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[GoPro introduces HD line of Hero cameras]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/gopro-introduces-the-hd-line-of-hero-cameras/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/gopro-introduces-the-hd-line-of-hero-cameras/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/13/gopro-introduces-the-hd-line-of-hero-cameras/#commentsFiled under: ,

GoPro Hero Motorsports HD -- Click above for high-res image gallery

GoPro has unveiled its line of HD cameras specially adapted for motorsports, helmets, surfing, and R/C - although a bendy arm and a suction cup mean you could use them to record your performance vacuum cleaning as well, should you wish.

The cameras offer the option of five different shooting modes, from WVGA up to 1080p (1920 x 1080, 16:9), and even at the highest resolution you get more than four hours of footage. The 5 megapixel camera can shoot from intervals of 2 to 25 seconds and get you 2.5 hours of snapshots. It retails for $299, and if you want to see what else it's got, follow the jump for the press release.


Gallery: GoPro HD Hero


[Source: GoPro]

Continue reading GoPro introduces HD line of Hero cameras

GoPro introduces HD line of Hero cameras originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gadgetGadgetsgoprogopro hd herogopro heroGoproHdHeroGoproHeroHD cameraHdCamerahelmet cameraHelmetCameramegapixelmotorsports cameraMotorsportsCamerarc cameraRcCameraWVGAFri, 13 Nov 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Pioneer using WiMax to send content to your car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/pioneer-using-wimax-to-send-content-to-your-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/pioneer-using-wimax-to-send-content-to-your-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/06/26/pioneer-using-wimax-to-send-content-to-your-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Pioneer's prototype mobile network AV playback system - Click above to view the video after the jump

With so many infotainment devices being created, we're beginning to wonder what people are actually doing in their cars -- or rather, if they ever get out of their cars. Pioneer has thrown another electronic log onto the in-car streaming entertainment fire with its prototype network A/V playback system that uses WiMax. That means that any media you keep digitally stored at home could conceivably be streamed to your car.

We say conceivably because it will be a while before cities have enough WiMax coverage to make it all work. But when they do, your TiVo can go along for the ride. Because the device is mobile, you could also use it to watch something in another area of your house, or while relaxing in your backyard. You know, places where it makes a little more sense to be watching movies... Follow the jump to see a short video on the system.

[Source: Engadget]

Continue reading Pioneer using WiMax to send content to your car

Pioneer using WiMax to send content to your car originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronicsentertainmentgadgetsin-carin-car entertainmentIn-carEntertainmentlifestylemoviespioneertechtechnologyFri, 26 Jun 2009 09:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: GT5 to get weather changes, night racing - and yes, damage rendering [w/POLL]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/report-gran-turismo-5-to-get-weather-changes-night-racing-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/report-gran-turismo-5-to-get-weather-changes-night-racing-an/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/05/13/report-gran-turismo-5-to-get-weather-changes-night-racing-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Audi is obviously looking forward to being in the coming Gran Turismo 5. After all, the Quattro company has created a website to promote its car on the Nürburgring in real life and in the game, and it interviewed GT5 mastermind Kazunori Yamauchi about what fans can expect. Yamauchi-san revealed that the game is going to offer not only more vehicles, more online features, and increased detail, but it will also include night racing, damage rendering (previously confirmed), and weather changes.

If you watch the Audi R8 Meets Gran Turismo 5 video, one of the game developers even talks of one day providing weather reports for an entire 24-hour race, and you can read the interview with Yamauchi-san by clicking on a PDF link here. The graphical and gameplay additions are surely welcome and long overdue, and could return GT5 to the head of the racing sim pack - whenever it finally gets here...


View Poll


[Source: GT Planet]

REPORT: GT5 to get weather changes, night racing - and yes, damage rendering [w/POLL] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 May 2009 11:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8AudiR8gadgetgadgetsgamesgaminggran turismogran turismo 5GranTurismoGranTurismo5gt5lifestyleplaystationplaystation 3playstation3ps3r8videogameWed, 13 May 2009 11:29:00 EST<![CDATA["Ya'll turn left now, ya hear?" - NASCAR-branded Dale Earnhardt Jr. sat-nav hits the market [w/VIDEO]]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/yall-turn-left-now-ya-here-nascar-branded-dale-earnhardt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/yall-turn-left-now-ya-here-nascar-branded-dale-earnhardt/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/04/21/yall-turn-left-now-ya-here-nascar-branded-dale-earnhardt/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Follow the jump to hear Dale, Jr. giving you directions on the RightWay Spotter GPS

