Friday, September 29, 2006

BMW: Real Time Traffic Information from 2007

BMW RTTI

BMW will offer real time traffic information for navigation in their 2007 models.

BMW is the first automaker to prepare to use the so-called Dust Network, created by Microsoft spinoff Inrix Traffic Services BMW touts the service as free (it is), but has raised the price of its optional navigation systems by $100 for the 2007 model year.


The Dust Network service differs from others in several ways: It allows dynamic routing (automatic rerouting around traffic jams), it uses a larger network of "traffic flow sensors" (moving vehicles), and it can predict future traffic flow based on past patterns. This represents a step forward for navigation services in recent months, which also includes OnStar Turn-By-Turn and Mercedes-Benz Destination Download, which use an operator to look up and download mapping information, and the transition from DVDs to hard disks for navigation data on cars from Chrysler, Infinti, and Mercedes-Benz.

Competes With XM NavTraffic

Other vehicles already can get real-time traffic reports, most commonly through XM Satellite Radio NavTraffic, which costs $4 a month. The reports are culled from embedded traffic sensors, traffic helicopter reports, highway department reports, and some automated moving-vehicle feedback. BMW has announced a partnership with Clear Channel Communications, which in turn licenses data from the Inrix Dust Network, whose name derives from the idea that communicating sensors may become so cheap and ubiquitous, they could be attached to every speck of dust).

In this case, it's not every speck of dust; it's 625,000 commercial fleet vehicles, delivery trucks, and taxis (as of September): probe vehicles, as Inrix calls them. These provide anonymized data that can't be tracked back to an individual who's perhaps speeding or stepping out on a spouse. Inrix President and CEO Bryan Mistele says competing services that incorporate moving-vehicle reports base their information on thousands rather than hundreds of thousands of vehicles. Still, using mathematical modeling, Mistele says the greater New York area can be accurately covered with about 5,000 or 6,000 vehicles; a city like Phoenix would need 1,500 to 2,000. More vehicles would mean more coverage of secondary roads.

Clear Channel's delivery of Inrix-based data will come in three phases and blend with Clear Channel's existing traffic reporting. The first phase, now available on most 2007 BMWs, uses Inrix technology to clean up data coming in through other sources, such as roadway sensors (which can fail, then start working again), police reports, and traffic helicopters. The second phase will integrate the 625,000-plus Dust Network vehicle reports. BMW and Clear Channel say they want to be sure it works before making the Dust Network part of the real-time traffic feed. Cars that get the Clear Channel traffic feed now, such as BMWs and dashtop portable navigation devices, will be able to receive that information with existing products. The third phase, predicting traffic flow along your route, will likely require new hardware, and is a year or two away.

RTTI Over Radio Data Service Feed

In BMW's case, the service will be on the 3 Series, 5 Series, and 6 Series sedans; the X5 SUV; and the M5 and M6 sports versions that are equipped with navigation systems. Several older models-the Z4, X3, and 7 Series-will not be compatible. The signal will be broadcast as radio data service (RDS) information over Clear Channel's network of more than 1,200 stations. RDS is what lets your radio display the name of the station, artist, and song; it's being used by enterprising third-parties such as Kensington in its RDS iPod charger/transmitter to pass along iPod track and artist information to your car radio.

Future Plans: Predictive Traffic

The traffic flow information Clear Channel passes on to BMW is about current traffic conditions. But Inrix is also able to deliver predictive traffic information. Inrix researchers model traffic flow based on previous experience, such as how long it takes to clear out a football stadium holding 50,000 people and the percentage increase in traffic flow on a road at 5 P.M. on Labor Day, and how that changes if it's rainy or sunny. They also incorporate things such as school vacation schedules. Inrix says it can predict traffic flow up to a year in advance. As a practical matter, on a day-long trip, you could see what traffic would be like in a congested city 200 miles ahead.

Inrix says six of the top seven GPS portable-navigation-device vendors will be offering Inrix services and, eventually, other automakers will too. The competing NavTraffic service is on the Acura RL, RDS, and MDX; the Cadillac CTS; the 2007 Lexus LS; and several portable and in-dash navigation units.



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Source: Techno Ride


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GPS: ViaMichelin X-980T

 ViaMichelin X-980T

ViaMichaelin comes with it's own GPS navigation device

The portable navigation device is equipped with the ViaMichelin Navigation 6 software that offers interesting innovations such as voice synthesis that announces the street names you are on and a toll avoidance route. In any case, you can keep the X-980T updated with the latest addresses by uploading the necessary data through a PC. The X-980T will be available in the middle of October onwards for approximately $880 that places it in direct competition with the TomTom GO 710.

* Screen: 4.3" 65k color TFT touchscreen display in widescreen format
* Processor: 416 MHz
* Receiver: Integrated SiRFStar III GPS receiver
* 256 MB ROM
* 64 MB RAM
* Connector: mini USB
* Autonomy : 3 hours
* Dimensions : 15cm x 8.3cm x 2.7 cm
* Weight : 260g
* Navigation software: ViaMichelin 6 with TeleAtlas maps



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Source: Ubergizmo


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Electric car: Complete replacement of engine by battery

 ZENN electric car

Will this improve electric cars and their availability?



Seasoned scientists at EEStore say they've created a battery made of glass- and aluminum-coated ceramics that could allow electric motors to completely replace the internal combustion engine. The inventors, erstwhile Xerox PARC and IBMmers, boast about the car's efficiency, saying it'll be so cheap it'll be as if gas cost 45 cents per gallon, will drive 500 miles on nine bucks' worth of electricity, and needs just five minutes to completely recharge. Plus, the company's CEO says, "a four-passenger sedan will drive like a Ferrari." Tall claims, EEStore.

Meanwhile, Feel Good Cars, those Canadian electric carmeisters whose ZENN electric car is pictured above, vow to make this technology roadworthy by 2008.



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Source: Gizmodo


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Video: How Audi's DSG works

Audi DSG video

The Audi DSG is the greatest gearbox in the world. The colleagues over at Fourtitude discovered a nice video on how it works.

Find the video on Google Video here.

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Source: Fourtitude


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Bluetooth: Wireless Headset for Motorcycle Helmets

Cardo wireless bluetooth motorbike helmet

For those of you bikers who do not enjoy that there is no voicy noise around while riding.

Cardo Systems, Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of wireless Bluetooth devices for the consumer market, today announced it will begin shipping the SCALA-RIDER FM wireless communications hands-free Headset, an innovative Bluetooth headset that allows motorcyclists and other helmet wearers to use their cell phones and enjoy their favorite FM radio stations. The device fits virtually any motorcycle helmet and is fully weather protected.

"This innovative headset provides enjoyment and practical functionality," explained Abraham Glezerman, Chairman and CEO of Cardo Systems. "Motorcyclists can have comfortable, secure, hands-free wireless communication, and enjoy their favorite music. As with all other versions of the SCALA-RIDER, this product too puts safety first: Automatic volume adjustment and voice controlled receipt of incoming calls allow users to keep their hands on the handlebars."

The SCALA-RIDER FM Headset is specially designed for motorcycle-type helmets and can be installed in minutes. Embedded sensors set the optimum volume at all times and automatically adjust the volume up or down depending on the riders' speed.

Additional features include a speaker booster, automatic mute for incoming calls, and a wind-resistant noise canceling microphone that provides clear audio for communicating, as well as a quick-release mechanism for the headset that leaves virtually no traces on the helmet.

With the SCALA-RIDER FM Headset the rider can:

- Receive, initiate or reject calls by voice control, keeping both hands on the handlebars;

- Activate the convenient voice-dial feature;

- Listen to FM radio - program up to six pre-set stations;

- Recharge the headset in only three hours;

- Enjoy up to 7 hours of continuous talk time - standby time is one week

The new multi-featured scala-rider FM Headset is available through select distributors, retail outlets, specialty motorcycle shops, and directly from the Cardo Systems web site. Its MSRP is $ 179.99.



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Source: Telematics Journal


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Thursday, September 28, 2006

Convergence: Nokia Mutlimedia Kit

Nokia CK-20W

Leading maker of mobile phones Nokia presented the new Nokia Multimedia Car Kit CK-20W. This nice little gadgets integrates high-quality communication with music in a handsfree solution for your car.


Thanks to Bluetooth wireless technology, the easy-to-use system is compatible with a broad range of mobile phones and delivers excellent audio quality featuring DSP (Digital Signal Processing).

