Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nissan's self-healing Scratch Shield paint to be applied to mobile phones]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/nissan-scratch-shield-paint-to-be-applied-to-mobile-phones/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/nissan-scratch-shield-paint-to-be-applied-to-mobile-phones/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/27/nissan-scratch-shield-paint-to-be-applied-to-mobile-phones/#commentsFiled under: , ,



A while back, Nissan scientists helped to develop a paint clearcoat called Scratch Shield that can self-repair light scratches overnight or over the course of a week.

Now the Japanese automaker is spreading the love, licensing the technology to Japan's largest wireless company, NTT DoCoMo. The clearcoat uses a special top layer of highly elastic resin that gives the coating a 'flexibility' that reportedly means that it can prevent or "heal" 80% of surface marks. The coating itself is also tougher, so it is less susceptible to marks in the first place. Official press release after the jump.

[Source: Nissan]

Continue reading Nissan's self-healing Scratch Shield paint to be applied to mobile phones

Nissan's self-healing Scratch Shield paint to be applied to mobile phones originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 27 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellphonemobile phoneMobilePhonenissanntt docomoNttDocomoScratch ShieldScratchShieldFri, 27 Nov 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Gresso takes its cues from F1 with new Grand Monaco phone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/gresso-takes-its-cues-from-f1-with-new-grand-monaco-phone/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/gresso-takes-its-cues-from-f1-with-new-grand-monaco-phone/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/08/26/gresso-takes-its-cues-from-f1-with-new-grand-monaco-phone/#commentsFiled under: ,

Gress Grand Monaco - Click above for high-res image gallery

If Vertu thought they had the market for four-figure carbon fiber cell phones all to themselves, they can think again as Russia's high-end electronics firm Gresso has announced the new Grand Monaco.

Not only is Gresso's latest named for the most famous race in the world, it's also built using race-derived materials like PVD-coated titanium alloy, high-strength ceramics and of course carbon fiber. The sapphire crystal display resists scratches and the whole thing is vacuum-sealed. Multitasking junkies won't find all the functionality of a smart phone here, but the Grand Monaco does pack a 2MP camera and Bluetooth among its features and commands a princely $2,100 - a far cry from the nearly ten-grand Vertu, but a fair bit more than the average Nokia. Details in the press release after the jump.


Gallery: Gresso Grand Monaco

2009_08_13_12009_08_13_22009_08_13_3

[Source: Gresso]

Continue reading Gresso takes its cues from F1 with new Grand Monaco phone

Gresso takes its cues from F1 with new Grand Monaco phone originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carboncarbon fibercarbon fibreCarbonFiberCarbonFibrecellcell phoneCellPhonegrand monacoGrandMonacogressogresso grand monacogresso monacoGressoGrandMonacoGressoMonacomobilemobile phoneMobilePhonetitaniumWed, 26 Aug 2009 07:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: NHTSA withheld results of studies on cell phone use while driving because of Congress]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/report-nhtsa-withheld-results-of-studies-on-cell-phone-use-whil/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/report-nhtsa-withheld-results-of-studies-on-cell-phone-use-whil/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/24/report-nhtsa-withheld-results-of-studies-on-cell-phone-use-whil/#commentsFiled under: ,



As always, it ain't the crime, it's the cover-up. In what looks to be Congress protecting its turf, a planned study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on driver distraction - specifically, drivers using cell phones - was put on hold. The reason, according to The New York Times, was allegedly a fear of upsetting the Capitol body. The reason, according to an ex-head of NHTSA, was "to avoid antagonizing members of Congress who had warned the agency to stick to its mission of gathering safety data but not to lobby states."

In 2003, NHTSA already had "hundreds of pages" of research on the effects of multitasking while driving. And yes, as many Autoblog commenters have surmised, the research does indeed point to people using their cell phones being "as likely to cause an accident as someone with a .08 blood alcohol content." NHTSA officials also felt that hands-free systems weren't a safe enough solution - drivers were still too distracted.