The Dale, Jr.-edition Spotter GPS has Junior gearing you up for the ride with "You drive, I'll ride shotgun." The portable device offers turn-by-turn directions and features Junior-isms like "Hang a right" and "Park it, we're here." The RightWay Spotter comes installed with 1.7 million points of interest, which includes a point-of-interest tour of Charlotte, North Carolina that can also lead you to some of Dale's favorite places. If that weren't enough, the GPS plays MP3s and videos, displays photos, and has an e-book reader, all for $299.

Admittedly, we were kinda hoping it would only instruct left turns, which, in the words of our tipster, might go something like this:
"Alright y'all are gonna go down here a ways, then turn left. Keep going then turn left. Merge over to the high side and and at the next corner turn left. Then make an immediate left. Continue down this stretch of road then y'all need to turn left...
Follow the jump to watch a video of the real Dale, Jr. telling you how it's done. Thanks for the tip, Derek!

[Source: Twice]

Continue reading "Ya'll turn left now, ya hear?" - NASCAR-branded Dale Earnhardt Jr. sat-nav hits the market [w/VIDEO]

"Ya'll turn left now, ya hear?" - NASCAR-branded Dale Earnhardt Jr. sat-nav hits the market [w/VIDEO] originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dale earnhardtdale earnhardt jrdale earnhardt jr.DaleEarnhardtDaleEarnhardtJrDaleEarnhardtJr.gadgetgadgetsgpsjuniorlifestylemotorsportsnascarnavinavigationpndrightwayrightway spotterRightwaySpotterTue, 21 Apr 2009 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[New SuperCar Challenge for PS3 under development]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/02/new-supercar-challenge-for-ps3-under-development/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/02/new-supercar-challenge-for-ps3-under-development/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/03/02/new-supercar-challenge-for-ps3-under-development/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for high-res gallery of SuperCar Challenge screen caps

System 3 has a follow-up title to last year's Ferrari Challenge: SuperCar Challenge. The new game will offer 40 cars to choose from, not all of which are Ferraris this team. The roster will include such cars as the Aston Martin DBR9, Lamborghini Murcielago RGT, McLaren F1, Maserati MC12 and, of course, a supercar or two from Maranello like the Ferrari FXX. You'll be able to race them on 20 real and fictitious tracks and the graphics of each car have been improved with better polygon counts, texture details and buffing. Multiplayer capability can link 16 drivers at once, sim players will get good handling and tuning options, and there'll be an arcade mode for folks who just want to tear up the pavement. The AI has also been redesigned to be more consistent, and there's a "Legendary" AI setting meant to challenge the best drivers.

It will be available exclusively for the PS3 this Spring. While you wait, check out the high-res screenshots below and the video about the game's innovative camera angles by clicking here.

Gallery: SuperCar Challenge


[Source: Gamers Hell]

Continue reading New SuperCar Challenge for PS3 under development

New SuperCar Challenge for PS3 under development originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Mar 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gadgetsplaystationplaystation 3playstation3ps3racingtoysvideovideo gamesvideogamesMon, 02 Mar 2009 08:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Mitsubishi unveils in-dash Blu Ray player]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/20/mitsubishi-unveils-in-dash-blu-ray-player/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/20/mitsubishi-unveils-in-dash-blu-ray-player/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/20/mitsubishi-unveils-in-dash-blu-ray-player/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (MEC) wants to be able to offer a 1 DIN Blu-ray DVD player in the 2009 fiscal year. The unit, 1/3 the size of an at-home Blue-ray player, will not only fit in a standard dash slot but will also play BD-ROM, BD-R, and BD-RE discs.

MEC says the kit is expected to go along with in-car navigation systems, but since it runs on Linux it remains to be seen how - and who - will be integrating it with the Windows CE that generally runs navigation software. If and when they do get it to work, they want to bundle it with a TV tuner that can display digital terrestrial broadcasts at up to 120 mph. Because when you've finished watching Transformers 2 at illegal speeds, you'll need something to do... other than drive...

