Is there any way to disable the need to always hit "I agree" when starting your Z? It really becomes a nuisance.

Also, while on the OEM Nav subject, will the DVD-ROM drive behind the drivers seat also play regular DVD's?

 

^^ No and No.

--Spike

 

Yes, kptechnologies sells a bypass that automatically hits ok, and no you can't play regular dvd's.

 

I believe KPTechnologies has something that'll do this. It's listed as "Navigation OK Bypass"

http://www.kptechnologies.com/

 

Interesting... Does the patch work with all OEM Clarion DVD Navigation software versions?

--Spike

 

The KPtechnologies unit will also allow you to program the navi system while moving!

 

lazy a$$ motherfckers lol

 

Does your company carry good product liability insurance?

I wonder if bypassing/defeating a manufacturer's safety feature may place you (and possibly the user) at risk.

--Spike

 

Programming navigation units while moving is perfectly legal.

 

Yes, it is legal, but legal and liable are not the same. For example, in Minnesota we can still hold a cell phone and talk into it while driving. But if you are involved in an accident, the first thing checked is your cell phone record. If your cell phone was in use during the crash, you are “cooked.”

Garmin has a “safe” feature that you can defeat. But, doing this exposes you to significant liability in the case of an accident.

I’m pointing this out so that members here are aware that defeating a safety feature can result in significant liability and exposure.

--Spike

 

So then, after you are "cooked" are you going to sue the maker of the cell phone?

To answer your question, we currently carry no product liability insurance at all. We feel that a company structured like ours (LLC) that is barely profitable on paper has no need for such insurance. If someone does decide to sue they will quickly learn that the company has nothing to sue for.

 

Cell phones are a very different case than aftermarket offerings designed to bypass safety features on devices. And... you know that.

--Spike

 

I notice you did an EDIT, adding the following to your original message: “To answer your question, we currently carry no product liability insurance at all. We feel that a company structured like ours (LLC) that is barely profitable on paper has no need for such insurance. If someone does decide to sue they will quickly learn that the company has nothing to sue for.”
Are you really saying your company isn’t worth anything?! Does that attitude extend to your products?

--Spike

 

When driving a distraction is a distraction, especially when dealing with liability. In several states it is illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving, proving that certain groups of people have identified cell phones as having significant potential to cause accidents.

To my knowledge there are no states that have banned front forward video devices as long as they are used solely for GPS based navigation or the operation of integrated onboard systems, like A/C or radio controls.

I do realize there is some liability present, but there is a certain degree of liability with anything you do.

 

That's not what I said at all. I said on PAPER our company isn't worth enough for someone to spend the time and money to sue for product liability. With an LLC structure there is a layer of protection between business assets and personal assets. To keep our products priced as low as possible we have very limited overhead, meaning we have very limited business assets.

We've been in business for almost 5 years, and we've grown every year so obviously we're doing something right.

Do some research on our company on the internet and you'll struggle to find any negative comments about any one of our products or customer service. All of are products are designed and manufactured in the USA using high end components to survive the harsh environment found in automobiles. We offer "no questions asked" warranties on all our products and stellar customer service from pre-sale to post installation.

 

Kevin,

I am very familiar with LLC’s. In fact that is how I structured my software company so that I protect my personal assets in case a client decides to bring a suit against the company. Unfortunately, it really has little to do with product liability and doesn’t always protect the owners or its officers in egregious cases.

I should also mention that your products enjoy very favorable reviews for both price and features. You provide exceptional devices that perform as advertized. That is exactly why I question your statement: “We feel that a company structured like ours (LLC) that is barely profitable on paper has no need for such insurance.”

Your statement is true: “To my knowledge there are no states that have banned front forward video devices as long as they are used solely for GPS based navigation or the operation of integrated onboard systems, like A/C or radio controls.”

But, I would add that when one major manufacturer decides to add a safety feature, it becomes an issue when an aftermarket supplier decides to defeat this. Automobile companies have already seen this problem and dealt with it by establishing standards for viewing angle, “safe mode” operation, etc.

Personally I dislike these efforts to “protect us from ourselves.” One glaring example is the “safe mode” operation where you are unable to reset your route without stopping the car when you hit something like a detour. A device with good application software allows the driver to do this safely. Taking the argument to another level: What about the case when you have a passenger onboard who runs the GPS (and of course, makes operation totally safe)?

You and I are on the same page for this point. I think your product is very legitimate and useful. I was only pointing out the fact that abusing this can possibly place the user in harm’s way.

--Spike

 

I hear ya!

It's about time in the USA people take responsibility for their actions.
Meaning: if the low-lifes want to view their phones & Navs. they get what they deserve!