But when the safety agency drafted a letter to then Transport Secretary Norman Mineta that included policy recommendations, the head of the agency began hearing complaints about NHTSA overstepping its bounds. Congress, it was said, "warned the agency not to use its research to lobby states." As the story goes, the threat to NHTSA was that if it upset Congress, it "could jeopardize billions of dollars of its financing."

So instead of going forward with a focused study of cell phone usage that would include 10,000 drivers, the agency shelved everything and stayed quiet. Due to Freedom of Information Act requests, the research gathered up to now is being revealed. But there is still the issue of Congress holding back information that, frankly, could save lives.

What do you think? Do you use your mobile phone while driving? Do you think doing so should be illegal? Drop your fellow reader a line in 'Comments.'

[Source: The New York Times | Image: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty]

REPORT: NHTSA withheld results of studies on cell phone use while driving because of Congress originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Jul 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cell phonecellphonedistracted drivingDistractedDrivingdistractiondrivingdriving distractionsDrivingDistractionsgovernmentlegalmobile phoneMobilePhonenational highway traffic safety administrationNationalHighwayTrafficSafetyAdministrationnhtsaphone while drivingPhoneWhileDrivingsafetyFri, 24 Jul 2009 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Rolls-Royce Phantom mobile phone store in India]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/rolls-royce-phantom-mobile-phone-store-in-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/rolls-royce-phantom-mobile-phone-store-in-india/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/24/rolls-royce-phantom-mobile-phone-store-in-india/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



It's called ingenuity, and it's given us such things as the cell phone and the Rolls-Royce Phantom. So why not combine the two to create a cell phone store in the back of a Rolls-Royce Phantom? That's evidently what some well-heeled entrepreneurs in India did, purchasing a Phantom instead of a brick-and-mortar storefront, painting it up, and traveling the hillsides hawking mobile phones. It got caught in this regrettable pose - with rocks bracing its tires, because after getting a flat tire, the provincial tire shop had no idea how to fix it. But back to the ingenuity, mad props to the folks who came up with this: more attention-getting than Aishyarwa Rai, more convenient than Domino's Pizza, and more comfortable than... a real store. The world is an amazing place, no?

[Source: NFS Cars]

Rolls-Royce Phantom mobile phone store in India originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cell phoneCellPhonecommerceetchumorindiamobile phoneMobilePhonephantomrolls-roycerolls-royce phantomRolls-roycePhantomthe mobile storeTheMobileStoreWed, 24 Dec 2008 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan, Sharp and NTT DOCOMO develop smart-key phone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/24/nissan-sharp-and-ntt-docomo-develop-smart-key-phone/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/24/nissan-sharp-and-ntt-docomo-develop-smart-key-phone/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/24/nissan-sharp-and-ntt-docomo-develop-smart-key-phone/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Those wacky kids in Japan can do all kinds of things with their cell phones that those of us in the U.S. can't. Thanks to Nissan, Sharp Corporation, and NTT DOCOMO, the Japanese mobile communications company, they can now add car control to the list of possible cell phone features.

The phone uses the two-way communication of Nissan's Intelligent Key System, the same thing you use on your G37. For now, it can only lock and unlock the car and start and stop the engine, but if it takes off we imagine they'll add other options later. This is about convenience, not necessarily about sense -- if your phone gets stolen, that makes your car one more thing that the villains can abscond with.

The phone won't go on sale commercially until 2009, but will be demoed at the CEATEC exhibition in Japan later this month. You can read the full press release is after the jump, and get ready to overhear this in Japanese: "I called the wrong number and my car just drove off..."

[Source: NTT DOCOMO]

Continue reading Nissan, Sharp and NTT DOCOMO develop smart-key phone

Nissan, Sharp and NTT DOCOMO develop smart-key phone originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 24 Sep 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cell phonecellphonecellphonesgadgetsjapanlifestylenissanntt docomoNttDocomosharp corpsharp corporationSharpCorpSharpCorporationtechnologyWed, 24 Sep 2008 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[California joins other states with hands-free cellphone law]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/01/california-joins-other-states-with-hands-free-cellphone-law/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/01/california-joins-other-states-with-hands-free-cellphone-law/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/01/california-joins-other-states-with-hands-free-cellphone-law/#commentsFiled under: ,


California joined thirty-two other states today when a new law banning unlimited cellphone use in automobiles went into effect at midnight. The new rules prohibit drivers from holding cellphones to their ears while talking, yet they are still allowed to dial the phone to place the call... and freely text message. While the law won't likely have a huge effect on many adult drivers who have become accustomed to using speaker-phones and hands-free devices such as Bluetooth-enabled earpieces (as if that really helps), it is the young drivers who face tough new rules. The law in the Golden State now bans drivers under the age of 18 from using any kind of mobile device while driving. All drivers face the same slap-on-the-wrist if caught. The first offense is only $20, with the fee bumped to $50 for additional convictions. Of course, that number will rapidly increase if other infractions or penalties are applied.

[Source: Los Angeles Times, Photo by David McNew/Getty]

California joins other states with hands-free cellphone law originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bluetoothcaliforniaCellphonehands-freelawslegislationspeakerphoneteenagersTue, 01 Jul 2008 14:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese create ultimate clone: the F1 "Ferrari" cell phone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/chinese-create-ultimate-clone-the-f1-ferrari-cell-phone/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/chinese-create-ultimate-clone-the-f1-ferrari-cell-phone/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/15/chinese-create-ultimate-clone-the-f1-ferrari-cell-phone/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


It goes without saying that this isn't an officially-sanctioned Ferrari F430 cell phone. This is called the "F1 Phone," coming at you in bright-red injection-molded plastic direct from non-Ferrari manufacturing China. Like the Italian exotic, the F1 Phone offers a lot of performance with its dual-band support, a 2.2-inch touch-sensitive LCD display, music player, video player, memory expansion slot, USB connectivity, flashlight, and a slew of other electronic goodies (including three pre-installed games, though not a single one involving driving). Unlike the Italian exotic, this one sports a price tag of just $190, allowing you to save the other $185,000 for your text messaging bill. In case you were wondering, that bulls-eye smack in the middle of the windshield is the built-in 1.3 megapixel camera - you won't find one of those on any showroom Scuderia!

Gallery: F1 Ferrari Phone


[Source: Techpin via Engadget Mobile]

Chinese create ultimate clone: the F1 "Ferrari" cell phone originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler may be struggling with vehicle styling and interior quality, but the gang in Auburn Hills sure does love the gadgetry. Sirius satellite TV, heated and cooled cupholders, and Swivel-N-Go seating will soon be joined by in-car Internet access. The Washington Post reports Chrysler will utilize cell tower signals and a mobile phone account to make the radio a WiFi port, giving passengers access to the web. The technology will be offered as a dealer add-on for existing models later this year, and it will be available as a factory option at some point after that. With Chrysler bringing web connectivity to cars and trucks this year and Ford following suit in mid-2009, it looks like access to Autoblog will soon be available everywhere.

[Source: The Washington Post]

Chrysler offering in-car web access later this year originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 Mar 2008 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cell phoneCellPhoneChryslerInternet AccessInternetAccessPentastarWiFiSun, 23 Mar 2008 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[More common sense - Cellphones make you a bad driver]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/03/more-common-sense-cellphones-make-you-a-bad-driver/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/03/more-common-sense-cellphones-make-you-a-bad-driver/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/03/more-common-sense-cellphones-make-you-a-bad-driver/#commentsFiled under: , ,



In light of the "backwards-travelling wave" that researchers recently discovered as a cause of congestion, another study has pinpointed a possible major contributor. The University of Utah's Traffic Lab uncovered that drivers paying more attention to yapping on their phone - hands free or not - add to the suffering of us all. Talking while driving leads to drivers who take considerably longer to change lanes when following slow-moving vehicles, drive slower overall, and take longer to arrive at their destination.