Previously, drivers who wanted to retrofit their cars with music or communication had to install both systems separately. Now, the new Nokia Multimedia Car Kit CK-20W bundles both of these applications in a single solution. It can be used with a compatible mobile phone as a personal in-car music player, putting phone and music functions at the user's fingertips. "This product represents a major step towards achieving our goal of fueling the convergence of multimedia and automotive communication in the aftermarket," commented Wolfgang Gartner, Senior Category Manager, Nokia Automotive.

Music stored on a compatible mobile phone can be played over the vehicle speakers in stereo quality using Bluetooth streaming, based on the Bluetooth A2DP Profile. This turns the mobile phone into an in-car music player, with functions like start/stop, previous/next track readily accessible on the operating unit of the handsfree system. Owners of mobile MP3 players like the Apple iPod can also connect their player to the Nokia Multimedia Car Kit CK- 20W using the cable that comes with the car kit or via Bluetooth - if supported by the respective player.

The Nokia Multimedia Car Kit CK-20W always gives priority to voice communications. The operating concept ensures, for example, that music playback is automatically muted when a call comes in. The Nokia Multimedia Car Kit CK-20W will be available in the 4th quarter of 2006 at a MSRP of $279.95.



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Source: Telematics Journal


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Mercedes-Benz: Navigation by Destination Download

Mercedes Benz Destination Download navigation

Mercedes-Benz offers a new navigational features competing with systems like OnStar's turn-by-turn-navigation.

If you buy a high-end Mercedes-Benz with the included navigation system, you won't have to figure out how to work the controls: Just press a help button and Mercedes will download the destination for you. This feature, called Destination Download, comes on 2007 S-Class and CL-Class Mercedes-Benzes.


Here's how it works. The flagships of the Mercedes-Benz sedan lines, the S-Class and CL-Class, include navigation systems standard along with TeleAid, the Mercedes-Benz telematics, assistance, stolen car recovery, and information service. Press a button on the overhead console for a connection to an operator (via the car's built-in cell phone), and tell the operator where you want to go. The destination information is sent back to the car via the cellular data link, and your car is ready to start following the route. For anyone who has trouble making a navigation system work, Destination Download could be a viable solution.

Destination Download is much like the General Motors OnStar Turn-By-Turn service but also has a big difference. It requires you to have an installed navigation system with map information on a DVD disc (or hard disk) in the car, whereas Turn-By-Turn downloads the map information, called a route corridor (meaning the road you're supposed to take and some adjacent roads in case you go a little off course), to a simple storage module and a one- or tw0-line display. However, if you opt for GM's generally well-regarded (on recent models) in-dash navigation systems, there's currently no way to download the address to the nav system. GM and OnStar they're considering that for future versions.

The Destination Download feature costs $2.75 per trip on top of the annual TeleAid contract cost ($240 plus), but that's in cars costing $86,175 (S-Class) and $96,275 (CL-Class). For those cars, quibbling over $2.75 a trip is like quibbling about the cost of yacht fuel. But in case you do care, OnStar Turn-By-Turn costs $100 a year over the $200 yearly cost of basic OnStar Safe & Sound. Other monthly navigation services (cell phone navigation services such as Verizon VZ Navigator) run about $10 a month, so Destination Download would be roughly equal in cost if you used one lookup every week to 10 days.

Expect other automakers to follow the lead of Mercedes-Benz and GM in providing navigation downloads. One solution to the ease-of-use hassles with today's navigation systems is to do the most difficult work for the driver.



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Source: Techno Ride


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DVD: Dual Electronics XDVD8182

Dual Electronics XDVD8182

Another one for watching DVDs during breaks on the trips.



This in-car DVD player boasts a large 7" touchscreen TFT display and comes with iPod control support, 5.1 channel preamp outputs, audio/video inputs, two video outputs for headrest monitors, and a rear view camera input. The audio section is ably handled by a 200W amplifier. You can pick up the XDVD8182 at the recommended retail price of $699. Of course, it is advisable to do some snooping around for a much more affordable deal.
* Motorized 7" touch screen TFT LCD monitor
* 50 x 4 Max Power (200 Watts)
* Fully self-contained (no hide-away box)
* Import ISO/DIN mountable
* Internal cooling fan
* Electronic volume, bass, treble, balance, and fader
* MOSFET audio output
* 5.1 audio outputs (RCA)
* 1 Audio/video input (RCA)
* 1 Rear camera input (RCA)
* 2 Composite video outputs
* iPLUG interface cable (A/V-iPod-3.5mm)
* 24-Bit D/A Converter
* Blue/white dot matrix secondary display
* Multi-zone remote control
* Infrared remote control
* MP3/WMA encoded CD/DVD playback
* DVD-R/RW/DVD+R/RW/CD-R/CD-RW compatible
* Direct track access
* Last position memory
* ESP Buffer



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Source: Ubergizmo


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GPS: Dash GPS with Cellular data and WiFi capability

Dash GPS

The colleagues over at Gizmodo had the chance for an exclusive first look on the new navigation device from new Dash featuring Cellular data and WiFi capability. Here are their impressions:



What's special: Instead of pulling maps, and points of interests from a drive or flash memory, the Dash can pull down real time updates over WiFi or cellular data.

Let me spell it out for you: When you search for a gas station, it returns street directions, but also the pump prices. When you search for a movie theater, it returns movie times. Your maps never get out of date, and your points of interest database could be pulled from all the Google/Yahoo!/Yelp types of sites, giving you access to a practically unlimited number of...roadside Denny's.

Instead of merely reporting accidents and moving you away from them, the Dash comes with historical traffic data that goes hour by hour, per section of road. That means it knows that highway 80's average speed is about, oh, 20 miles per hour at 5pm going towards the bridge. And in the middle of the night, it should be 60.

But that doesn't account for one time delays like ballgame traffic and accidents. Say someone using a Dash is stuck in some traffic like that. The Dash GPSs uses its cellular data link to report slowdown to the Dash central server, which kicks down the fresh data to other users in the area. So your Dash is part of a traffic avoiding hive mind. Think about it&Mdash; Big cities are full of traffic, and early adopters, so this could really work.

Dash GPS's connectivity also makes it pretty easy to program. You can use the touchscreen. Or you can select an address on your PC, right click, and select "Send to Dash" to move it directly to your device. In the demo I saw, this took about 1 second.

Another thing that impressed me about Dash was how effectively it searches for stuff you need. Eric searched for propane, and the GPS hooked into Yahoo!, where it pulled back results for hardware stores, and other places that didn't actually have the word propane in the store's title. The web interface is tweakable, too.

One could setup Dash to update RSS feeds with geographic data, for things like apartments on craigslist, or dog parks.



Read the complete article with more nice pictures ,.

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Source: Gizmodo


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VW: High tech 1964 Microbus

VW microbus

The Volkswagen Microbus is a great car - no doubt. But would you expect high tech from it? I wouldn't - and I was wrong. Some guys at Volkswagen's Electronic Research Laboratory (ERL) created the 'Chameleon', a 1964 Microbus outfitted with the latest in automotive electronics.

One goal of the bus is to show how high-tech can be integrated in such a way as to not distract the driver, a good argument to take up because so many old-school driving Luddites don't trust all this new-fangled technology. And the bus makes a good platform to challenge the engineers because it has few visible instrument faces to work with. VWs of this vintage have only a speedometer--my old 1961 Beetle didn't even have a gas gauge.

The Chameleon is a pretty seriously modified vehicle, starting out with an electric drive system replacing the old four-cylinder gas engine. It draws power from lithium-polymer batteries and solar cells mounted in surfboards on the roof. Charging surfaces set around the cabin let occupants charge up cell phones, PDAs, and MP3 players merely by setting them down. The charging surfaces won't harm a person, but devices need special batteries to work with them. The speedometer is swapped out for an LCD that shows navigation, a backup camera, and, of course, speed.


VW microbus

VW microbus

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Source: CNET


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Mini: Fitting fridge now available

Mini Cooper S and fridge

If your Mini feels alone maybe here is his perfect companion (if you either park the Mini in the kitchen or you have your fridge in the garage): the Mini-styled fridge.

The Smeg FAB28MCS is the result of cooperation of Smeg and Mini. The fridge in the look of the new Cooper S in Laser Blue is limited to a number of 250.

Mini Cooper S and fridge



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Source: Autoblog.it


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Toys: Playsam's Wooden Cars

Playsam's Wooden Cars

An adornment for the desk of the car enthusiast with sense for aesthetics.

Firmly ensconced in the minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic, their Streamliner Classic Car was actually selected as a Swedish Design Classic by the Swedish National Museum (go fig). Us? We're partial to the Oldtimer seen above, but they offer a range of different vehicles, and even a stray critter or two.


Playsam's Wooden Cars

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Source: Winding Road


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Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Video: VW, Intel and your wireless future

Intel Logo

See a VW Passat communicating with an Intel-equipped handheld device via Wi-Fi.

