GPS: Now limiting your speed

The Canadian government agency for transportation is testing a new device that will make it almost impossible to ignore speed limits.

A technical solution based on the GPS technology in combination with digital map containing speed limits will make it hard to press down the accelerator once you reached the speed limit.
The new device combines GPS technology and a digital speed limit map. Once the car reaches the speed limit it will become hard to press down the accelerator. This has already been tried in some European countries.

Although speed is responsible for 25 percent of all fatal crashed it will not be easy to implement such a solution. Most people just don't want their speed to be limited and those who want can use a cruise control. Making it law will hopefully consider to take out emergeny cars from this rules and the colleagues over at Engadget see the end of romance in it:

"what if you’re late to your true love’s wedding with the wrong guy, and you have to pound on the glass from above screaming her name? This system could ruin everything."

Foursprung, GPS, speed limit

Source: MobileMag via Engadget

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Foursprung: Bio tires made of corn

A good alliance for our environment seems to be the cooperation between the tire manufacturer Goodyear and the Italian eco-bio-chemical firm Novamont.
The result of their collaboration are bio-tires made of corn. Using their non-GMO corn starch called Mater Bi Novamont produced an additive, or biofiller, which replaces part of the lampblack and silica normally contained in the tire mixture.

Not only producing these bio-tires needs less energy. The tires provide reduced rolling resistance, noise and emissions and increasing fuel efficiency.

Ford and BMW already approved them to be used on their new cars.

Foursprung, tires

Source: Treehugger

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Foursprung: Tires with low rolling resistance

Green Seal has released a report on tires with low rolling resistance.
Rolling resistance is an indicator for the energy wasted as heat between the tire and the road, within the tire sidewall itself, and between the tire and the rim while rolling down the road.

Having similar size, type, and level of performance different tires differ up to 30% in the rolling resistance. That means that a vehicle using the most efficent tires could save up to 6% of gasoline.

Recommended tire are for instance Bridgestone B381, Nokian NRT2 and Sumitomo HTR 200.

Foursprung, tires

Source: Treehugger

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

iPod: Win a Griffin RoadTrip at TUAW

As we reported several times there are many ways integrating your iPod to your car. Showing which is your current way of integrating your music to your car by posting a photo in the comments of the blog article can make you the winner of the reviewed Griffin Raodtrip device.
The TUAW bloggers will gather in our underground lair and decide which of the entries is truly deserving of this technological marvel. Entries are accepted until midnight December 6th.

Good luck!!!

Foursprung, iPod, MP3

Source: The Unofficial Apple Weblog (TUAW)

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Foursprung: Mac up your ride

A poster at the MP3car.com forum just presented pictures from his really great Apple Mac Mini integration to his F-150 with touch screen and the Front Row software combining the benefits of Apple's Hard- and Software with real mobility.

Mobile media at it's best - real great job, papimachulo!!!

See more pictures at the link below...

Foursprung, Apple, Mac, Media, MP3

Source: MP3car.com

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Foursprung: BT anti-theft guy has Audi nicked

Please read how an anti-theft solution with some "Foursprung" can bring back your car,

New proof that BT is more than copper phone lines and Bob Hoskins - today it's launching a GPS security kit for your motor.

Ingeniously dubbed Trackit, BT's new service consists of the wireless fob you see pictured and a series of black boxes that a professional chap/chapette installs in your car.

When a kitted-out car is stolen without the fob in the vicinity - in your pocket, for example - a signal is silently sent to BT. It then passes on satellite coordinates to the cops and you get a text telling you your car is now being driven by a hoodie-wearing nipper.

In what we'd describe as a fortuitous coincidence, one of BT's testers had his Trackit-equipped Audi A4 nicked nearly four weeks ago. Surprise, surprise - BT's system tracked him down and the good police of Brum had his German-engineered pride and joy back within 50 minutes.

Anti-theft that tracks cars by satellites isn't new, but this is the first time we've seen a wireless fob used. BT's argument is that - since car security is now so impenetrable these days - most cars are stolen by light-fingered thieves nicking car keys. All you need to do now is make sure they don't nick the fob too.