[Source: Tech On via Engadget]

Mitsubishi unveils in-dash Blu Ray player originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Feb 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-raydvdelectronicsgadgetsmitsubishimitsubishi electric corpMitsubishiElectricCorptechtechnologyFri, 20 Feb 2009 07:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Hughes Telematics working on downloadable apps for vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/19/hughes-telematics-working-on-downloadable-apps-for-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/19/hughes-telematics-working-on-downloadable-apps-for-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/19/hughes-telematics-working-on-downloadable-apps-for-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: ,

What's good for the iPhone is apparently good for the sedan. Hughes Telematics is working up a suite of programs that will work with its in-car communications technology and allow you to download applications for your car. From tailored data collection to controlling your car's systems with your phone to repurposing your car's features, the possibilities will turn your humble transport into the ultimate programmable appliance when Hughes releases the software to be ready in 2010. Let the betting begin on how long it will take someone to make an app that makes your car fart.

[Source: New York Times]

Hughes Telematics working on downloadable apps for vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsgadgetshugheshughes telematicsHughesTelematicsiphonetechtechnologytelematicsThu, 19 Feb 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Pirelli working with Brembo and Magneti Marelli on Cyber Tire]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/01/pirelli-working-with-brembo-and-magneti-marelli-on-cyber-tire/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/01/pirelli-working-with-brembo-and-magneti-marelli-on-cyber-tire/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/02/01/pirelli-working-with-brembo-and-magneti-marelli-on-cyber-tire/#commentsFiled under: ,



Pirelli's Cyber Tire will provide real-time tire performance information via a chip/transponder setup in the tire tread. Operating temperature and pressures, typology of the road's surface, and vertical load exerted on the tire will be among the data collected and monitored. The system will work in conjunction with another Pirelli invention, the Cyber Wheel, which will convey wheel information such as hub loads in the same way.

Now that the tire company has partnered with Brembo and Magnetti Marelli on the Cyber Tire, the tie-up could mean a system that quickly transfers information from the tire to the driver, car, and brakes, allowing for more informed and instantaneous performance changes based on driving conditions.

[Source: Pirelli]

Pirelli working with Brembo and Magneti Marelli on Cyber Tire originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brembogadgetsmagnetti marelliMagnettiMarellipirellipirelli cyber tirepirelli cyber wheelPirelliCyberTirePirelliCyberWheeltechtireswheelsSun, 01 Feb 2009 16:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi details new MMI]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/audi-details-new-mmi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/audi-details-new-mmi/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/29/audi-details-new-mmi/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Audi's MMI in-car command system is one of the most intuitive offered by an OEM, but that isn't stopping Audi from piling on the improvements. The screen is now a seven-inch, 800x400 TFT display, being fed info from a high-capacity hard disk, a DVD drive, and an NVIDIA graphics chip. It also gets an eight-way joystick on the central knob, which means you can make mouse-like movements on the screen for point-and-click ease. In addition to all that, there are simpler vocal inputs, 3-D maps, a 10,000-number phone book, and two processors so that everything can run at the same time. It will arrive in the U.S. with the Q5 later this year, but in the mean time, you can get all the details in the lengthy press release after the jump.

Continue reading Audi details new MMI

Audi details new MMI originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi mmiaudi q5AudiMmiAudiQ5gadgetsmmiq5techThu, 29 Jan 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[New police pursuit-ending device inspired by Spiderman, squid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/new-police-pursuit-ending-device-inspired-by-spiderman-squid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/new-police-pursuit-ending-device-inspired-by-spiderman-squid/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/20/new-police-pursuit-ending-device-inspired-by-spiderman-squid/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above for a walk-through of how the SQUID works

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Science & Technology Directorate has been working with a research firm in Arizona that has come up with the Safe Quick Undercarriage Immobilization Device (SQUID). The SQUID is designed to safely, non-lethally stop drivers trying to elude the police.

Here's how it works. The SQUID disc is placed in the middle of the road, and a remote operator triggers a two-stage explosion when the getaway car gets close to it. The first explosion sends barbed straps flying out away from the disc, which get hooked on the wheels and undercarriage when the car drives over them. The second explosion occurs when the SQUID detects engine heat directly overhead and sends a burst of "sticky tendrils" that cling the straps to the axles and driveshaft. Within 500 feet, the axles can't turn any more and the car skids to a halt.