Intel CEO Paul Otellini introduces colleague Anand Chandrasekher, vice president of low-power platforms, at the Intel Developer Forum, Sept. 26, in San Francisco. The two chipmaker execs look at a new tablet and how it communicates with a Wi-Fi-equipped car.


Be patient with the video, the car joins stage just after two and a half minutes.

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Source: news.com


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Honda: Clean Diesel engine

Honda clean diesel

Honda presents a diesel engine that reduces exhaust gas emissions to a level equal to a gasoline engine.
The diesel engine employs a nitrogen oxide (NOx) catalytic converter that enables a reduction in NOx emissions sufficient to meet stringent U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Tier II Bin 5 emissions requirements, the company said. This catalytic converter features system using the reductive reaction of ammonia generated within the catalytic converter to "detoxify" NOx by turning it into harmless nitrogen (N2).

The catalytic converter utilizes a two-layer structure: one layer adsorbs NOx from the exhaust gas and converts a portion of it into ammonia, while the other layer adsorbs the resulting ammonia, and uses it later in a reaction that converts the remaining NOx in the exhaust into nitrogen. Ammonia is a highly effective reagent for reducing NOx into N2 in an oxygen-rich, lean-burn atmosphere. This ability to generate and store ammonia within the catalytic converter has enabled Honda to create a compact, lightweight NOx reduction system for diesel engines.

The system also features enhanced NOx reduction performance at 200 - 300 C, the main temperature range of diesel engines. The company designed the catalytic converter for use with its 2.2 i-CTDi diesel engine. By further advancing combustion control, the 2.2 i-CTDi delivers cleaner exhaust to the NOx catalytic converter. The company achieved this by optimizing the combustion chamber configuration, reducing fuel injection time with a 2,000-bar common rail injection system and boosting the efficiency of the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system. The automaker plans to introduce its diesel engine in the U.S. within three years.


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Source: all4engineers


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MP3: Blaupunkt MP66 and MP56



Blaupunkt has two new stereos featuring MP3 capability and wanting to get in competition with in-car use of the iPod.

The Memphis MP66 and the St. Louis MP56 are similar in the following specifications - a digital AM/FM tuner, full graphic displays to mesmerize your passengers, and a six-band EQ with acoustic calibrating microphones which enables the car deck to analyze your music listening habits and adjust itself accordingly. Other features include USB ports and SD/MMC memory card slots to increase your repertoire of music.



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Source: Ubergizmo


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GPS: Delphi NAV200

Delphi NAV200

Delphi brings another device from the line of multi-media capable Windows-powered PNAs.

The NAV200 looks to be suitably small unit, based on Windows CE, with a 400MHz processor, SIRFstart III GPS chipset, 3.5-inch touchscreen, and a 1.5 GB SD card preloaded with NAVTEQ maps of the U.S. and Canada. And while the aforementioned PMP functions are certainly there, they're unfortunately a bit on the weak side in terms of format support, with just MP3 and WAV for audio and AVI for video (it'll also handle JPG, GIF, and PNG images). If that suits your needs, you'll be able to snag one of these sometime next month for $349.


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Source: Engadget


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Harley Davidson: Smart security system for 2007 models

Harley Davidson

Securing your Harley will be more comfortable if you buy a 2007 model. All these will be be offerend with a new smart securtity system as a factory- installed option.

"We are excited to provide Harley-Davidson with a security system that provides a personalized package for the owner with some of the most advanced technology available," said Jugal Vijayvargiya, leader of the Delphi Controls & Security product business unit. "We believe motorcycle enthusiasts are going to love this new security feature."

This new technology eliminates the need for manually arming and disarming the security system. The new Harley-Davidson Smart Security System self-arms when the ignition is turned off and automatically self-disarms when the ignition is turned on and the all-new "button-less" key fob is present. The vehicle behaves like it has no security system to the owner, while it provides full security against any unauthorized person.

When the security system is armed, it disables the starter and ignition while monitoring the electrical system and vehicle motion. The system also shuts off the turn signals and fuel if the bike is tipped over. The owner can manually disarm the system using a personal identification number if the key fob is lost.

The security system works along with turn signals that automatically cancel after the motorcycle makes a turn. Delphi uses an accelerometer-based inclination sensor's output to determine when the motorcycle has completed a turn.



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Source: Telematics Journal


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Nissan: Advanced road traffic system

Nissan Intelligent transportation system

To reduce accidents and to ease congestion is the aim of a new road traffic system based on vehicle-to-infrastructure communication Nissan is testing currently in Japan.

The system uses information obtained from nearby vehicles and roadside optical beacons to wirelessly alert drivers to potential danger from approaching vehicles. It also provides drivers with fastest-route information with Nissan's probe server collecting city -wide traffic data from the mobile phones of Nissan's CARWINGS navigation service subscribers, taxi services, and vehicle data collected by mobile phone operator NTT DoCoMo. This information is then sent to the driver's navigation screen where it is displayed as real-time maps showing the traffic flow and density.

The test, which is being conducted to evaluate the receptivity of drivers to such a system, will run from Oct. 1, 2006 until the end of March 2009 in Kanagawa Prefecture, about 25 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. About 10,000 drivers, who must be subscribers to Nissan's CARWINGS navigation service, are expected to participate in the test. Applications for the test will be accepted starting in late September.

The trial run will test the following components of the system:

Vehicle alert

This system alerts drivers to the presence of vehicles moving too fast at blind intersections. For example, if the system determines that a car is approaching a driver too fast from the left, a buzzer will sound and a voice recording will call out: "Car approaching from left." At the same time, an image of an approaching vehicle will appear on the driver's CARWINGS navigation screen.

The system will also alert a driver when is detects that he or she approaching a stop sign or red traffic light too fast.

Speed alert

This system warns drivers when they are speeding in a school zone. As soon as a driver passes the speed limit in the area, a buzzer will sound and a voice recording will warn: "School ahead. Watch your speed." An image of a school zone sign will also appear on the driver's navigation screen.


Dynamic route finder

This system informs drivers of the quickest route to their destination using probe data collected from mobile phones of CARWINGS subscribers, including taxi owners, as well as vehicle data collected by mobile phone operator NTT DoCoMo. All of the data is sent to Nissan's probe server where it is collectively processed into traffic information. The data is then sent to the driver's navigation screen where it is displayed in the form of real-time maps showing the traffic flow of a greater coverage of roads compared to VICS (Vehicle Information and Communications System), a public service providing similar information via FM multiplex broadcasting, as well as radio wave and infrared beacons.

Both the vehicle alert and the speed alert systems will be tested until the end of fiscal year 2007. The dynamic route finder system will be tested until the end of fiscal 2008.

Nissan's intelligent transportation system test is being implemented in cooperation with NTT DoCoMo, consumer electronics maker Matsushita Electric, and Xanavi Informatics, a maker of vehicle navigation systems and software. Matsushita Electric developed the roadside optical beacons for the test in conjunction with Japan's National Police Agency, the Kanagawa Prefectural Police Headquarters and the Universal Traffic Management Society of Japan (UTMS).

Based on the results of the test, Nissan is planning to implement its intelligent transportation system in Japan and then globally in the future as part of its efforts to help reduce traffic accidents and congestion. In Japan, Nissan has set a target of halving the number of traffic fatalities or serious injuries involving Nissan vehicles by 2015 compared with the level in 1995.



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Source: Gizmag


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Monday, September 25, 2006

Audi: News service with Fraunhofer

Audi LogoFraunhofer Journaline
Audi and the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS present “NewsService Journaline”.

The companies say the service allows passengers to navigate through thematically organized textual news. Updated information is received via Digital Radio DAB. It can also be accessed with most PC-based Digital Radio Mondiale receivers.

Passengers can mark individual items as favorites for direct future access. Topics can include news, sorted traffic messages or Rolodex information, as examples.

The service is integrated into the Audi Multi Media Interface, and presented in the display. In future, Audi plans to upgrade the feature with voice command recognition and speech output.

DAB radio receivers can be ordered for the Audi models Audi A6/S6, A8/S8 and Audi Q7.


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Source: RW Online


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Toyota: Cellphones

Toyota mobile phone
Toyota joins the game of carmaker-branded mobile phones with their "TiMo" models wanting to close the gap to the telecommunication services offered by Japan's No. 2 telecom carrier which Toyota owns a large share of.

The company's ultimate goal is to close the gap between its cars and telecom networks, so the new phone will be compatible with Toyota navigation systems via Bluetooth. The pair of companies has also developed some type of battery charger that Reuters reports will attach to the armrest of a car and offer music and games downloads.


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Source: Autoblog


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GM: Turn-by-turn-navigation standard from 2007 on

OnStar
GM will make the OnStar-based Turn-by-Turn navigation system standard on a number of 2007 models. First year of this service will be for free, afterwards $299 per year. So use it for three years or longer and you will be able to buy your own nice PNA for this money. Think about it...

Owners of vehicles already equipped with OnStar can also have the service activated through an optional $100 OnStar package upgrade within their first year of use. Turn-by-Turn is considered an "off-board" GPS navigation system because the heavy lifting is done by OnStar advisors and a centrally-managed remote database. Users just push the blue OnStar button, tell a real person where they want to go and voice-guided directions will be pumped through the vehicle's stereo system. It features automatic route corrections and the ability to pick up where it left off after an unscheduled Mountain Dew-induced bathroom break. The system's centrally managed database also continually updates itself with points of interest, so when the main vain needs to be drained again you can call up an OnStar advisor and ask how many miles until the next McDonalds bathroom.


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Source: Autoblog


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GPS: Weiyang WY-13-BT2 Bluetooth receiver

Weiyang WY-13-BT2
Once again a Bluetooth GPS receiver for those puristic fans of a highest grade of integration (like me) using PDA or computer for navigation: the Weiyang WY-13-BT2 Bluetooth GPS receiver

There is no SiRFStar III GPS chipset inside - instead, an ultra low power consumption chipset from Nemerix will drive all GPS functions. Its rechargeable li-ion battery is capable of providing up to 20 hours of power before running out of juice. More features are available after the jump.
Performance
• GPS Chipset: NEMERIX GPS Module
• Frequency: L1, 1575.42MHz
• C/A Code: 1.023MHz chip rate
• Channels: 16 CH all in view tracking
• Antenna (Internal): Built-in low noise
• External Antenna: Port Active MMCX Antenna

Accuracy
• 3 meters CEP (50%), without SA (Horizontal) 7meters (90%)
• Velocity: 0.1 m/sec. without SA
• Time: ± 100 ns synchronized to GPS time
• Dynamic Conditions
• Altitude: 18,000 m
• Velocity: 515m/sec.
• Acceleration: 4g
• Motional: Jerk 20 m/sec.

Sensitivity
• 147 dBm Tracking, Superior Urban Canyon Performance

Acquisition Rate
• Cold Start: 45 sec, average
• Warm Start: 38 sec, average
• Hot Start: 10 sec, average
• Reacquisition: 100 ms, average

Power
• Rechargeable 5VDC 850mAh Li-ion battery
• Operation Current: 45mA (Typical)
• Operation Time: 20hrs continuous (MAX)
• Charging Time: 2.5hrs. (Typical)


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Source: Ubergizmo


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Don't drink and drive: Alcohol Consumption Tracking by GPS

Alcohol Consumption Tracking
We know a lot of GPS devices. But do you know about ACT? That's 'Alcohol Consumption Tracking' and CTI, LLC comes with a new product exactly for this combining GPS tracking and alcohol detection capabilities.

This new device not only detects the presence of alcohol, but allows you to see exactly where the vehicle is located and even remotely stop the vehicle. Some models even offer an accurate blood alcohol (BAC) level.
ACT GPS combines GPS with online tracking. As soon as alcohol is detected in a vehicle, an appropriate party is notified of the exact location of the vehicle and the time the occurrence was detected. Not only are you notified of the occurrence, but the product web site will keep track of all occurrences for you. For parents, this is an invaluable tool. Never again will you need to worry if your teenage child is driving under the influence, and if they are, you can stop them in their tracks before their bad judgment turns into a tragedy.

"Our intention with ACT GPS is to inform people of alcohol abuse both before and while operating a motor vehicle. By providing people with the proper information we hope to reduce future instances of alcohol related crashes and fatalities," expresses Ray Caperton with CTI, LLC.


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Source: Newsblaze


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Friday, September 22, 2006

GPS: Becker device in Ferrari design

Becker Traffic Assist 7929 GPS
Your car won't get faster and it won't get redder by this but if you are a Ferrari enthusiast in need of a PNA this Becker Traffic Assist 7929 GPS might be your choice.

It looks a lot like the Becker Traffic Assist 7914, and includes what's becoming the usual features for GPS devices, including voice guidance, a touchscreen display and 2D/3D maps. It's also packing a 2GB SD card and a bigger-than-average 4-inch display.

Trying to differentiate itself from the pack, this Ferrari also plays music, but that's getting to be a common function in GPS devices, too. Sure, it's not going to get you there as quickly as a four-wheeled Ferrari, but if you can't have the real thing, at 613.60 EUR (around $789 if you can get one in the US) this'll do.


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Source: Gizmodo


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Chevrolet: Camaro ringtone

Chevrolet Camaro
You want a Camaro? Well it's your choice. You can start with it's sound as a ringtone.
I personally have the Audi heartbeat and the great Q7 song "Streets of tomorrow" as ringtone on my Sony Ericsson mobile.

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.


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Source: Autoblog


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Japan: Don't drink and drive


Japanese auto really take it serious not to drink and drive.

Last week, the Nihon Keizai newspaper reported that Nissan is researching a system that would require drivers to blow into an in-car breathalyzer before being allowed to start the engine. If the driver has alcohol in his breath, the car would not allow the engine to start. That tech could be combined with a camera based unit designed to monitor drowsiness akin to being drunk. Today in Tokyo Toyota chiefs revealed they're also raising the bar against drunk drivers. Speaking at press conference to announce business strategy, CEO Katsuaki Watanabe and R&D chief Kazuo Okamoto confirmed that Toyota is also researching various approaches to the problem including breathalyzers, using the steering wheel to test for alcohol through the hands or monitoring driver behavior once they're on the road. "I think we should introduce that technology as soon as possible," Watanabe told the audience. Still, drivers would be unwise to hold their breath, alcohol free or otherwise. Okamoto warned inroducing a suitable system is a long way off. "From the design side it would be very difficult [to devise a system] for passenger cars," he said. One problem is that someone other than the driver could take the breath tests, for example. "Probably various techniques will have to be combined, but I have to say we're still at an R&D stage."


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Source: Businessweek


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Thursday, September 21, 2006

Bluetooth: Motorbike headset with FM radio

Bluetooth: Motorbike headset with FM radio
Cardo's latest Bluetooth motorcycle headset features now also an FM receiver. Check if it's legal in your country before use.

The Scala Rider FM follows on the heels of the Scala Rider, which we reviewed last fall, and incorporates all of the Bluetooth hands-free calling capabilities of its predecessor. These include automatic volume adjustment, voice-controlled receipt of incoming calls, and a noise-canceling microphone.


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Source: CNET


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GPS: Garmin 660

Garmin 660 GPS
Garmin latest TomTom rival with 4.3-inch, 480 by 272 pixel touchscreen has as well a FM receiver

The GPS also has a high sensitivity SiRF star III receiver, built in traffic data, 700MB of internal memory for maps, a SD slot, a world currency converter, picture viewer, Bluetooth integration with a cellphone, and the usual Garmin interface that's sweet as a peanut butter, banana, and honey sandwich. Bye, I'm going to go eat now.

Wait, one more thing. The GPS guys at GPS Passion forums say that the bigger screen is going to make the Garmin slower to respond than older gen models. We shall see in September, when this thing hits for a little less than $1000.


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Source: Gizmodo


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VW Beetle: Reborn as sofa

VW Beetle sofa
This great in style of the original VW Beetle - not the New Beetle. So let the Beetle revice in your lounge

Details on the website seem pretty vague, but from the image, it seems to feature a solid surround (bumpers and wheels - we sense these are plastic), with two "diner style" seats to sit back on (possibly leather). Just lay back and imagine your spread over the bonnet of everyone's favourite vintage motor.

Available in either red or yellow, it will set you back around £1,500.


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Source: Retro to go


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Ford: Airbag-based seatbelt

Ford: Airbag-based seatbelt
Ford wants to enhance safety of their drivers developing a new seatbelt that has mini-airbags embedded inside.

When the airbag is deployed, the bag tears through the seam of the seatbelt and inflates cylindrically. The seatbelt orientation has also totally changed -- a hip strap and two shoulder straps creates a four-point restraint system, centered at the rider's belt buckle. Ford officials said that this new design cuts down on pressure to the chest during impacts. However, the company does acknkowledge that this design, which may takes years to reach the market, may be uncomfortable for some people, particularly pregnant women and large-bellied folks.


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Source: Engadget


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RFID: Volkswagen Autostadt

RFID car tracking
Do you know Volkswagen's delivery center "Autostadt" at Wolfsburg? There are delivered 130,000 car per years, 700 buyers are visiting the nice site every day.
But how do they manage the logistic challenge? RFID is the solution.

Remember that Autostadt is Germany's second most-visited theme park and ensuring that the right car reaches the right person at the right time is a humungous task at this park because innumerable tasks need to be performed before delivery and in order to cure this headache the company moved to RFID.

The company makes use of active RFID tags for tracking more than ten thousand vehicles standing in the parking lots. This is being done in order to ensure that its cars meet the predelivery tasks and quality controls in the prescribed manner. The technology was implemented in the year 2000 and within a year the company recovered its investment through higher productivity and savings in labor.

Identec Solutions Intelligent Long Range (ILR) wireless technology was used for this purpose and their i-Q8 tags are hung on car's rear view mirror in a plastic casing and equipped with a small LED which flashes on coming in within the reader range. With power usage being minimal these tags can last for at least a period of six years.

The system works in the following manner:

After a car is unloaded from a truck or train bringing in vehicles from plants around the world-or, in the case of a Golf, Bora, Jetta or Tuoron model, after it arrives straight from the adjacent factory-a worker drives the car to the entrance to one of Volkswagen's three holding lots. The driver then presents a lot attendant with a piece of paper detailing the car's ID number and the various predelivery tasks that must be performed.

Each car goes through an average of four to five predelivery stations specified via bar-coded instructions printed on the form. The attendant scans the bar-coded data into the system and writes it to an RFID tag, which is hung on the car's rear-view mirror. The driver is assigned a row in which to park the car, rear first. Individual parking spaces are not numbered. After dropping the car off, he walks to a middle lane and is picked up by a holding-lot shuttle bus.

Up to three days before an owner is scheduled to pick up his or her car, a VW worker retrieves it from the lot to begin predelivery tasks. The car's ID number is sent via a wireless LAN to an on-board computer mounted in a shuttle bus in the holding lot. The onboard computer tells the bus's driver and i-PORT, connected to the onboard computer via a cable, which ID numbers to search for in specific rows. Atop of the bus, two i-PORT antennas extend like long, comical ears from either side of the windshield. As the bus drives past the parked cars, the interrogator reads their tags.

The system is calibrated so the driver has time to brake and stop just in front of the car to be retrieved. At that point, a worker jumps from the van, gets in the car (all keys are left in the vehicles) and drives the car to the manned gate of the holding lot, where an attendant reads the tag. Only at this point does the driver learn which of the 20 predelivery stations the car will go to first.

When the car is ready for delivery, it is driven to an ILR-enabled gate, where the dimensions of the wheelbase are read from the tag. This information is used to adjust the tracks automatically so the car can be loaded onto a transporting platform after the gate opens. The vehicle is conveyed to a 48-meter-high glass tower that holds 400 cars for storage and viewing by Autostadt visitors. The cars are retrieved from the tower without the help of drivers. Everything is automated and computerized, including the elevators that shuttle the cars up and down. RFID tags stay in the cars but are used only to tell the automated transport system details about the car before it goes into the system, and when it exits the transporting platform.

Volkswagen has certainly benefited from RFID and has improved its vehicle delivery by around four times. It has experienced simplification of its predelivery process and the pen and paper method has been done away with. Overall the company has gained several things such as improved quality control, productivity and labor savings. It also recovered its investment in RFID within a year and has also freed up its space at its holding lot by around twenty percent.


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Source: The RFID Weblog


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Wednesday, September 20, 2006

PSP: Cradle

Talismoon InTouch PSP cradle

Our favourite gaming console from Sony is not only for gaming. It can be used as a MP3 player and for watching videos as well. All things you get other car-specific gadgets extra.
Here is a cradle to use the nice all-purpose-device Sony PSP in your car by fixing it with this cradle from Talismoon.

InTouch features a secure locking system so it's perfect for watching videos, movies, listening to music and even playing games. A great product for the future when the GPS reciever is released fot the PSP.

The Talismoon InTouch PSP Car Cradle is available now at a price of $19.95 (US) or £12.95 (UK).


Talismoon InTouch PSP cradle

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Source: PSP Crazy


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JVC: In-dash DVD player

JVC KD-AVX2

JVC comes with in-dash DVD player featuring a 3.5" widescreen display.

Not only does it play DVDs and CDs, the KD-AVX2 also comes with an integrated AM/FM tuner, supports WMA and MP3 file formats, is Satellite radio ready, and built-in 5.1 surround sound technology. You can also pick up the KS-PD100 iPod adaptor and use it to control your very own iPod. The KD-AVX2 is extremely well designed and ought to appeal to anyone looking for a full-featured in-dash DVD player.


Nice for $549.

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Source: Ubergizmo


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Fiat: Triple powered Multipla

Fiat Multipla Multi-Eco

The Italian Multipla is not beautiful. But it runs most modern technology - at least in a concept. The Multi-Eco can run on three different power sources.

In addition to running on plain-old gasoline, it'll get you where you want to go on either methane or E85 bioethanol. The methane gets a fuel tank of its own, but the car's ECU is able to sort out the gas and bioethanol itself, letting you use any combination of them. This being a concept vehicle, however, you won't exactly be able to get behind the wheel of one anytime soon. However, Fiat is making a slight variation commercially available in the form of the Panda Panda, which lacks the E85 bioethanol option but still lets you run on your choice of methane or gasoline.



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Source: Engadget


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Eco: On-Board Distillation System for Reduced HC Emissions and Improved Fuel Economy

on-board destillation system
A new on-board destillation system to reduce start-up emissions of unburned hydrocarbons was developed at the University of Texas.

The on-board distillation system (OBDS) extracts high-volatility components from gasoline and stores them for exclusive during start-up and warming. New tests show that OBDS reduced cranking fuel requirements by 70%, enabled a 57% decrease in catalyst light-off time, cut the emissions of regulated hydrocarbons (NMOG) by 81%, and delivered an apparent 1% increase in fuel economy. The team reports on its work in a paper in Environmental Science & Technology.

In modern vehicles, 60-95% of all HC emissions occur during the first 90 seconds after a cold start.

The primary reasons for this are twofold: low/unknown fuel volatility and poor catalytic converter efficiency. The relatively low volatility of gasoline (10-30% vaporizes upon injection at 20° C) requires the injection of considerably more fuel (typically 8-15 times) than the stoichiometric amount in order to generate a reliably ignitable fuel/air mixture.

Furthermore, the volatility of the fuel is not known a priori by the engine controller (the powertrain control module, PCM), so the PCM is often calibrated to command fueling rates based upon the expectation of the worst-case volatility fuel. This results in an air/fuel mixture that is overly fuel-rich for most starting conditions and a large amount of liquid fuel that will enter the combustion chamber during the first several cycles. Much of the excess fuel exits the engine unburned or only partially combusted.

A conventional three-way catalytic converter will not reach “light-off” temperature (corresponding to 50% HC conversion efficiency) for 30-40 s or more during the FTP drive cycle. Ironically, the period of highest engine-out HC emissions coincides with the period of lowest catalyst efficiency, making the combination of low fuel volatility with poor catalysis the primary cause of high HC emissions during the cold-start and warm-up period.

(This is also a design consideration for plug-in hybrids, as the longer periods of all-electric drive could be accompanied by more engine cold-start events during the day.)

The OBDS originally was designed to address the cold-start problems inherent in E85-fueled vehicles. The OBDS separated the most volatile fractions of gasoline fr


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Source: Green Car Congress


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GPS: Rikaline GPS 6036 Bluetooth receiver

Rikaline GPS 6036 Bluetooth receiver
This Bluetooth GPS receiver from Rikaline is a nice device for your mobile navigation solution using i.e. your PDA for this purpose. The thin receiver just weights 50g including battery.

Other than its slim dimensions, this Bluetooth GPS receiver is unique as it comes with an upright charging cradle that is equipped with built-in magnets that prevent it from falling during your more spirited driving sessions. The dull, grey cover can be changed to something that reflects your personality better. The GPS 6036 is powered by the SiRFStar III GPS chipset and lasts up to 8 hours before requiring a recharge. More features are available after the jump.
• Fast acquisition: 20 parallel satellites acquisition
• Advanced GPS chip: SiRF Star III SOC
• Fast TTFF: 200,000 effective correlators for fast TTFF at low signal levels
• Built-in WAAS/EGNOS (Optional model for WAAS/EGNOS covered area) and DGPS for accurate positioning result.
• Quick Host start: Built-in rechargeable Lithium battery for backup ephemeris for quick hot start.
• Support MNEA 0183V2.2 data protocol.
• Enhanced algorithms provide superior navigation performance in urban canyon and foliage Environments.
• User initialization is not required.
• LED display status : The LED provides users visible positioning status of BT / GPS / Power.
• Built-in Magnets inside the cradle for easy using on dashboard of the car (with the easy-place metal pad).