To protect the precious in your life, you'll pay £450 for an install plus £150 for a year's service. If you want European protection for those Nice trips and Chamonix ski hols, you'll need to pay £57 a year extra.

Foursprung, Audi, Anti-theft

Source: Stuff magazine via AudiWorld

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Foursprung: More pics of the Nissan Wingroad Rider iPod integration

Maybe not the best car in the world, but definitely one with the best marketing for their iPod integration: the Nissan Wingroad Rider.
We reported about it some days ago, but now I had the chance to personally check the Nissan showroom in Ginza, Tokyo, and I must admit, it works great!
Here are some more offical pics from the Apple Japan website.






You can also read more at Apple about it, at least if you can speak Japanese.

Foursprung, Nissan Wingroad Rider, Apple, iPod

Source: Apple Japan

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Foursprung: world's first widely-available armoured passenger vehicle

As gizmag states out the world can be a hostile and dangerous place with hundreds of war zones around the world at any given time, plus many countries where assassination and kidnapping are routine:

"Despite wars and organized criminal activity, life has to go on, and there are some people who feel the need to be transported in the manner befitting their station in life. An armouring industry has grown up around the 50 wars that are going on in the world.

But these vehicle manufacturers are boutique in comparison to the robust distribution network and global marketing resources of Jaguar. Our prediction is that Jaguar’s move will add serious global recognition to the company’s already prestigious brand. Jaguar’s just-announced Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase luxury saloon car is an armoured passenger vehicle with capabilities far beyond the needs of day to day transportation with added security, without compromising the ability of the car.

This British product offers protection from firearms and blast attack, robbery, kidnap and car jacking, and will become the car of choice for heads of state, high profile business people, diplomats and celebrities throughout the world. Which will make it even more attractive to the business elite.

From the exterior the Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase is virtually identical to the standard XJ bringing absolute discretion to owners. However appearances can be deceptive, as the new Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase is heavily armoured, featuring significant modifications like bullet-resistant laminated glazing, underbody protection, steel-armouring and run flat tyres.

Though the Armoured XJ closely resembles the road going XJ, its chassis has been extensively adapted to compensate for additional weight and a potentially more aggressive driving style with reinforced springs and dampers. This ensures that it is just as agile and safe to drive as the production version as well as being lighter than its armoured competitors.

A fully retuned variable assisted steering system (VAPS) with an increased pressure flow power steering pump realigns the increased mass of the armoured vehicle to the steering effort inputs of the driver.

The car is also fitted with opposed 6 piston Alcon mono-block brake callipers to the front of the vehicle and 4 piston Alcon mono-block callipers to the rear, along with performance friction material brake pads and larger ventilated brake discs to substantially increase braking performance. Original air suspension has been replaced with passive suspension to account for the additional mass. The vehicle is equipped with specially strengthened and tuned Bilstein B46 dampers and bespoke Eibach springs manufactured from special ultra strength silicon alloy – a combination tuned to optimise the balance between ride, comfort and body control.

Designed to provide maximum protection to driver and passengers alike, the Armoured XJ Long Wheelbase features many security attributes to make each journey a safe one."

Foursprung, amour

Source: gizmag

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Foursprung: Windows Media Center PC in your dashboard

eHomeupgerade reports about a great multimedia dashboard integration:

"This project should get any tech junkie itching for the next year, easy. A very tech-savy, and dedicated forum poster at mp3Car.com has posted images of Windows Media Center running in a 1999 Buick Century (via Jake Ludington's MediaBlab). The 7" touchscreen is connected to a computer under the temperature controls. The computer features 512MB of RAM, an 80GB harddrive, wireless 802.11g networking and a slot-loading, dual-layer DVD Burner. If you're like me, you're already making a list of the items you'll need to complete this in your car. Absolutely amazing."

Foursprung, in-car, media, PC

Source: eHomeUpgrade

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Foursprung: Universal Docking to be worked out

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has begun a giant undertaking. Realizing the annoyance of multiple docking stations we’re forced to use when confronted with all of our different portable electronics, these good people have decided to work out a standard docking connector that would work in vehicles as well as in your home.