The key now is to make it lighter, stronger and cheaper. Last year the SQUID stopped a Dodge Ram pickup traveling at 35 mph, but authorities want to be sure it will stop an F-150 at 120 mph before they'll seriously consider using it. We aren't sure that an F-150 doing a four-wheel skid at 120 mph is the safest way to bring someone in, but it is probably better than bullets. The scientists are working on that this year, and if they get it done it could give the word "dragnet" a whole new meaning.

Check out a walk-through of how the SQUID works by clicking through the gallery below.

Gallery: Safe Quick Undercarriage Immobilization Device (SQUID)


[Source: DHS via Physorg]

New police pursuit-ending device inspired by Spiderman, squid originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 18:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>authoritiescar chaseCarChasecrimedepartment of homeland securityDepartmentOfHomelandSecuritydhsgadgetsgovernmentlegalpolicepolice chasePoliceChaseresearchsquidtechtechnologyTue, 20 Jan 2009 18:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Mobile microwave takes Mhz and hot food on the go...]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/mobile-microwave-takes-mhz-and-hot-food-on-the-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/mobile-microwave-takes-mhz-and-hot-food-on-the-go/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/01/02/mobile-microwave-takes-mhz-and-hot-food-on-the-go/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Have you ever been on the road and hungry, and thought "By golly, if I only had a microwave I could heat... anything... and eat it!" Well, neither have we. But that hasn't stopped Maplin Electronics from coming up with a portable, 12-volt microwave that you can operate through your cigarette lighter or hooked up directly to your car battery.

The 14-inch wide, 10-inch high stainless steel heater-upper can crank out 175W when plugged in to the cigarette lighter. When you don't have time for all that slow roasting and need to get your ham cooked quickly, connect the portable microwave to the battery -- terminals included -- and you'll get 660W of fast-cooking power. We can only hope this contraption is an answer to a question no one was asking. However, if you want to be king of the tailgating party, your crown will only cost you £69.98.

[Source: Daily Mail]

Mobile microwave takes Mhz and hot food on the go... originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesetcfoodgadgetsmicrowavetoysFri, 02 Jan 2009 16:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford Works Solutions gets priced, not exactly cheap but not bad]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/ford-works-solutions-gets-priced-its-not-exactly-cheap-but-not/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/ford-works-solutions-gets-priced-its-not-exactly-cheap-but-not/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/19/ford-works-solutions-gets-priced-its-not-exactly-cheap-but-not/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Ford Works Solutions caters to the kinds of commercial builders and workmen who will buy trucks no matter what state the economy is in because of one simple fact: they need them. Its four main features -- Internet access with limited Office functionality, Tool Link, Crew Chief, and Cable Lock -- are meant to not only help owners and workers look after their trucks, but also look after the tools necessary to do their jobs. As usual, that kind of convenience is going to cost you.

You can get all four features installed for $2,815 on regular and Super Duty F-150s. To that cost you add the monthly charges: Crew Chief is $16 or $20 per month per vehicle for a minimum of three years; Internet through Sprint is either $25 or $50 per month plus taxes and fees; and LogMeIn, used to access the desktop back at the office, is an optional $50 per year. If you went for the full functionality of Works Solutions you'd spend about $80 after taxes on the service, which isn't exactly nothing, but not bad considering how much the extra knowledge is worth and how much tools cost nowadays.

[Source: PickupTrucks.com]

Ford Works Solutions gets priced, not exactly cheap but not bad originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f-150fordford f-150ford works solutionsFordF-150FordWorksSolutionsgadgetspickup truckPickupTrucktechtechnologyworks solutionsWorksSolutionsFri, 19 Dec 2008 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Azentek nav-equipped SmartMirror coming end of year]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/15/azentek-nav-equipped-smartmirror-coming-end-of-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/15/azentek-nav-equipped-smartmirror-coming-end-of-year/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/10/15/azentek-nav-equipped-smartmirror-coming-end-of-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Everything is in line to be a convergence device, and now the boring rear view mirror has stepped under the lights to get stuffed with extra equipment. The Azentek SmartMirror has a four-inch touchscreen on the right for a 2D and 3D text-to-speech GPS display. It's also offers Bluetooth connectivity, a call log, and caller ID. It has two video inputs, one that can be used for a rear view camera, and an SD card slot in case you want to record... well, whatever you might want to record with your rear view mirror.

The only thing missing from the mirror is availability -- it's been so popular that Azentek can't supply enough of them. The company says that will change later this year when you'll be able to get it at major retailers. The other potential hitch: it'll cost you $800 to do what your phone, TomTom, and regular mirror already do.