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Source: Ubergizmo


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Citroen: Diesel hybrid sports car

Citroen C-Metisse diesel hybrid sports car
The french seem to be back. This Citroen C-Metisse sports car does not only look great but runs on most modern diesel hybrid technology.
This four-door rocket is powered by a 205hp diesel V-6 engine and two electric motors, one on each rear wheel. That combo delivers pretty good numbers, too: 0-to-62 mph in 6.2 seconds at a top speed of 155mph, all the while sipping the fuel at just 42 miles per gallon.

While we probably won't be seeing a car like this on these shores or anywhere else anytime soon—yeah, it's a concept car—these design exercises will likely bear fruit somewhere, somehow. Plus, we're really digging those four gull-wing doors, inviting a quartet of lucky riders to jump in and hit the triple miles-per-hour digits.

Citroen C-Metisse diesel hybrid sports car
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Source: Gizmodo


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Harley Davidson: Electric motorbike

Electric Harley Davidson
As well Harley drivers seem to be harmed by the current prices of gas. This electric Harley Davidson is not an original by the manufacturer but a modified version by an enthusiast.

The thanks are due to Carl Vogel. Following a long tradition of hog choppers, Mr. Vogel has replaced the gas engine with ten car batteries. With 5 speeds and 78 horsepower, the bike can do 70 - 75 mph according to its inventor. A glimpse at the Vogelbilt website might disappoint those hoping the first electric Harley is a prototype, coming soon to a dealer near you, because Vogelbilt's main focus is biodiesel. But Carl Vogel has told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that he wants to start producing electric motorcycles by 2007. The MJS site also offers a link to video from the Discovery Channel for those interested to see the bike in action. Or worth a look if you want to see a man with cheese on his head riding a motorcycle! The bike can also be set up with a side car generator (fueled by biodiesel, what else?) which can recharge the batteries underway.


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Source: Treehugger


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Tuesday, September 19, 2006

FAW: The driverless car

FAW driverless car

China's First Auto Works demonstrated the first driverless car. Is that really what we want? On the other side if I do not have to concentrate on driving I could more control my gadgets...


The vehicle in question was a specially modified version of FAW's Hongqi (Red Flag) HQ3 sedan, which was unveiled last year as a concept and bears a startling resemblance to the Toyota Crown Majesta, not to mention an older Hyundai XG350.

FAW tested the driverless sedan at speeds of up to 37 mph but said the car can actually reach a top speed of 93 mph. The demonstration took place at the Northeast Asia Investment and Trade Expo here, according to the Shanghai Daily.

According to the newspaper, the specially equipped HQ3, which monitors the road via two onboard cameras and receives its instructions from a computer, "has a strong ability to recognize the environment around it and tackle turnoffs [and] street crossings, as well as broken lines instantly. It's also able to adapt to changes of driving attitude and natural lighting, as well as shadows of trees and bridges."


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Source: Inside Line


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Security: The Auto Safe

The Auto Safe

Here is a physical theft-protection for your gadgets in car. Unfortunately it doesn't prevent the complete car form being stolen.

The AutoSafe hooks into your vehicle via a wire rope cable that can attach to a chassis-mounted seat base, seat hinges or baby seat fixing points so you don't have to run and get your drill. AutoSafe comes in various sizes, from smaller ones that fit an MP3 player, PDA or pharmaceuticals to larger ones that can fit an entire laptop bag.

The safes span in price from $100 to $300 depending upon their size.


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Source: Autoblog


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Peugeot: 207 fuel-cell concept

Peugeot 207 EPURE fuel-cell

Peugeot comes with a nice fuel-cell car that we would like to see in the streets. And propably we will...

The 207 EPURE concept car uses an electric motor combined with PSA Peugeot Citroen Group's new 20 kW GENEPAC experimental fuel cell which has been designed in partnership with the French AEC (Atomic Energy Commission). The electricity produced by the fuel cell is used to provide extra power and operating range to the lithium-ion battery and hence the 50kW electric motor. The combination fuel cell - electric powertrain gives the 207 EPURE a range of around 218 miles while still providing a maximum speed of 81 mph. The pearl white exterior of the 207 EPURE highlights the purity of the concept car's lines while strengthening the ecological credentials of the technology that powers it.

The fascia panel is covered entirely with white leather, as is most of the passenger compartment: the detailing, the trim on all four seats, and even the steering column controls under the steering wheel. Touches of "absinthe green", as used for the interior floor carpet, are subtly interspersed throughout the passenger compartment, particularly in the form of discreet highlighting on the fascia panel, the door panels, the rear of the front seats and the head restraints.

The instrument panel provides all necessary information for monitoring the battery charge level and the quantity of stored hydrogen onboard, while the colour multi function display mounted in the centre console displays the flow of power between the electric motor, the battery and the fuel cell.

From the purity of its colour with the only emissions being water, the "207 EPURE" not only protects the environment but will also ensure the pleasure of Peugeot "open top" motoring remains for many years to come.



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Source: Gizmag


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Bluetooth: Hands-on music streaming

Alpine KCA-100BT

Colleagues over at CNET played a little with their Sony Ericsson K790A mobile phone and an Alpine CDA-9857 car stereo with the Alpine KCA-100BT Bluetooth module for streaming music via Bluetooth. Here is what they experienced.

The phone and Alpine's Bluetooth module both use A2DP, a wireless protocol with enough bandwidth for streaming music.

We got the phone paired up with the car stereo easily, and music from the phone started playing through our car stereo speakers. New tech experiences like that always make us a little giddy. Even better, there was some control of the music on the phone from the car stereo. Buttons on the stereo pause, play, and skip tracks for music on the phone, which is very cool, but no song title or other information is displayed on the car stereo. Maybe that will happen in the next generation. When a call came in, the music paused, and the car stereo acted like a speaker phone. The phone takes Sony's micro Memory Sticks, which go up to 2GB, allowing for a pretty hefty library of music in the car, all without having to bring along discs or a separate MP3 player.


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Source: CNET


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GPS: Simple and cheap

Aytobe GPS

If you are looking for just a simple GPS for just guiding you through your roads this danish device from Aytobe with SiRFStar III chipset might be the right thing for you.

Other than that, the stats look fairly standard: 300mhz, 64mb internal storage, USB 1.1 (ick), 2gb SD support, Windows CE interface (not sure of functionality), infrared remote and possibly a touch screen (we are reading translation from a Danish company). But, at $250 Euros including tax, the Aytobe may give TomTom a run for their money.


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Source: Gizmodo


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Ford: Be online on the road with FordLink

FordLink

For people in need (or wanting) to work (or do whatever else you can do with a Windows-powered PC) on the road Ford brings the turnkey solution.

Ford's just launched its FordLink system for F-Series pickups (and the 2008 Super Duty). The system includes a rugged, lightweight tablet PC running Windows XP and connected to the Internet via wireless broadband. The dealer-installed accessory package includes GPS navigation with audio prompts, a printer and small-business management software that facilitates job bidding, parts purchases and payment processing.



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Source: Jalopnik


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The Hello Kitty Exhaust Pipe

Hello Kitty Exhaust pipe

Who needs this?!?

Some, um, creative (read: obsessed) minds have apparently crafted a steel exhaust tip that will show those pesky tailgaters just what you adore. If you need just one more bolt-on to complete the pimping of your ride, and blowing flames seemed a bit too extreme for your 4-banger, this should fit the bill nicely. While it's unlikely these will show up anytime soon in your local automotive store, we're sure someone in Japan can give you the scoop on this fantasmical add-on, and something tells us he's acquainted with Bubb Rubb.


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Source: Engadget


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GM: Fuel-cells by 2015

GM fuel-cell models

Fuel-cell technology gets booming. So also GM plans to bring them to market - by 2015.

Ailing car giant GM - owners of Saab, Vauxhall, Chevrolet and more - will use some of the $9 billion it is saving from various cost-cutting measures such as plant closures and redundancies to fund production versions of its fuel-cell vehicles. The next-generation of fuel-cell vehicles would use a chemical reaction between hydrogen stored in a fuel tank and oxygen to produce an electric current that powers the car.

Development of a fuel-cell version of its prototype Sequel SUV is fairly advanced, according to senior GM officials, who have made advancing technology, fuel economy and design at the centre of their future plans.