“It is important for the industry to create an open, industry-wide standard for docking connectors that will give consumers greater access to the digital entertainment they have stored on devices,” says Jai Jaisimha, lead program manager of the Windows Digital Media Division at Microsoft Corp. “The proposed standard will allow consumers to select and play content stored on a portable device using entertainment controls in their cars and homes.”

Unfortunately there is no timeline for this until now...

Foursprung, universal, docking

Source: Gizmodo

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Foursprung: World’s Greatest… Radio Scanners

How does a radio scanner differ from a traditional radio? Whereas a generic radio receives only AM and FM, a radio scanner detects virtually everything else that’s broadcast—CB radio, air traffic control instructions, cellphones, and, yes, chatter among cops. Eavesdropping on the police would become a mandatory aspect of my Gumball strategy.

Radio enthusiasts and ham operators have been using scanners since the 1950s, though portable units didn’t debut until about two decades later. By the 1980s, a couple hundred bucks scored you a handheld scanner from the likes of Radio Shack, and a generation of geeks grew up eavesdropping on frequencies unheard by the masses.

The spectrum for scanner use runs from innocent fun (listening in on NASCAR pit crews and airplane cockpit chatter) to the lurid (emergency dispatchers) to potentially illegal (police and highway patrol conversations). Laws vary from state to state, but the general rule of thumb is you can listen in as long as you’re not using the information to commit a crime.

The colleagues over at Gizmodo did a feature on this topic including a review of the best devices for this. Enjoy...

Foursprung, radio, scanners

Source: Gizmodo

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

iPod: FM transmitter with power charge

In the past one of the main disadvantages of the FM transmitters for listening to your iPod music on your in-car stereo was the missing power charging functionality.

ezGear has now released the ezTrip FM TransCharger which combines both a car charger and an FM transmitter into one product.
The device is built especially for new iPods, but will work with previous models too. The ezTrip uses the power from your car to provide a clear strong signal to your radio. The LCD display and control buttons give you instant access to all frequencies. In addition, you no longer need to use a separate car charger…because the ezTrip charges your iPod while you listen.

Foursprung, iPod

Source: ezGear

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Foursprung: The NASCAR PC

In a similar move like Lamborghini and Ferrari, American race car series NASCAR is now offering their own PC.

The NASCAR PC includes:
• NASCAR PC branded Skins, NASCAR themed icons, and Animated Media Player with Enhanced Functionality
• Nextel TrackPass Trial
• Raceday Scanner Trial
• Trial Membership to the Official NASCAR Members Club
• Exclusive 10% off of all NASCAR.com Superstore Purchases
• NASCAR ScreenSaver

Foursprung, NASCAR, PC

Source: CISNETPC via Autoblog

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Foursprung: Firm to put WiMAX video into speeding cars

An interesting report from Japan:

A REPORT said that Japanese firm KDDI will expand a WiMAX test system in Osaka which will allow video to be streamed into travelling cars.

According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, KDDI's system will allow video units inside cars travelling at 80 kilometres per hour to show stable images.

The firm has been testing three devices on an Osaka motorway but will expand that to 100 devices in December.

The same report said KDDI claimed that similar systems will reduce the cost of mobile telephony to 10 per cent the current cost.

Foursprung, WiMAX

Source: The Inquirer

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Audi A6: State of the art display

German car manufacturer, Audi, is proudly displaying its state of the art Audi A6 on a technologically advanced Airport Media display at Johannesburg International Airport. The display automatically sends airport users with blue tooth cellphones a video clip of the A6.

The screen which sends the Bluetooth signal keeps a record of how many phones it sent its signal to, how many users accepted the signal, as well as the date, time and type of cellphone, allowing Audi to measure the impact of this campaign.

Like the A6, the stand is aesthetically pleasing, neat and spacious, and a trained motoring consultant is on site to answer any questions that airport users may have.

This campaign adds Display Stands to Airport Media's already impressive niche marketing tools at the airport. Debbie Lea says, "Being the largest SA owned concessionaire at ACSA airports has not prevented us from enhancing our clients' brands by offering them unique advertising opportunities."

Foursprung, Audi A6

Source: Biz Community

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Foursprung: Americans stand to benefit from navigation systems

Leftlane News has an interesting article about how Americans stand to benefit from navigation systems.