[Source: Engadget]

Azentek nav-equipped SmartMirror coming end of year originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 09:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesazentekazentek smart mirrorAzentekSmartMirrorgadgetsgpsrear view mirrorRearViewMirrorsmart mirrorsmartmirrortechWed, 15 Oct 2008 09:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Read your OBD-II with iPhone using REV]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/read-your-obd-ii-with-iphone-using-rev/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/read-your-obd-ii-with-iphone-using-rev/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/26/read-your-obd-ii-with-iphone-using-rev/#commentsFiled under: ,



Here's another iPhone application that demonstrates that soon there is nothing you won't be able to know if you have just one device. DevToaster has created an app called Rev that reads information straight from the OBD-II port on your car and displays it on your iPhone. When it's fully operational, Rev can display things like vehicle speed, RPM, fuel consumption, calculated engine load, and a host of other parameters. You'll even be able to check and reset engine and error codes.

The only hitch is that you need an OBD-II/WLAN interface that can beam the information from the port to the phone. DevToaster is working on that now; in the meantime, you can download Rev Lite at their site and we have a feeling California's going to work on more phone-centric activities to ban.

[Source: DevToaster via WRX Fanatics]

Read your OBD-II with iPhone using REV originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 26 Sep 2008 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>devtoastergadgetgadgetsiphoneiphone appiphone applicationiphone applicationsiphone appsIphoneAppIphoneApplicationIphoneApplicationsIphoneAppsobd-iiobd-ii readerObd-iiReadertechFri, 26 Sep 2008 19:01:00 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[Alex Roy reviews his dream car: the Audi R8 Blackbird]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/alex-roy-reviews-his-dream-car-the-audi-r8-blackbird/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/alex-roy-reviews-his-dream-car-the-audi-r8-blackbird/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/13/alex-roy-reviews-his-dream-car-the-audi-r8-blackbird/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Click above to view video after the jump

Alex Roy, currently locked in an M5 with our own Damon Lavric, recently got a video tour of a rather nifty Audi R8 owned by someone who insists he remain nameless. Codenamed Blackbird, the coupe is stuffed with enough gadgets to be a testbed for NASA's shuttle replacement, but don't for a second think the interior resembles a jungle of wires, screens and antennae: all the electronic gear is seamlessly integrated in a most impressive way. A sample of the wares in the blacked out supercar with the gunmetal gray blade include four GPS units, two radar detectors, police scanner, CB radio, kill switch for all rear lights, high-speed broadband Internet with Wi-Fi running on a tablet PC, power ports, takedown lights, a remote-controlled exhaust bypass valve, and -- get this -- a liquid-cooled infrasonic wave pulse generator. Apparently, you don't want to stand by that last item if you wish to have children. Follow the jump for the whole story in moving pictures. Thanks for the tip, Mike!

[Source: YouTube]

Continue reading Alex Roy reviews his dream car: the Audi R8 Blackbird

Alex Roy reviews his dream car: the Audi R8 Blackbird originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alex royAlexRoyaudiaudi r8audi r8 blackbirdAudiR8AudiR8Blackbirdblackbirdgadgetsr8 tunerr8 tuningR8TunerR8TuningtuningvideoWed, 13 Aug 2008 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[California's Fastrack toll system can't be trusted?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/californias-fastrack-toll-system-cant-be-trusted/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/californias-fastrack-toll-system-cant-be-trusted/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/08/07/californias-fastrack-toll-system-cant-be-trusted/#commentsFiled under: , ,



FasTrak is an "electronic toll collection system" used in California. Once you set up an account, you get a transponder that simply debits your account balance whenever you pass through a toll booth. The system uses RFID technology to broadcast your account information to the toll booth receivers. According to Hack A Day, the system is anything but secure.

Among other problems, an attendee at the Black Hat 2008 conference in Las Vegas found that because the in-car transponders don't require any authentication, anyone with an RFID reader can get the unique ID from any car and then use that in their own transponder. Not only that, but you could also force any other transponder to take on a new ID because of the system's open over-the-air upgrading system.

To change the system would require legislative action since it's all defined by California laws, so Californians shouldn't expect a quick fix. Until -- and if -- a fix comes, we suppose the best that can be done is to make sure you scrutinize your FasTrak bill. And keep an eye out for guys kitted out like Star Trek yeomen wandering the park-and-ride commuter lots... Thanks for the tip, fabienne!

