infinity

Infiniti M56x steps up the luxury

For many years, there was little to distinguish Infiniti's G and M sedans. The new generation of M, however, looks a little more stately, and with more refinement might compete with flagship sedans from the likes of Mercedes-Benz or Lexus.

The new M56x uses a much bigger engine than was previously available, and brings in a multitude of driver assistance technologies, some of which we saw in the FX35 and EX35.

Check out our 2011 Infiniti M56x review.

Infiniti EX35 takes care of the braking

We've seen some pretty cool tech from Infiniti in the past, and the company is surging ahead again with new gadgets that practically let the car drive itself. The new EX35, an urban version of the bigger FX, features something called Intelligent Braking Assist, which can do just about all your braking work for you.

Another way this car stands out is its around-view cameras, which we took advantage of to pull into the tightest San Francisco parking spots. The short wheelbase of the car allowed for sprightly performance in the corners, with the all-wheel drive giving it an … Read more

Infiniti will add 2 variants this year

LOUISVILLE -- Infiniti will introduce two model variations this year in an effort to broaden the brand's product line without adding body styles.

One of the changes is certain to involve Nissan Motor Co.'s new high-output direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which will debut in the United States this year on the new Nissan Juke crossover.

While withholding specific details, Ben Poore, vice president of the Infiniti business unit, told journalists here last week that dealers will receive the two additional products in October or November.

Poore described one of the new offerings as "performance-oriented" -- a … Read more

Infiniti's FX35 inches closer to driving itself

When we last crossed paths with Infiniti's FX-series of crossovers, it was behind the wheel of the mighty 2009 FX50S powered by a rip-snorting 5.0-liter V-8 and equipped with a bevvy of go-fast sport package goodies and high tech gizmos. Our most recent encounter, however, was with a brand-new 2010 FX35. Its docile V-6 doesn't pack as much of a punch as the big V-8 and, without the "S" badge's add-ons, it doesn't dance nearly as well around a corner. However with 303-horsepower on tap, the '35 is not exactly wanting for power, … Read more

Buzz Out Loud 1216: Geek soap operas (podcast)

Between the legal drama playing out in the South Bay (Gizmodo raid! Dubious warrants! Potential counter-suits!) and the latest developments in the Infinity Ward/Activision internal drama (Involuntary labor! Withholding royalties and bonuses!), it's pretty much the Days of our Lives around here. Also, no Hulu in the UK, and Comcast gets a big, steaming pile of poo from its users. But at least it's Golden Poo.

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Microsoft inks patent licensing deal with HTC http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2010/apr10/04-27mshtcpr.mspxRead more

Find that song

Music-finding app SoundHound has changed names and pricing structures throughout the course of its modest lifetime, but its philosophy and core functionality remain unchanged. Unlike competitors that require you to hold the app close to the source of recorded music before it can ID your song title, lyrics, and artist information, SoundHound Infinity (the premium version) works even when you sing, hum, speak, or type a request into the stylish interface. Though the app is now faster than before--returning results in as few as 4 seconds--ambient noise may still interfere with accurate results, and typing usually prevailed in the rare … Read more

Ousted Call of Duty creators ink EA deal

The ongoing drama between ousted Infinity Ward heads Jason West and Vince Zampella and ex-employer Activision has taken another twist. Monday morning, Electronic Arts announced a deal with the pair to be the sole distributor for their newly formed studio, Respawn Entertainment. According to Zampella, the new studio will be based in the same part of Los Angeles as Infinity Ward, which created the $3 billion Call of Duty series, including last year's $1 billion hit, Modern Warfare 2.

While some studios search for years for a publishing partner, Respawn already has one lined up. Electronic Arts will be … Read more

Kia, Infiniti, Scion plan big splashes in N.Y.

NEW YORK--Several Asian brands plan world debuts at the New York auto show this week.

Kia will show a stylish redesign of the Optima sedan, Infiniti is rolling out a new QX56 luxury SUV, and Scion is expected to show either its new iQ minicar or the next version of the tC coupe.

Meanwhile, Acura, Subaru and Suzuki plan variants of models already on sale. Mercedes-Benz will unveil a freshened R-class crossover. And Cadillac, Chevrolet and Lincoln are expected to show derivatives of existing vehicles.

Press conferences are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, March 31 and April 1. … Read more

Is Harman the Mercedes-Benz of the audio business?

There are surprisingly few multinational audio companies.

I'm talking about big companies that just make speakers and audio electronics, so that leaves Sony and Panasonic out of the picture. Bose and D & M Holdings (Denon, Marantz, Boston Acoustics, etc) come to mind, but Harman International has a longer reach. Harman owns AKG (headphones, microphones), Harman/Becker Automotive Systems, Crown (professional audio), Harman Kardon (receivers), Infinity (speakers), JBL (speakers), Lexicon (high-end electronics), Mark Levinson (car and high-end audio electronics), Revel (speakers), Soundcraft (professional audio), and Studer (professional audio).

Some brands, like JBL and Lexicon, make consumer and pro gear, and in the case of JBL, speakers for every budget, from entry-level hi-fi and home theater all the way up to recording studios, movie theaters and stadium sound systems.

I was thinking about all that because the Harman Mobile Showroom was in NYC last week for the Architectural Digest Home Design Show. It may soon be in a town near you, or you can take a virtual tour and see and learn more about Harman's Mobile Showroom.

I liked the sound at the Mobile Showroom and chatted with Todd Packer, a technical product and project manager for Harman, about the gear. The company's intention, "To make a strong design statement," came through loud and very clear. … Read more

Buzz Out Loud 1178: Steve Jobs smash (podcast)

On today's show, Apple wants to wipe all HTC phones from the face of the earth, apparently because Steve Jobs is just grouchy about this whole business. Donald and Molly engage in a nice long talk about the validity of software patents, and then we wonder whether anyone would actually line up to buy a new 3D HDTV. Meanwhile, the well-meaning House of Lords is probably going to destroy the Internet.

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Apple: HTC phones caused ‘irreparable injury’; asks for ban on … Read more