Any benefits from slower speeds and more deliberate movements are mitigated by the distraction of a conversation. Thinking along the lines of chaos theory, even the small slowdowns created by poky drivers can grow into exponentially larger traffic problems quickly. Then, when we're all stuck in the stop and go, we call someone else and bitch about how bad the traffic is. Sounds like what they've really discovered in Utah is the fuel for a perpetual motion machine. Car stops, jaw continually flaps.

[Source: Reuters, Photo: hotrodscustomstuff.com]

More common sense - Cellphones make you a bad driver originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Cell phone usage has proven to be very distracting for drivers, and several states have banned the use of the hand-held devices for drivers. Now lawmakers in a dozen states are taking a broader approach to what electronic devices should be banned. Although there is little in the way of concrete evidence that links front seat DVD players, fax machines, iPods, and computers to accidents, it's pretty obvious that they're a distraction to the driver. To curb the usage of these devices, states like Texas and New York are considering fines ranging from $50 and $600 for offenses.

California has had some level of success enforcing these laws, as they've pulled over 3,200 drivers since 2003 for watching DVD movies. We agree that text messaging and watching a movie is way too much of a distraction for anybody that is simultaneously operating a two-ton vehicle, but it's tough to foresee how well such a law could be enforced. Users of their favorite digital devices may feel like they're being singled out, since major distractions like kids (I have three) and makeup application are still legal.

What is the craziest thing you've ever seen someone doing while driving?

[Source: USA Today]

States looking to crack down on in-vehicle electronics originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cell PhoneCellPhoneComputerDistractionDrivingDVD PlayerDvdPlayerexpire-images:2008-7-4iPodThu, 05 Jul 2007 17:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Can you hear my HUMMER now? HUMMER HT1 cell phone for the Euro crowd]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/can-you-hear-my-hummer-now-hummer-ht1-cell-phone-for-the-euro-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/can-you-hear-my-hummer-now-hummer-ht1-cell-phone-for-the-euro-c/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/14/can-you-hear-my-hummer-now-hummer-ht1-cell-phone-for-the-euro-c/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Automakers continue to take branding to new heights by slapping their logos on everything from computers to speakers to fitness apparel, but HUMMER has gone one step further by introducing the HT1 slider cellphone. Rather than merely affix their iconic logo to some high-end cell phone from South Korea, HUMMER had French design firm ModeLabs Group actually develop a new cell phone from the ground up. You won't be able to find this cell phone from Nokia, Motorola or any other major cell phone manufacturer.

Being a HUMMER branded product, the HT1 can be had in a variety of colors that match the paint chips used for the actual SUVs. One can even get a camouflaged battery pack cover. Perhaps the latter is a nod to the original HUMVEE that still pounds the pavement for the U.S. military.

It seems to be packed with all the bells and whistles including GSM/GPRS connectivity, a 2.2-inch 260K Color TFT Touchscreen, 2-megapixel camera, 256 MB of memory, and a microSD memory card slot. It also comes loaded with 10 wallpapers and two videos from HUMMER, which certainly doesn't help justify the €300 price tag for us. That's around $400 USD, though it doesn't matter much since the HT1 will only be available in Europe, which totally doesn't make any sense.

[Source: MobileBurn]

Can you hear my HUMMER now? HUMMER HT1 cell phone for the Euro crowd originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Jun 2007 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cellcellphoneHT1hummer cellHUMMER cellphoneHUMMER HT1HummerCellHummerCellphoneHummerHt1modelabsThu, 14 Jun 2007 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Autoblog shows how to unlock your car with a cell phone]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/01/video-autoblog-shows-how-to-unlock-your-car-with-a-cell-phone/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/01/video-autoblog-shows-how-to-unlock-your-car-with-a-cell-phone/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/01/video-autoblog-shows-how-to-unlock-your-car-with-a-cell-phone/#commentsFiled under: , ,


NOTE: After reading some of the excellent comments on this post, we decided to test this again from 30 miles away... and it didn't work. We're going to retest at a different location but similar distance to see what gave us the positive test. Stay tuned.


About a month ago my brother sent me an email explaining that if a friend or family member has the second key fob for your car, you can call them up on your cell phone, ask them to hold the key fob up to the phone, press the unlock button, and your car door will unlock. In theory, the sound waves from the key fob, which are unintelligible to the human ear, will be transmitted via the cell phone, and the doors will unlock. Well, we've seen enough spam emails before that were full of it, but we decided to see for ourselves if this works.

When we tested this theory, we were stunned to find out that it actually works. I was so excited that I pulled out the wife and daughter outside to shoot a quick video on the front lawn. Before getting this on camera, we tested it five times, and it worked every time but one. There was a lot of traffic during the one failed test, so our best guess is that the noise from the passing cars negated the sound from the key fob signal.

Mad props to the wife for getting eaten alive by bugs and keeping the camera still at the same time (for the most part). Hit the jump to check it out, it's pretty damn cool. Test this out with a friend or spouse, too, and let us know if it worked for you.


Continue reading VIDEO: Autoblog shows how to unlock your car with a cell phone

VIDEO: Autoblog shows how to unlock your car with a cell phone originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 01 Jun 2007 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblogcell phoneCellPhonefreestylekey fobKeyFoblost keysLostKeysunlockvideoFri, 01 Jun 2007 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Keep 'em separated: Cellphones could erase Nissan I-Keys]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/24/keep-em-separated-cellphones-could-erase-nissan-i-keys/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/24/keep-em-separated-cellphones-could-erase-nissan-i-keys/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/24/keep-em-separated-cellphones-could-erase-nissan-i-keys/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Nissan I-KeyIf you have a 2007 Nissan Altima or a 2007 Infiniti G35 Sedan, you might want to keep your mobile phone in a different pocket than your car's fancy I-Key fob. The fobs, as you're probably well aware by now, enable and disable the cars' keyless ignition systems. According to Nissan, the problem is that if the fob is touched by a cellphone while a call is in progress, the software that controls the I-Key's automagic goodness could be altered or erased, rendering it useless. Furthermore, the damage is not reversible, and the I-Key simply becomes landfill fodder.

Nissan's modifying the key to correct the issue, and will provide new ones to owners once it's straightened it all out. According to the AP, this'll happen sometime in the fall. In the meantime, some dealers are stocking up on spares just in case, and you'd be advised to follow Nissan's advice and keep a little distance between the key and your phone. After all, you don't want the simple act of pressing the Start button to turn into an exercise in futility -- especially over something as mundane as checking your voice mail.

[Source: AP]

Keep 'em separated: Cellphones could erase Nissan I-Keys originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 May 2007 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007 altima2007 g352007Altima2007G35altimacellphoneg35i-keymobile phoneMobilePhoneThu, 24 May 2007 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[A subscriber scorn: OnStar goes black, customer sues]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/11/a-subscriber-scorn-onstar-goes-black-customer-sues/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/11/a-subscriber-scorn-onstar-goes-black-customer-sues/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/11/a-subscriber-scorn-onstar-goes-black-customer-sues/#commentsFiled under: ,

As of January 1, 2008, anyone who doesn't have a digital-capable OnStar system in their GM vehicle is going to be out of luck. One customer who bought an OnStar-equipped Cadillac Eldorado in 2002 is so upset about it that he's filed a class-action suit against GM and OnStar for $5 million.

The cell phone companies that provide OnStar service will finish the switch from analog to digital service on the first day of next year. When Robert Weaver, the named plaintiff in the suit, bought his Eldorado, says GM and OnStar knew the analog service in his car would only work for six more years, and that there would be no way to upgrade to digital, but didn't tell him. And for that willful omission, they owe subscribers a whole lot of money.

OnStar says it's frustrating, but there's nothing they can do. GM and OnStar have been contacting subscribers to let them know, but have made no attempt to reimburse subscribers for the option or the subscription fees. Instead, GM is offering a year of free OnStar service if customers buy or lease another GM product. And even if you do have a digital-capable system, GM is going to charge you $15 to upgrade it.

[Source: Auto News, sub req'd]

A subscriber scorn: OnStar goes black, customer sues originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2007 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analogcadillaccellphonedigitaleldoradogmonstarrobertweaverFri, 11 May 2007 09:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Ferrari takes on Lamborghini in mobile phone battle]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/28/ferrari-takes-on-lamborghini-in-mobile-phone-battle/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/28/ferrari-takes-on-lamborghini-in-mobile-phone-battle/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/28/ferrari-takes-on-lamborghini-in-mobile-phone-battle/#commentsFiled under: , ,


If Lamborghini can have its own mobile phone, we suppose it's only fair that Ferrari get one too. Introducing Motorola's MotoRAZR Maxx V6 Ferrari Challenge. With a V6, wouldn't that make it a Dino? No matter, because it does have 'the iconic prancing horse shield on the front and "Ferrari" in the company's easily recognizable font on the back. The phone turns on with the sound of a Ferrari Formula 1 engine revving.

It's available for pre-order from the Ferrari Store online for a mere $524 -- about the same price as the upcoming iPhone, but oh so much more, um, Italian. And it's about $1,200 cheaper than that Lamborghini phone which doesn't come with a red Ferrari leather case.

Read the Motorola press release with the phone's full specs and more photos after the jump.

[Source:Motorola]

Continue reading Ferrari takes on Lamborghini in mobile phone battle

Ferrari takes on Lamborghini in mobile phone battle originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 28 Jan 2007 15:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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For the Lamborghini owner on your Christmas gift list (we all have one, don't we?), here's yet another branded item to make sure everyone knows who left the LP640 with the valet.

Our friends at Luxist.com turned us on to the new limited edition Nokia 8800 Sirocco phone that features a stainless steel casing that is etched with Lamborghini's charging bull logo as well as the words "Automobili Lamborghini". The Lamborghini branding doesn't end there, either. The phone also comes with Lambo wallpaper graphics, engine-inspired ringtones and a short video documentary about their cars. Most notably, according to the press release, "ball bearings crafted by Lamborghini have been used, allowing a sophisticated slide mechanism". One can only ponder the cost of that clearly relevant engineering feat.

Nokia will only produce 500 of these exclusive phones, which will be sold through selected Lamborghini dealerships.

(Press release after the jump)

[Source: Luxist.com]

Continue reading Nokia offers limited-edition Lamborghini phone

Nokia offers limited-edition Lamborghini phone originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 30 Nov 2006 11:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A decision by the Federal Communications Commission that allows all cell phone companies to turn off their analog networks beginning in February of 2008 means that nearly two million people, or half of OnStar's entire subscription base, will soon find the other end silent when they press that blue button on their vehicle's dash.

General Motors' OnStar service was originally built in 1996 on an analog network owned by Verizon Wireless because digital networks at the time didn't provide enough coverage to outlying and rural areas where many OnStar subscribers are located.