[Source: Hack A Day, Photo by JasonJT | Creative Commons 2.0]

California's Fastrack toll system can't be trusted? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronicsfastrakgadgetstechtechnologyThu, 07 Aug 2008 16:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Covertech car cover does the rolling for you]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/covertech-car-cover-does-the-rolling-for-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/covertech-car-cover-does-the-rolling-for-you/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/05/covertech-car-cover-does-the-rolling-for-you/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Covertech Automotive Car Cover protects your car from every element, even -- according to its maker -- "malicious intent." When you're ready to take the cover off, apparently all you need to do is stand back and watch. The cover retracts automatically into a "briefcase-sized" enclosure in a trunk or hatchback. There's even one for motorcycles that fits in a "Kleenex-sized" box.

The creator envisions carmakers eventually integrating the automatic car cover into the design of their cars. Sounds neat, but when you want to cover your car up again, you'll need good old manual labor for that. Personally, we can't see needing to cover and uncover your car often enough in one day to make such a device necessary, but perhaps there are folks with the need for easy incognito. But while it's hard to tell from the video, the answer is yes, it probably will make your bumper look big.

Thanks for the tip, Yash!

[Source: The Earth Times]

Covertech car cover does the rolling for you originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 May 2008 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car coverscar protectionCarCoversCarProtectioncovertechgadgetstechMon, 05 May 2008 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[BYD introduces the Keyless Entry Wristwatch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/byd-introduces-the-keyless-entry-wristwatch/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/byd-introduces-the-keyless-entry-wristwatch/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/byd-introduces-the-keyless-entry-wristwatch/#commentsFiled under: ,



Not even James Bond has one of these: a watch that performs the functions of a keyless entry fob for your car. Developed by (or for) Chinese car manufacturer BYD, the gadget is made only for the F8 model. Press the top button on the right, and the car is locked, press the bottom button, the car is unlocked.

The watch also has a starter function, but it's not labeled on the bezel like the others. Since it has a manual movement, you don't need to worry about a battery going dead as long as you wear the watch... and move. No word on whether you need to wind it in case you don't wear it. But come on now, it's not like you could stay away from your BYD F8 long enough for the watch to stop, is it? And as the brochure states, it even tells time -- which is not a bad thing for a watch.

[Source: The Tycho]

BYD introduces the Keyless Entry Wristwatch originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 17:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bydbyd f8byd watchBydF8BydWatchf8gadgetskeyless entrykeyless goKeylessEntryKeylessGotechThu, 24 Apr 2008 17:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Smart, but flawed: Steering wheel navigation screen]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/smart-but-flawed-steering-wheel-navigation-screen/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/smart-but-flawed-steering-wheel-navigation-screen/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/10/smart-but-flawed-steering-wheel-navigation-screen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



The latest gizmo from Japan's Takata will tell you where to go, but not like those verbally abusive digital keychains from the '90s. The Takata CSW steering wheel is designed to interface with sensors in your vehicle and display different messages on an LCD screen in the 12 o'clock position. There are already lights and sirens to let you know if your door is ajar or the washer fluid is low, but the CSW wheel's best trick is that it will talk to the Navigon 7100 navigation system, should you have one. It's an interesting cross-brand lashup that is pushing the envelope of aftermarket integration.

The screen in the wheel works in conjunction with the larger screen in the navigation unit to display instructions, though the improvement over just the Navigon would likely be sufficient. Both the wheel and the Navi can reportedly poll vehicle sensors, though we're not sure exactly how, so the systems would be more aware of what the driver is doing beyond merely position data. Both companies hope the wheel will reduce driver distraction, though we're not convinced that looking down to the wheel rim is any safer or more convenient than the slight gaze diversion to the customary upper center of the dashboard. We don't know of any manufacturer plans to OEM-issue these units, but the effort could portend a future convergence in the gadget galaxy.

[Source: Navigadget via Kicking Tires; Photo: SoundDomain]

Smart, but flawed: Steering wheel navigation screen originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces 2008Ces2008electronicsgadgetsnavigation systemnavigation systemsNavigationSystemNavigationSystemsnavigonnavigon 7100Navigon7100steering wheelsteering wheel gpssteering wheelsSteeringWheelSteeringWheelGpsSteeringWheelstakataThu, 10 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST