, manage your email, view photos and videos, and perform many of the other functions you’re currently carrying out with your Mac.  But here’s the best part:  starting today, you no longer have to read about the Apple iPad – pre-orders are officially live, meaning you can be one of the first to have your hands on when it launches next month.  Pricing starts at $499 for the 16-gig iPad up to $829 for the 64-gig 3G enabled model.  To grab one for yourself, head over to the Apple Store and have at it.