Audi along with other automakers has seen how infotainment features have risen like a rocket as consideration criteria for US luxury buyers lately. As Audi seeks to penetrate the ranks of upscale American Millennials—in general, and with its new, entry-level A3 sedan due out around the end of this year—the brand is making a new play for this crowd.

In partnership with T-Mobile, Audi is offering a new, $15-a-month data plan that will give drivers in-vehicle connectivity through the Audi Connect service, which includes access to Google Earth and Google Voice Local Search; news, weather and fuel prices; and a WiFi connection including broadband connectivity for up to eight devices in an Audi vehicle.

"We want people to be attracted by the price and to be able to keep their connection [to Audi Connect] alive continuously," Anupam Malhotra, senior manager of Connected vehicle for Audi of America, told brandchannel. "We can ensure continuity of support. And people don't have to deal with reminder-of-renewal e-mails or worry about whether the service is still active."Continue reading...

As rumored, Amazon indeed revealed two new Kindle e-Reader models today: Kindle Fire HD and the Kindle Paperwhite — described as the most advanced e-reader ever."

"Paperwhite" refers to the ability to now read the screen as you would paper, as it's "constructed with 62% more pixels and 25% increased contrast, a patented built-in front light for reading in all lighting conditions, up to 8 weeks of battery life, and a thin and light design for just $119; Kindle Paperwhite Wi-Fi + 3G — never pay for or hunt for a Wi-Fi hotspot with the all-new top-of-the-line Kindle e-reader with free 3G wireless for just $179." The size and price of the classic Kindle, meanwhile, shrinks to $69.

Kindle Fire HD (above) is the pricier e-Reader family, aimed at the "high end" consumer with price points to match:Continue reading...

Two words — "Homeless Hotspots" — are causing an uproar in Austin, Texas. Billed as “a charitable experiment” by BBH, it's not part of the official South by Southwest Interactive agenda, but it's getting mixed reviews and lots of attention.

Bartle Bogle Hegarty's BBHLabs skunkworks unit partnered with Front Steps Shelter to equip homeless people with 4G MiFi devices to serve as walking hotspots or pay-per-use Wi-Fi purveyors for attendees at the SXSW Interactive conference now taking place in Austin, TX.

The experiment was to see how much SXSWi attendees would donate (suggested donation: $2 per 15 minutes) — assuming attendees didn't oppose the notion of fundraising via hotspots (vs., say, hot meals) for the homeless.Continue reading...

McDonald's Canada is looking to make customers consider its restaurants (literally) a hotspot.

This week, more than 1,000 McDonald’s restaurants in the nation are rolling out free and unlimited Wi-Fi, sponsored by Bell Mobility. No purchase, username or password is required to use the wireless network service, which boasts one-click access.

By June 1st, more than 90% of the country's 1,400-plus locations will hoist the McD's Wi-Fi logo at right "as part of the company’s commitment to placing the customer experience at the core of its business," as the press release states.

The chain's new Wi-Fi service will enable customers using a smartphone, laptop or tablet device to "catch up on emails, browse the Web and stay connected" — and give them one more reason to dip into a McDonald's, of course.Continue reading...

Nikkei slips as another earthquake hit Japan Sunday, as Tepco head pressured to quit after costing shareholders $26 billion; fear of radiation and shortages drives panic buying of Japanese goods; auto industry suffers as Toyota, Honda and others stand to lose billions in revenue; and Wal-Mart reopens 12 quake-hit stores.

Google to launch in-app billing for Android; woos celebs to create themed channels on YouTube; and works on mobile payments as near field communications battle looms. CEO Larry Page, meanwhile, is working on cutting red tape and fostering internal communications.

BlackBerry-maker RIM is in "slow-motion decline," says WSJ, while acquires mobile tool developer.

Facebook is reportedly in talks to hire former White House press secretary Robert Gibbs; and updates Questions in boost for brands.Continue reading...

With over half a billion users and a billionaire founder who was TIME magazine's Person of the Year, Facebook has been flying high. This month, the social network is flying high, quite literally.

In a promotion through Gogo Inflight Internet, which offers inflight connectivity in the continental U.S., Facebook will be available free in February on the Wi-Fi networks AirTran, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, United, US Airways, and Virgin America. Other services provided can range in price from $4.95 to as much as $12.95.

Gogo has been pushing its service via partnered promotions lately to encourage more air travelers to take advantage of Wi-Fi. But don't forget in-flight netiquette!Continue reading...

Now Verizon CEO Ivan Seidenberg is finally bringing an iPhone to his subscribers, he's got a good excuse to finally use Apple's smartphone himself.

He told Ad Age after today's iPhone announcement in New York that he's staying neutral in the smartphone wars. "I've never used it simply because we don't carry it," he said. "Periodically, we'll go out and try a competitor's product to see what it's like. That way, we're more effective in dealing with the Droid manufacturers. I haven't made up my mind what I'm going to carry."

As for what he does carry, he adds: "I have the Samsung tablet and the iPad and the BlackBerry. I carry a lot and hook them all up on different days of the week. I'm interested in the experience that the customer will get on all of them. I can tell you there are attributes of each device that are better than others." 

Verizon Wireless will launch its version of the iPhone 4 on Feb. 10th (taking pre-orders online starting Feb. 3), at a price of $199 for the 16GB model and $200 for the 32G version, both with a 2-year contract.

What's different from AT&T's iPhone is the VZW model can act as a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to five other devices, and it's protected against the so-called "death grip" issue that plagued AT&T's iPhone 4 at launch. The downside: it won't run on Verizon's 4G network, and as a CDMA phone can't handle simultaneous voice and data transmission.

Comcast acquisition of NBC Universal won't be approved by Dec. 31.

Craigslist removes "adult services" listings worldwide.

JPMorgan maintains global top spot for investment banking fees.

L.L. Bean among retailers enjoying a happy holiday season.

Lilly Pulitzer fashion brand changes hands.

Marks & Spencer celebrated with a museum exhibit in its birthplace.

President Obama signs bill repealing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" as Senate ratifies nuclear pact.

Skype outage affects millions worldwide (and potentially Twitter).Continue reading...