Still, the FCC ruled on the sunsetting of analog networks all the way back in 2002, and for two years General Motors continued selling vehicles equipped with analog equipment that it knew would become obsolete. While the New York Times article seems to cry foul that it took GM another two years to switch from analog-only to dual-mode (analog/digital) hardware, that timetable sounds about right to us. Without knowing which way the FCC was going to rule (many companies that rely on analog networks like ADT Home Securities lobbied the FCC along with OnStar to stay the execution of analog networks), General Motors likely wasn't prepared to pull the switch on its suppliers, and in the meantime equipped many vehicles with analog/digital-ready hardware that could at least be upgraded to dual-mode when the time came. That time is coming at the end of 2007, as all analog networks will be shut off on January 1st, 2008. At that time, any OnStar subscriber with a vehicle before 2002 and some with vehicles between 2002 and 2004 will find themselves all alone in the driver's seat.

OnStar has set up a webpage for subscribers who would like more info on the transition and to find out if their vehicle is capable of being upgraded to survive the switch.

[Source: New York Times]

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OnStar going silent on millions of vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Nov 2006 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Do us a quick favor. Take out your web-enabled phone, tap in www.autoblog.com and hit enter. Voila! Notice anything different, like a load time under ten minutes perhaps? Hmm... that formatting looks spot on, too. That's because the intrepid development team at Weblogs, Inc. has rolled out WAP-enabled versions of each site on the network, including ours truly. And you don't have to type in some wonky address like autoblog.com/mobile or mobile.autoblog.com, just type in the regular old URL (www.autoblog.com) and we'll figure out that you're using an itty bitty cell phone rather than a 30-inch LCD.

As we said earlier, this works for all Weblogs, Inc. sites, so if you're also into Engadget, Joystiq, TUAW, TV Squad and Cinematical, they'll play nice on your mobile phone now, too.

There are still a few phones on which the development team is attempting to fix compatability issues, and they include the Sidekick3, PSP, Opera Mini (Java), and some Motorola handsets, but around 85% of the devices out there should display the site just fine. If for some reason your phone isn't automatically redirected to the WAP version, you can also access it manually by typing in m.autoblog.com. This also might be a good alternative for people who are still using dial-up connection.

So now you don't have to miss any of our ongoing coverage of the Paris Motor Show, even if you do get summoned away from your cubicle. Happy surfing on the go!

Autoblog hearts mobile phones: rolls out WAP site originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Sep 2006 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autoblogcell phoneCellPhonemobilemobile phoneMobilePhonewapThu, 28 Sep 2006 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Schwarzenegger signs ban on mobile phone use while driving]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/california-passes-ban-on-mobile-phone-use-behind-the-wheel/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/california-passes-ban-on-mobile-phone-use-behind-the-wheel/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/15/california-passes-ban-on-mobile-phone-use-behind-the-wheel/#commentsFiled under:

Yesterday, in a ceremony in Oakland, California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed into law a bill that would make driving while operating a mobile phone illegal on California roadways. The Golden State is now the fifth state to enact such a restriction and in doing so, ended a four-year long struggle, spearheaded by Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto. Simitian maintains that mobile phone usage while driving is the number one cause of crashes in California, while opponents of the law believe that distracted drivers, in general, are to blame.

The law will take effect January 1, 2008, imposing a $20 fine for the first offense and a $50 penalty for subsequent infractions, with no adverse affects on the driver's insurance. Motorists using hands-free devices will be exempt from the law.

[Source: San Jose Mercury News]

Schwarzenegger signs ban on mobile phone use while driving originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Sep 2006 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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When unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit back in January, the Chevy Camaro Concept managed to get hearts pumping. Not everybody loved it, but those who did could hear their pulse over the announcer. Until the car was started. That great American V-8 burble was the perfect compliment to the muscular looks of the car, and it drowned out just about every other sound in the hall.

Well, the car is still a couple of years away, but you too can live the dream by having that classic exhaust note available at your beck and call. Chevy has made available a Camaro ringtone. Just a few throttle blips, but enough to get your motor running every time your phone rings. Might be your Chevy dealer with an update on your deposit and order status.

Listen and download the Camaro ringtone here.

[Source: FastLane Blog]

Turn vibrate off: GM releases Camaro ringtone originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Sep 2006 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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