“Auto” collection
Explore in-depth vehicle evaluations and automotive technology reviews from a unique family-focused perspective. From testing the latest electric vehicles to practical DIY maintenance guides, these articles provide the essential details needed for modern drivers and tech-savvy parents.
HTD Tech Briefs
View all →August 25, 2011
100+ Voices Unhappy About Honda Clear Coat Paint Peel Defect & Honda’s Ambivalence
I normally don't like complaining about companies or their products. Sure, all things that we purchase have issues or will have problems over time. But when it comes to expensive purchases and when there seems to be a commonality among the types of issues, I feel that there is a requirement to say something about it publicly, either to simply…
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August 17, 2011
“ESV” Really Stands for “Entertainment System Vehicle” – 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition
There seems to be some confusion about what the ESV means in the name Cadillac Escalade ESV. Some people on the Cadillac forums have said "Escalade Stretch Vehicle" or "Extended Service Vehicle." I actually think that it means "Entertainment System Vehicle" or at least that is what I would call the 2011 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum Edition. My family and…
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June 28, 2011
Cloud Computing in Cars? Extending Powerful Compute Cycles to your Phone via the Cloud? Intel Knows How!
I'm always "in the cloud" with my day job as Technology Evangelist for GoGrid, and all of the rest of the time, I'm working on the HighTechDad side of my life (parenting and technology). Yeah, I sleep once and a while as well. Sometimes, both of these jobs intermingle and that intersection is cloud computing. I first started talking about…
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June 27, 2011
My Kids & I Have Fun with the “Cool” Features of the Lincoln MKT
Over the Father's Day weekend, my kids and I had some fun with the 2011 Lincoln MKT AWD crossover. In the past, with other autos like the Ford Flex and the Lincoln MKX, I approached my articles about these vehicles with more of a "reviewer's perspective." This time, I just thought that I would let me kids "drive"...well, not the…
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June 6, 2011
Hey, No Messaging While Driving, Unless It’s Your Car Doing It – Ford Safety Technology Preview
Last week, Robert Scoble (Scobleizer.com), Mark Hachman (PCMag.com) Xavier Lanier (Notebooks.com & GottaBeMobile.com ) and I squished into a Ford Explorer to get a preview of some new safety technology that Ford and other auto manufacturers are starting to develop. With this new tech, appropriately outfitted cars actually "talk" to each other, many times a second, sending information about speed,…
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May 11, 2011
Sony, Ford and NYC Auto Show Videos from the Cast of Dads Roadtrip
A few weeks ago, Ford and Sony invited the Cast of Dads on a really cool experience – a road trip from Boston driving a 2011 Ford Explorer down to New York International Auto Show. Unfortunately both Max and I were not able to attend, but Jeff, CC and Brad produced a ton of content from the excursion. I posted…
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April 29, 2011
Ford & Sony Bring “Cast of Dads” Members Together (Almost) – “Family Road Trips”
I'm encouraged that big brands out there are starting to listen. There is a difference between simply pushing your product traditionally, and using real voices, people and opinions to create stories around these products and brands. The first is a traditional method that frequently gets lost in the clutter of all of the other brand chatter out there, and the…
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April 25, 2011
10 Days in a Lincoln MKX – A Crossover SUV with an Almost Perfect Blend of Technology and Luxury
It seems that I have started sort of an annual tradition every Spring Break. For the past two years, Ford Motors has graciously lent me a car to enjoy with my family during our vacation. Each year thus far, we have driven from San Francisco to Los Angeles and back again. And each year, the car that we used has…
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January 11, 2011
Ford Truly Deserves to be at CES: Ford Sync AppLink & 2012 Ford Focus EV Pave the Way!
For many, many years, I never thought much of Ford . I had been unimpressed with their cars (with a few exceptions like the Mustang) and especially with their styling and technology. In the 80's and 90's, to me, Ford was "just another American car" which said a lot. All of the technology, style and innovation had been coming from…
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January 8, 2011
No Longer a “CES virgin” – Thoughts After 2 Days at CES 2011: Tablets, TVs & Other Tech
In many ways, 2 days at CES 2011 (International Consumer Electronics Show) is not enough time to really absorb the show. I was only able to essentially pay only a few vendors any quality time, others were quick, short visits, and others were just walk throughs getting from one place to another. On the other hand, 2 days is completely…
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December 20, 2010
HighTechDad’s 2010 Gadget Roundup & Gift Guide
Better late than never I guess! Over the past year, I have tested out and reviewed a variety of gadgets and consumer electronic devices. Most of these were hand-picked for review purposes in that they are devices that, to me, looked really interesting and intriguing. Given that there are only a few days left for shopping, I realize that this…
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October 21, 2010
How Car Window Tinting Is Done – A Great After-Market Upgrade
Getting a new car is always fun. I personally love that new car smell that comes with your purchase. And making your car more "yours" is always important. Many people will cover their cars with bumper stickers or other types of customization. Some are purely aesthetic while others not only look good but also provide an additional function like safety…
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