GM, like other major automakers, has been readying new vehicles that will reduce reliance on petrol and offered improved efficiency, including petrol-electric hybrids and diesel engines. The Sequel is said to have an unprecedented range of around 300 miles between hydrogen fill-ups and is able hit 60mph in 10 seconds.


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Source: Pocket-Lint


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Monday, September 18, 2006

BMW: Bringing hydrogen to market

BMW 7 series hydrogen
Hydrogen will be available in the market from BMW in their 7 series.

The Hydrogen 7’s internal combustion engine (not a fuel cell) can run on either hydrogen or gasoline, is enormous (260 hp 12-cylinder), and offers the driver 0-62 in 9.5 seconds, barely better than the Prius’ four cylinders. The notion of producing an internal combustion engine (ICE) with hundreds of moving parts, that runs on a substance that is not an energy source but an energy carrier, does next to nothing to step away from the auto industry’s self-destructive model and climate change contribution, is well summed up in the press release: “paving the way into the future”. Companies that choose to ignore this third wave of electric transportation solutions will do so at their own peril and continue to pave over their own future prospects, as well as ours. Cars like the Tesla and a good many others are already opening the gates for a new era of cars, and cheap, powerful, fast-charging batteries, mostly made in China, will make this shift much faster than most would imagine. Plug-in hybrids are an ideal gateway technology, and they themselves already far surpass ICE hydrogen in almost every respect.

Stated in BMW’s Hydrogen 7 press release: “Together with clean performance diesel cars and the technologically advanced hybrid systems …the BMW Group has a clear strategy for sustainable mobility with hydrogen as the ultimate goal.” Mother company to Mini, BMW should take a cue from the British engineering firm that recently outfitted a Mini with in-wheel electric motors and got 0-60 in four seconds. I’m not sure how BMW could manage to make a 12-cylinder car so slow, but that is not even the point. It is time for us to stop being impressed by hydrogen. Yes, hydrogen vehicles release only water vapor and heat, but the hydrogen “consumed” is only a carrier for the energy that was input when the hydrogen was prepared. Proponents of course urge that this energy will come from renewable sources, and it very well may, but this does not excuse the huge amounts of energy lost during electrolysis and other processes. Satisfying the need for a hydrogen fueling infrastructure is also a massive undertaking, but seems most absurd when juxtaposed to the already existing infrastructure for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, the infrastructure that is already connected to your own house.


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Source: Treehugger


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VW: Industry's most environmentally friendly automaker

VW Logo
We would like to have fun with our cars for a long time more so we are much into eco-friendliness. And this is why we promote this performance and award of Volkswagen. Congratulations!
VW is the industry’s most environmentally friendly automaker according to J.D. Power and Associates’ just-released, 2006 “Alternative Powertrain Study, ” which includes the Automotive Environmental Index.
Volkswagen places three products on the automotive researcher’s list of low emission vehicles—including the Golf, Jetta and New Beetle. The study includes gasoline, diesel and hybrid powered vehicles.

The new study combines U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) data with voice-of-the-customer information to scrutinize 37 automotive brands relative to a range of environmental factors, including fuel economy, emissions and air quality. The vehicles are then ranked to determine an Automotive Environmental Index (AEI), with Volkswagen topping the list as the product leader in environmental performance.

Said Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, chairman of the Volkswagen brand: “The “Alternative Powertrain Study” is testament to our intensive and global commitment in the area of economic engines. And this innovative strength continues to have an impact, via our range of TDI vehicles. No other manufacturer has sold more diesel cars in the United States and that upward trend continues.”

The J.D. Power and Associates study also recognizes Volkswagen and its products as strong performers in the diesel arena. Volkswagen is the leading manufacturer of diesel cars in the United States, including the new Touareg V10 TDI— the first turbodiesel SUV in America with a particle filter, and the Jetta TDI, the industry’s top selling diesel vehicle.


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Source: The German Car Blog


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Hybrids: Diesel Air Hybrid engine

Scuderi Diesel Air hybrid engine
In next week's Hanover fair the design of a prototype diesel application of its air-hybrid engine will be shown by Scuderi.


The split-cycle engine divides the conventional four-stroke engine cycle across two paired cylinders—one compression cylinder and one power cylinder. Intake air is compressed in the compression cylinder and transferred via a gas passage to the power cylinder for combustion. The Scuderi air-hybrid implementation leverages the split-cycle technology by recapturing and storing energy in the form of compressed air.

By adding a small air storage tank with some simple controls costing only a few hundred dollars, the Scuderi engine can recapture energy normally lost during the braking of a vehicle. In addition, unlike electric hybrids, the Scuderi Air-Hybrid promises to be able to recapture energy from the exhaust of the engine, making it possible to utilize a Scuderi Air-Hybrid design in stationary applications such as electric generators—an application where electric hybrids are considered impractical. The concept is applicable to either Otto or diesel engines.

The innovations in the design of the Scuderi engine reduces the cost of diesel systems by eliminating or dramatically reducing three of the most expensive and complex parts of a diesel system—turbocharging, injectors and exhaust treatment. Because of the inherent design advantages of the Scuderi Air-Hybrid diesel engine, we estimate that this engine can lower the cost of diesel engines by as much as 40-50%. We strongly believe that the Scuderi Air-Hybrid engine is the diesel engine design of the future.

—Sal Scuderi, president of The Scuderi Group
The unique method of firing after top dead center and a very fast moving power piston eliminate or drastically reduce the two biggest emission problems for diesel engines: NOx and PM, according to Scuderi. As a result, the company claims, expensive exhaust aftertreatment systems can be scaled down dramatically.

Other potential cost savings come from the elimination of the turbocharger and the halving of the number of fuel injectors. In addition, because of the high turbulence created by the air transferring into the power cylinder from the transfer passage, the Scuderi Diesel Engine will be able to use low pressure, low cost injectors instead of expensive high-pressure injectors, according to the company.

Scuderi expects its engine to:

- Improve fuel efficiency in today’s gas and diesel engines by almost one third;

- Emit 80 percent less toxic emissions than today’s gas and diesel engines;

- Enhance the performance of hybrid engines;

- Provide significantly more power than a conventional engine; and

- Be easy to manufacture because it utilizes the same components found in today’s engines.


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Source: Green Car Congress


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GPS: DMX-760 with DMB TV

GPS: DMX-760 with DMB TV

Korea gets the DMX-760 for GPS navigation. DMB TV is fine but I still avoid to have Microsoft in my car (to be honest: not only in my car) and this one is running Windows.

The TV can show up in a Picture-in-Picture window, so when you're trying to find the next cross street you can be distracted/entertained by the idiot box. An AV mode lets users connect external devices, such as DVD players and digital music players.There's a few other gems found in the DMX-760, like its seven-inch display being a touchscreen and the inclusion of an FM transmitter.


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Source: Gizmodo


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Mini: 2007 models with iDrive

Mini iDrive
Hopefully BMW learned from the desaster with the first iDrive and the new version for the Mini will be more comfortable and at least a step nearer to the market's benchmark: Audi's MMI.

As we reported 18 months back, MINI’s new navigation system will indeed feature a simplified iDrive controller behind the shifter. The controller will mange an interface that is similar to the BMW iDrive system but redesigned to look a bit more MINI like. The main screen (as seen in the image above) will feature “entertainment”, “communication”, “navigation”, and a link for set-up. This is slightly different than the version found in the latest 3 series which also includes a link for controlling the climate control. It’s assumed that BMW decided to keep the climate system in the new MINI controlled exclusively via the standard interface found on the center stack.

However the iDrive joystick won’t be the only interface with the new system. Like some BMWs, MINI’s new navigation will offer voice command via the push of a button the steering wheel. The idea is that this will make controlling of the radio, bluetooth system and navigation system a simple process that doesn’t divert the driver’s eyes from the road.


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Source: Motoring File


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Survey: Men haven't a clue when it comes to cars

cars
What do you think about this: Men haven't a clue when it comes to cars ?
May be, but we know a lot about gadgets...
Men are well rubbish. Not only are they not particularly good at things like hunting or fire-building these days, there also none too hot when it comes to knowing their way around an automobile.

According to recent research, while 94% of men claim they are able to perform even the most simple of under-the-bonnet checks, only 80% could identify the oil dipstick. 10% pointed to the radiator and 3% fingered the battery. D’oh!

Still, being less prone to mood swings than women, the chaps took it on the chin, went for a pint and scoffed a late-night kebab before returning home to watch some late-night naughty stuff on Bravo.

However, a new study from Vauxhall reveals that almost a half of women rely on their long-suffering hubbies for the most basic of car-maintenance advice, with almost 90% admitting their bloks is more likely to know about the subject than they.

