VIDEO: Mazda RX-8 controlled through iPod touch
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Modern-day automotive geekery knows no bounds. Need proof? Check out the video after the break. You'll see a black Mazda RX-8 that's been modified with enough computer-controlled junk in the trunk to make it capable of performing all sorts of neat parlor tricks through a web application running on an iPod touch. For instance, the car's central locking system can be activated, the trunk can be popped and the engine can be started and shut back off. There's also a GPS feature that allows the car's location to be tracked through Google Maps.
As impressive as all of this is, the coolest part is that the car can be remote controlled from anywhere in the world via a 3G modem that keeps the computer connected to the web. We can only assume that the next step in the project will see the car's steering, acceleration and shifting controls connected through the phone, James Bond style.
[Source: Geek my Ride via Engadget]
Video:
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
ZK 9:42AM (4/03/2009)
Don't want to get in your Mazda RX-8 to drive it? There's an app for that.
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Richard 9:53AM (4/03/2009)
That's impressive and all but I would just install a gps device in the car so I could track it on my G1. My key fob can do all the other stuff except telemetry. I guess it is cool that you can do it from anywhere.
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NA2R 9:53AM (4/03/2009)
How slow can you guys be?
April Fools!
Fools...
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Rambo 10:47AM (4/03/2009)
You're two days late on that one, buddy. Looks like the joke's on you...
NA2R 10:59AM (4/03/2009)
@Rambo
Yes Sir, your insult is valid.
I am late since I failed to reply to this blog entry two days before its creation.
lowmilelude 10:01AM (4/03/2009)
They've actually had alarm systems that do all this for years. I've got a Viper system on my car that's at least five years old that has remote start, window/sunroof control, locking, etc.
It's cool that it can be done through a cell phone app though. One less fob for the keychain!
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Kitko 10:27AM (4/03/2009)
My car sends a text message to my cell phone when the alarm system is activated. Can be fun, because if I forget the phone in the car and someone sends a text or calls, the alarm activates and then sends a text to the very same cell phone :-) Happened just once :-)
I could have gone for a phone call that would actually transmit sound from inside the car, but I thought that would be a little bit too extravagant :-)
Jonathan Oxer 1:26AM (4/04/2009)
It's actually far more than that. The iPod control was a tiny afterthought and not the main point of what I did to the car, which was full access to the engine management system via the Internet 24x7. There's more information about the mods to the car at http://www.geekmyride.org/wiki/index.php/Jon's_RX-8
Locus 10:00AM (4/03/2009)
i see nothing that can't be done with an alarm/remote start kit
and maybe a mash up so it looks like the ipod does something.
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BigTeebo 10:24AM (4/03/2009)
James Bond's remote-controlled BMW a reality?
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Tkf 4:34PM (4/03/2009)
He doesn't drive BMWs.
mnemonicj 4:49PM (4/03/2009)
Yes, he did drive BMWs that he used a cell phone/remote control to control. BMW 750iL in Tomorrow Never Dies.
http://www.jamesbondlifestyle.com/index_cars.php?m=au&g=au011
Rick C. 10:39AM (4/03/2009)
And if his girlfriend is in the car, what can the remote get her to do...? Sorry, had to.
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steviedee 10:41AM (4/03/2009)
this could be useful for hardtop convertibles
30 seconds seems like a minute when waiting for the eos roof, so having a remote for it to convert anywhere would be wonderful
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Ben 11:21AM (4/03/2009)
If you really wanna see something cool as far as iApps controlling cars go to YouTube and check out the Office GP and see what happens when you can control an F1 car with an iPhone.
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Ben 11:24AM (4/03/2009)
OK, my apologies to everyone, they use a BlackBerry Storm in the "Office GP" video not an iPhone. MY B!!!
JGuan 12:11PM (4/03/2009)
That was fake and only a viral made by Vodafone to advertise for the Blackberry Storm.
Danny 12:00PM (4/03/2009)
Autoblog this was an April Fools Joke, looks like you got pwned lol
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Ryan 12:18PM (4/03/2009)
"A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do"
Dr. Horrible anyone?
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Galley 12:40PM (4/03/2009)
Dr. Horrible's remote control app was better.
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