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Aftermarket Daily News 3 9 Tuesday, November 5, 2019 LoveHandle Wins Phone Grip Challenge We've all seen the huge variety of smart- phone grips, knobs and rings parading on the backs of smartphones and cases these days, but which one is the best all-around consumer choice? A recent survey asked users to try each one and rank their favorite based on overall functionality. Here are the results: 1. LoveHandle – The clear winner for function and comfort, LoveHandle passed the pocket-friendly test as the lowest-profile grip in the group. The thin profile also allowed it to operate with wireless charging, unlike some of its thicker and all metal competition. Reviewers liked its use of a softer elastic grip surface instead of hard plastic or metal, but promptly commented on how comfortable it is to securely hold the phone with just a fingertip. 2. Metal Rings – Coming in second place in the survey were the variety of swiveling metal rings that boast grip and stand functionality. While these rigid ver- sions did offer a reliable grip when worn as a ring on the user's finger, they did not score well in the comfort category. Some reviewers commented that the ring was somewhat uncomfortable and was not really a one-size-fits-all product. 3. Expanding Circles – These round expandable knobs are a cur- rent pop culture fad among young teens and middle- school lunchrooms. However, reviewers said they lack the basic utility of offering a reliable and com- fortable grip for the phone. Large and bulky, many sur- vey respondents com- plained that the knob would get hung on their pocket or purse when putting their phone away. On the comfort rankings, the popping circles scored low as well due to the way it is held precariously between your fingers and constantly requires an active grip to prevent phone drops. Young reviewers still gave high marks for the addictive fidget-like quali- ties of popping and collaps- ing these expanding grips just for fun, though. It doesn't seem like the smartphone is going any- where in the near future, so all of these grip accessories will have a piece of a grow- ing market. However, its quite likely that fads will give way to function as mature con- sumers have the opportunity to try each of the current available solutions and decide which one works best for their needs. For more information, visit www .lovehandle.com or email sales@ lovehandle.com. Osram Increases Safety, Enables Customizable Interiors in Rinspeed microSNAP Vehicle Osram, a global high-tech lighting com- pany, announced it is the exclusive light- ing partner for Rinspeed's latest concept vehicle, microSNAP. The vehicle fea- tures a variety of Osram components for lighting and sensing applications, such as biometric identification, ambient light- ing, smart headlights and more. These technologies are lighting the way to an automotive future that is more urban, efficient and dynamic. For the third year, the global leader in automotive lighting has supported the Rinspeed concept vehi- cle, which shows how advanced sensing technologies and innovative illumination will transform the way the world moves. Similar to Rinspeed's previous Snap vehicle, the microSNAP has a chassis, known as a "skateboard" containing the drivetrain and most of the IT, which con- nects to various body types or "pods." The microSNAP design is considerably more compact, making it an exceptionally ver- satile tool for last-mile transportation or express delivery of goods. As autonomous driving and urbanization proliferates, hav- ing smaller, more flexible vehicles will be critical in reducing congestion in cities and optimizing vehicle efficiencies. While versatility and efficiency are important pieces of the future mobility puzzle, safety still will be paramount. That is why Osram delivered both visible lighting and infrared components to microSNAP's interior and exterior – giv- ing the vehicle unique abilities to monitor its internal and external environment. Outside the vehicle, microSNAP uses Osram's Eviyos, the world's first hybrid LED for smart headlights. Eviyos contains individually controlled pixels that automatically turn on and off, allow- ing more of the road to be illuminated without blinding oncoming drivers. Beyond headlights, Eviyos projects images and messages on the road to alert passengers and pedestrians, ultimately improving safety and enhancing the rid- ing experience. About Osram Osram, based in Munich, is a leading global high-tech company with a history dating back more than 110 years. Primarily focused on semiconductor- based technologies, its products are used in highly diverse applications ranging from virtual reality to autonomous driv- ing and from smartphones to networked, intelligent lighting solutions in buildings and cities. Osram utilizes the infinite pos- sibilities of light