"For a majority of men, car confidence appears to be an almost in-built characteristic by virtue of their gender alone." says psychologist Professor Geoff Beattie. "It's interesting that when put to the test, men are not as savvy as they would have us believe and that in fact, as many as a quarter of men openly confess to bluffing their car knowledge.


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Source: Pocket-Lint


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Saturday, September 02, 2006

Foursprung: Holiday season

Algarve Monchique Villa
It's holiday season. And although Vorsprung never sleeps, Foursprung will take two weeks off for recreational reasons, being back in two weeks with the latest news on car gadgets and technology.

We hope this time will not be too hard for you. Use the mean time to read more intensively.

We will be back mid of September - relaxed and again bringing you the latest enhancements for your nicest toy.

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Picture Source: http://www.algarve-monchique-villa.co.uk/



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Roof-rack: Inflatable

inflatable roof rack

I wonder how this will work for bicycles...

A UK company has invented the world's first inflatable roof rack. The HandiRack is essentially a couple of innertube chambers with straps that get routed through the doors of a vehicle and cinched down.

According to the company, the 'Rack inflates with an included pump and can hold up to 80 kg in weight (that's nearly 180 pounds) - provided your vehicle's roof can handle the same. The whole mess folds down into a bag around the size of a toaster so it can get stored in the garage or chucked in the boot trunk.


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Source: Winding Road


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Wi-Fi: Ways to be online on the road

Wi-Fi Alliance

Many gagdets and a lot of the nicest functionality requires exchange of information between what ever. This requires to be on-line (to whatever) in one way or another.

CNET has a nice overview on different ways to be on-line on the road.

WiMax keeps on coming. Sprint will launch mobile WiMax broadband access in Q4 2007. That means another form of wireless broadband that could be used in your car and one that will compete with the offerings coming from 3G cellular technology. Speed is predicted to hit 2Mbps to 5Mbps, which beats the pants off the 400Kbps to 700Kbps we get today from 3G cellular. Clearly, cellular will be under pressure to speed way up, and both services will be under pressure to come way down in price. Sprint forecasts pricing for mobile WiMax to start around $20 a month for up to 1GB of transfer, which isn't much--about 10 hours of 28Kbps audio streaming, by my rough calculations.

Think I'm nuts with all this in-car broadband stuff? It's not just me.


Read the complete overview .

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Source: CNET, pic from Wi-Fi Alliance


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Toys: The remote controlled flying car

Fly Wheels XPV

Be sure Christmas is coming so you start collecting gift ideas with the Fly Wheels XPV - a flying remote controlled car.

It zooms over grass, concrete, and dirt. But at 20MPH, it goes airborne. Whoosh! During flight, the vehicle can reach heights of 20 stories at 30MPH. And the racer only costs 60 bucks (plus $20 for a rechargeable battery that'll last 10 minutes).


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Source: Gizmodo


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GPS: BlauPunkt TravelPilot Rome NAV56E

BlauPunkt TravelPilot Rome NAV56E

I like the way of integrating the GPS into the car stereo and Blaupunkt does quite well in this. Their newest devices from this series is the TravelPilot Rome aka NAV56E and successor of the NAV55E.

This radio navigation device comes bundled with CDs that contain maps of 10 European countries. Features to make your navigational experience all the more pleasant include a high resolution TFT screen, zoom functionality, the fastest/shortest route option, and an FM/MW/LW tuner to keep you company during long road trips. It is tagged at £550, so that translates to a price cut for the vaunted Nav55E.


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Source: Ubergizmo


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Friday, September 01, 2006

Parking: Efficient parking network system by GPRS

Parking by GPRS

If you are on the road in Munich and have the right equipment, the city's parking garages will inform you about free capacity.

Siemens developed the system in cooperation with Setrix, and also operates the technology. The system has improved capacity utilization at the Munich parking garages by notifying motorists of unoccupied parking spaces well in advance. And because it is relatively inexpensive, the system has sparked the interest of other cities.

In the past, parking guidance systems were always difficult and expensive to install because of the numerous cables that had to be laid to transmit signals to roadside information panels and link the parking garages. In contrast, the new system in Munich uses transceivers from Setrix, a company that receives financing from Siemens Venture Capital. The transceivers use the mobile radio standard GPRS to send data via the Internet to the control center, where a PC manages the entire system. The parking garages transmit information on occupied spaces directly to the transceivers, which then forward the data to digital information panels installed along the city's thoroughfares. The data is transmitted via radio, so the panels can be set up wherever desired.

In addition to the integration of all the parking guidance system's components, Siemens is also responsible for the system's operation. The system is very cost-efficient, and the elimination of underground work alone saved the city of Munich about €500,000. The solution is also inexpensive to run, because it requires fewer computers than a system with wires and cables and because the data transmission fees can be invoiced on a flat-rate basis.


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Source: physorg.com


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Car audio: Theft protection by de-installation



Does the fear of thieves keep you away from installing great audio equipment to your car? Now it becomes easy to protect your car-stereo from being theft - just take it with you easily.

The Vibe FastPlug makes it easy for you to remove expensive audio equipment from your car. If you've got a pricey amplifier or speaker enclosure hidden in your boot, this simple connector will help you to take it out in seconds.The heavy-duty plug clicks together and connects positive and negative wires, as well as cables that operate remote controls. It's a universal-fit connector, too, so will work with all your audio equipment, whatever the make.


Available for less than UKP 15.

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Source: Auto Express


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GPS: Blaupunkt TravelPilot DX-V

Blaupunkt TravelPilot DX-V GPS system

This one is currently for Australia only. Why if the picuture shown on the snapshow shows roads in Europe?

The TravelPilot DX-V satellite navigation system comes with a huge 6.5" TFT color LCD that displays everything in a generous 16:9 format which works out great for your eyes. The display is also able to split into two sections that portray the map on one while the other denotes the arrow. There is even an automatic traffic congestion avoidance function via RDS/TMC to get you to work on time through the fastest possible route. The TravelPilot DX-V uses vehicle speed wire in addition to the standard GPS signal, pooh-poohing the threat of traveling via tunnels. The built-in gyroscope works great in providing the system with a 3D image of the surroundings.


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Source: Ubergizmo


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Accessories: The Tire Ring

Tire ring

If you are a real car enthusiast maybe this is as well something if you are going to marry.

Brian Bergeron Designs offers a range of tire-inspired rings for men and women that will proclaim your dual passions to all.

Inspired by car, mountain bike and motorcycle tires, they are available in silver, gold or platinum, ranging from $64.50 for bike styles to more than $5000 for a platinum car tire ring. Seems a perfect way to let that special someone know how much of a grip he or she has on you.


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Source: Autoblog


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Diesel-Hybrid: 330mpg

Aptera Concept car Diesel hybrid

Not really nice but great in fuel consumption.

Yeah, you're laughing at this weird-looking half-egg-shaped concept car now, but when gasoline costs $10 a gallon not too long from now, this 330 mile-per-gallon Aptera concept car might start looking pretty damn good. It cops that high-mpg efficiency with a fuel-sipping diesel engine lashed onto hybrid technology, coupled with its wind-slippery aerodynamics and 850-pound weight.

Stare at it long enough, and it starts looking like a lemon that's been cut in half. Will it be a lemon? Wait a couple of years to find out, because the Aptera's designer, Accelerated Composites, says the three-wheeled fuel miser will hit the road by the end of 2008 at a sticker price of less than $20K.


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Source: Gizmodo


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Bio-Diesel: Find it by phone

Bio-diesel in the US

If you are on your way in the U.S. and in need of some bio-diesel to power your engine but don't have a clue where to find it? Try to call it.

With demand for biodiesel continuing to increase, the National Biodiesel Board has launched a toll-free hotline to help truckers and motorists find retail pumps anywhere in the US. The Biodiesel Hotline, at 866-BIODIESEL (866-246-3437), is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with staff that has access to mapping software linked to a nationwide database of biodiesel stations. The same information can be found on biodiesel.org, but many people on the road don't have ready access to the internet; the toll-free hotline makes it easier than ever to find a place to fill up on biodiesel.



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Source: Treehugger


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Coffee: Ways to cook your hot drinks on the road

Coffee machines in cars
Remember the great gadgety ?

Another Audi enthusiast didn't want to wait until this concept hits the market and made his own solution for this.
One enthusiastic Audi fan couldn't resist making a mod with his own Audi and installed a Capresso 1500 (above right) in the back seat. It is securely tied down to the seat and is powered with an inverter that is mounted on the dash. It's also a bit safer than the Roadjet model because, since the machine is in the back seat, the driver cannot operate the machine while behind the wheel.


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Source: Slashfood


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