A new survey suggests that navigation systems may be a worthwhile investment for many americans, who have a tendency to get lost during the holiday travel season. Nearly 60 percent of drivers in the United States get lost get lost on the roads each year, according to the survey, which was conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of Lincoln. The survey found that some traditional gender stereotypes hold true when it comes to driving and directions. For example: women (61 percent) are more likely than men (42 percent) to stop and ask for directions; Twenty-six percent of men will be lost for a half-hour or more before taking any corrective action; Women (75 percent) are more likely than men (61 percent) to always make sure they have directions before starting a trip; Yet men (75 percent) are more likely than women (60 percent) to keep a map in the car.

When it comes to more advanced technology, men (36 percent) are more likely than women (26 percent) to have in-vehicle experience with a global positioning system ( GPS)-based navigation system.

Consulting an online source is the most typical (76 percent) way to obtain directions to a new place. Yet nearly 60 percent of vehicle owners surveyed say they would use a GPS navigation system over any other source for direction.

Foursprung, Navigation

Source: Leftlane News

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Hybrids: Utah Student Building Hybrid '32 Ford

Brent Singleton, a student at a Utah technology college, is combining the old (a 1932 Ford) with the new (hybrid engine). He's put an interesting twist on the idea of the hybrid engine, though: Brent wants his power to come more from the electric side, producing something similar to the plug-in hybrid idea we've mentioned before here and here, just to name a few. Though some of the details are unclear, we admire Brent's youthful enthusiasm: "Their idea of a hybrid vehicle is that you run a gas motor to run (the) electric (motor), and then you have a little bit of battery pack to do the rest. And (mine) is a mainly electric motor so you can have any fuel system on it...it can be anything you want it to be!" Once done, he wants to build a kit to make conversions for other cars easier. Go Brent Go!

Foursprung, hybrids

Source: The Treehugger

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Foursprung: Roadscope PLUS Saves Lives

The Roadscope PLUS may well be a standard feature on every car in the near future as it has some cool features that will make travelling safer. Its basically a Digital Image BlackBox, Lane Departure Warning System, Stop & Go Alarming System and Lane Keeping Guide rolled into one.

The Roadscope PLUS could well be a lifesaver. Developed by Korean company PLK, this automotive smart sensor acts as an extra pair of eyes while you’re on the road, continually monitoring the environment via a camera that can be easily installed behind the mirror. There are four functions, including the nifty Digital Image BlackBox application. This essentially behaves like an airplane’s black box and records the vital moments in case of a car kiss or collision by another motorist.

Foursprung, camera

Source: The Gadget Blog

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Foursprung: All-in-one rear seat entertainment

There are a ton of solutions out there for rear seat entertainment, so ultimately it comes down to what’s right for your needs. However, there are two key things to consider before you buy:

1) Do you mind if your rearview mirror is blocked when your rear seat passengers are watching a movie or playing a video game?
2) Do you need the ability to watch two different things at one time?

Now if your answer to questions #1 and #2 are YES, then you should consider All-In-One Headrest Monitor/DVD Systems.

Check out two reputable brands that specialize in this sort of thing and I think afterwards you’ll agree with me that this is the only way to go!


Foursprung, Rear seat, entertainment

Source: Inside Line

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Car Navigation: New device with integrated T-DMB

Korean company GIGA Telecom has plans to release a T-DMB car navigation device with BWS and TPEG services available called The Tube. What do all these acronyms mean? Basically, BWS is “Broadcast Website Service” which allows you to view the web on the go, while TPEG stands for “Transport Protocol Expert Group” and is designed to push updates such as weather to the device. The new device you can carry around, or more ideally, hook up to your car and use it as a navigation system. The Tube is powered by a 400MHz S3C2440 processor, it has a 4.3” TFT LCD and is powered by Windows CE 4.2. It supports DivX, XviD, MPEG4-SP, MPEG1, M-JPEG, and Windows Media Video. Not too bad. It will also feature on-board GPS and will come in CDMA and Wi-Fi versions.