to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. Additional information can be found at www.osram.com. Car Bench: Big World Solutions from a Family-Owned Business Car Bench was founded in Massa, Italy in 1967 with the idea of making vehicle repair safer, easier and faster. The Pietrelli family has for over 50 years held true to these philosophies. Car Bench was the first company to make a bench with lift capabilities. In 1979, Car Bench was the first to create and manufacture universal jigs. Today, it is the only manufacturer that can claim to work not only with the OEMs at the pro- totyping and manufacturing level, but the collision repair industry as well. So, when it says that it is built on a Car Bench and it's fixed on a Car Bench, it means it. Today that dedication to develop- ment continues with its state- of-the-art measuring system, "Contact Evolution." Often imitated but never copied quite right, this measuring sys- tem is a blue printing tool that is revolutionizing the way vehicles are measured with an accuracy of 0.1 mil. In addition, Car Bench offers turnkey solutions for any facility no mat- ter how large or small. It has partnered with equipment companies that make best-in-class tooling to fit your needs. This allows Car Bench to custom build a solution specific to your facility. Big world solutions from a family owned busi- ness – that's what Car Bench is all about. If Car Bench can help your business, then it has done its job. For more information, go to www.car bench.it or stop by SEMA booth #11439. Safety, Hygiene and Boosting Employee Well-Being in the Auto Industry By Jenny Turner, Marketing Director, Industry, Essity Now more than ever, skilled automotive service technicians are in high demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment of automotive service techni- cians and mechanics is projected to grow six percent from 2016 to 2026, and the number of vehicles in use is expected to rise in parallel (www.bls.gov/ooh/installation- maintenance-and-repair/automotive-service- technicians-and mechanics.htm#tab-6). There will also continue to be a strong desire from consumers to keep their vehicles operating at peak perform- ance for as long as possible. As a result, automotive workforce will need to antic- ipate the maintenance challenges ahead and work towards achieving an even higher standard of quality service. More importantly, automotive shop managers will need to set their organiza- tions up for success not only by imple- menting the latest advancements in tech- nology and equipment, but also by improving workers' wellbeing, morale and job satisfaction. A recent study conducted by Tork, an Essity brand, finds that a resounding majority of employees in industrial set- tings identify operational efficiency, safe- ty and hygiene, and organization of work environments as top enhancers of their wellbeing and overall happiness on the job. In fact, safety and hygiene rank high- er than what many industry professionals would assume most impactful for employ- ees on the line, such as advancements in technology and machinery (of those sur- veyed on the top factors influencing pro- ductivity and happiness, 96 percent chose operational efficiency, 94 percent chose safety and hygiene, 93 percent chose organization of work environments and 87 percent chose advancements in tech- nology and machinery). Organizations do not need to con- duct a complete overhaul of their opera- tions, nor will they need to spend top dol- lar in order to establish a safer, cleaner and enjoyable work environment. Facilities often overlook daily products including cleaning tools, but the truth of the matter is that 9 in 10 employees in industrial environments consider quality on-the-job tools to be a top enhancer of their productivity and general wellbeing. On the contrary, poor quality products that are not designed for the task-at-hand can harm workers' performance. Disposable, task-based wipers pro- vide end-users with a fresh, clean wiper that is free from any impurities or residue, and requires up to 20 percent less effort, up to 23 per- cent less time and up to 27 percent less solvent to complete a task compared with rags and rental tow- els. Furthermore, task- based wipers are proven to take up to 80 percent less storage space than rags, contributing to a more organ- ized, well-run facility (panel test con- ducted by Swerea Research Institute, Sweden, 2014). Making the simple switch to task- based wipers can help your facility pro- duce better business results down the line. Automotive technicians will notice and appreciate the extra effort from their employer to encourage a healthier, safer and more efficient workplace. Most importantly, they will be happier, more productive and motivated to take on the challenges ahead. To learn more, stop by SEMA booth #11361 or visit www.torkusa.com/ getdetailed.