Foursprung, GPS, navigation, T-DMB

Source: Gizmodo

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Foursprung: Motorcycle Helmets With Tunes

You know that you get sick of the wind blowing by your ears when you take your hog out for a spin. Sometimes it’d be nice to have some music playing without jeopardizing your safety. Now that’s possible with a bone conduction speaker from Nippon MNI Inc. The speaker costs about $50 and can be safely fitted into a motorcycle helmet. You can then connect it to any music player you have to start pumping in that rock and roll at 100MPH. On sale next year for about $50.

Foursprung, motorcycle, motorbike, helmet, tunes

Source: Gizmodo

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Foursprung: Cigarette lighter FM transmitter

Sadly, these are not another variety of iPod-powered sex toy, these are Logitec Japan’s colorful new cigarette lighter-powered FM transmitters, to play your DAP-of-choice through your car stereo system. They’re available in 5 colors to ensure a perfect match between your car interior and DAP player, thus making for a greater sense of smug self-satisfaction, which for 5000 yen (approx. US$40) is a bargain!


Foursprung, FM, transmitter

Source: Gizmodo

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Bluetooth: Mobile Audio Head Unit/Receiver with Bluetooth Technology

Why aren't there more audio head units (big brands that is) with Bluetooth capability? Alpine, Eclipse, Kenwood, Pioneer, what’s up? The Auto Manufacturers are offering this capability as a factory option and in some cases its standard equipment. I thought the aftermarket industry was supposed to be ahead of the curve.

Foursprung, Car, Audio, Bluetooth, telephone, integration

Source: Inside Line

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Foursprung: Rear view in motorbike helmet

For the past two years Reevu’s rear view technology has taken the Sports and Leisure industry by storm – creating a new benchmark in preventative safety on roads, in all five continents around the world.

A new dawn has arrived in helmet development with the REEVU motorsports helmet. REEVU have created the world’s first patented rear-view helmet range that gives the wearer that all round vision “at a glance.” REEVU believe that they have made a helmet that will help prevent accidents because we all know “prevention is better than cure”.

The amazing Reevu MX1 motorbike helmet is now available for distribution. Years of development plus leading edge Italian design skills have created a helmet that not only looks cool but also has amazing aerodynamics whilst meeting and exceeding the most rigorous safety and construction standards.

A stunning package that looks great and dramatically increases awareness of traffic conditions behind the motorcyclist due to Reevu’s rear view technology.

It is an unbeatable combination and will be available from stockists near you soon.

Foursprung, motorbike, motorcycle, rearview, helmet

Source: OhGizmo

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati

Foursprung: Night vision coming soon

Night Vision from Bosch shall make driving by night more comfortable and safer. The active infrared Night Vision system with a range of about 150 meters supplies the driver with an accurate image of the situation in front of the car. The high-resolution, brilliant image on the monitor is rich in contrast and details; it is very similar to the normal visual impression received with high beam. This allows the driver to better follow the course of the road in the dark, get better bearings of the environment and to see other road users or possible obstacles early on. Light from headlamps of oncoming vehicles is attenuated in the monitor image and no longer blinds the driver. All these features of Night Vision help to relieve the feeling of insecurity which overcomes many drivers when driving by night. The range of the low beam of a regular halogen headlamp is, as a rule, a mere 40 meters. Because of the high traffic density in Europe producing always a lot of oncoming traffic, high beam can only be used on rare occasions.

The Night Vision system produces a very detailed image:
The system consists basically of an infrared video camera attached between the interior rear-view mirror and the windshield, a display in the cockpit, the electronic control unit and two infrared headlamps. Night Vision is an active system on the basis of NIR (near infrared) technology. Active means: the road is illuminated with infrared light which cannot be seen by the human eye. Thus Night Vision renders all objects visible, even those not generating any sensible heat, such as road posts, road signs, lost cargo or parked cars, even road markings.

Bosch has confirmed that the innovative night-vision system it developed for Mercedes-Benz - as seen in the new flagship S-Class - "will be available in other cars as well in the future".

What those other cars might be is anyone's guess - arch rival BMW already offers a rival system developed by Swedish parts maker Autoliv.

Volkswagen Group is arguably the most likely recipient, but it will probably be a while before you can specify see-in-the-dark systems in your Skoda, sadly.

Foursprung, night, vision

Source: Bosch via Auto IT Blog

Read more

Read what others are saying about it: Bloglines, Feedster, Technorati