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Pioneer AVIC-F500BT

2011-09-18T05:39:00.000-07:00

Pioneer wants to get its hands in the auto navigation and auto multimedia market with the creation of the AVIC-F500BT. Pioneer calls the F500BT a â€œhybridâ€, and that word is getting thrown around a lot within the auto industry, it applies to this automotive device as well.

After all, the AVIC-F500BT is a mix of many devices. First of all, it is a fantastic navigation system. There are mapping functions that can be viewed in both overhead and moveable 3D. The screen is a 5.8 inch touchscreen, and the directions are text-to-speech enabled by street. The database includes maps of the United States, Canada, Alaska, and Hawaii.

Second, the AVIC-F500BT is a Media Center. There is an auxiliary audio input for personal audio and communication devices. It can accept portable devices with a USB connection and SD memory cards. As soon as anything is attached, such as a memory card or iPod, it will recognize it for the user to interface.

The AVIC-F500BT also has the advantage of voice control that allows users to control their iPod players and Bluetooth enabled cell phones. The voice controls for the music allows for such commands as â€œPlay Rolling Stonesâ€, and you can even specify an album. As for the vocal phone commands, all a user has to do is say: â€œCall John Smithâ€, and the F500BT will ask the user which specific phone number: mobile or home.

Night Vision Glasses makes driving at night much easier â€¦

2011-09-18T05:37:00.000-07:00

Darkness not only removes light from the scene when youâ€™re driving, it also takes out contrast, leaving a night driver with the bright spotlight cast by the carâ€™s headlights, and any other place where light is cast by streetlights, a full moon, billboard lights, etc. Itâ€™s a light/dark world with no degree of shade or contrast. High-end sports watch maker tag heuer has recognized that the ability to see varying degrees of light and dark can add that contrast and have created a pair of Night Vision glasses to help drivers to see â€“ even when no light is cast. Hereâ€™s how they work:

Originally designed to help drivers in the 24 Hours of LeMans auto race, the Tag Hauer glasses amp up contrast by correcting the low-light short-sightedness of the human eye, which only sees about 10% at night. The pale yellow lenses offer constant clear, sharp vision with a very high light transmission rate in order to contrast dark blue and green surroundings without changing color perception. In addition, the lenses are anti-reflective to reduces glare and increase sharpness, taking added strain off the eyes.
The titanium frames come Wide and Panorama, and have anti-slip elastomere arms to keep them on your head.

Other designs include infra red glasses to see better in the harsh light environment of snow or beaches where ultra violet rays and infra read heat are reflected in the eyes up to 80%.

No word on pricing, but for those who make living on the road or at the beach or snow (like Ski Patrol), these glasses are easily must have tools of the trade.

CallMe Prism-I

2011-09-18T05:36:00.000-07:00

While driving down the highway one day, I had this fantastic idea for an inter-auto communication device. This way, you can communicate with the guy in front of you and sent messages like â€œyouâ€™re driving too slowâ€. I had this idea that all license plates could be something like phone numbers to communicate between cars.

However, since most people have cellular phones now, you could probably just call the car in front of you. How would you know the phone number? Just suction cup the CallMe Prism-I to your rear window.

This device is simply a programmable LCD that is solar powered, and can store about ten numbers. Apparently, the CallMe Prism-I is probably not designed to be an inter-automobile communication system. It is a way for desperate guys or girls to proudly display their digits to anyone passing by.

So its actual intended use could be real handy. After all, I canâ€™t count how many times Iâ€™ve lost the opportunity to chat with a sexy pedestrian simply because I couldnâ€™t give her my number before the light turned green. Also, Iâ€™ve lost count of all those times Iâ€™ve seen a beautiful driver and was unable to obtain her number for the aforementioned reason.

Plug-in hybrids the next big thing? by Edwin - on March 17, 2008

2011-09-18T05:34:00.000-07:00

Hybrid vehicles are always welcome in my book, since the earth is already being overloaded by too many people, too much waste and an imbalanced system of wealth distribution. Encouraging people to take public transport instead of just riding around in their fuel guzzlers for fun does take some getting used to, since most folks prefer the privacy of their car. What happens when you try to prick their conscience from another point of view? What if they know that if they were riding on a hybrid bus that does it’s part in reducing carbon emissions, will they take the plunge then? Until these plug-in hybrids are well distributed all over the world in congested cities, that answer remains theoretical. I’m not here to talk about that though, but will concentrate instead on this efficient and pollution limiting plug-in hybrids.

Plug-in hybrid buses are part of the next step when it comes to improving green technology in vehicles. Since these buses will rely more and more on the grid to get juiced up while weaning themselves off diesel in the process, emissions will be reduced drastically. This fact is also true despite coal being used as the power plant’s energy source. What makes plug-in hybrids all the more appealing is the fact that electricity doesn’t always have to be generated via coal (that’s what I learned in Simcity back in the early 90s anyway), but other green uses have also come into play thus far including solar and wind energy.

Well I guess hybrid plug-ins are the way to go, considering that it isn’t exactly convenient to find a power grid nearby whenever the vehicle’s batteries run out of juice. Even so, some diesel firepower is better than running on diesel all the time. Wireless recharging in Japan has already arrived, and the new fleet of buses that use this feature are currently being tested over a two-week period.

Portra-Jump is tiny, will jump start your car

2011-09-18T05:33:00.000-07:00

How many times have you gone out to start your car (truck, SUV) only to find that you’ve done something like left your headlights on? This of course means that you’re going to have a fun time trying to get it started again. Your best bet is to grab a pair of jumper cables (always carry these) and try to find someone willing to give you a jump. However, if you have a Porta-Jump, you won’t need to worry about messing with any of that.

This is one of those gadgets that will become almost a necessity to carry around, provided it works as well as it boasts. The cube measures 3â€ x 3â€ x 2-1/2â€, which is much smaller than any such device I’ve ever seen. All you need to do is plug it into your cigarette adapter and wait for the little green light to come on. Once this happens your car is ready to be started.

The Porta-Jump is rechargeable, you’ll just need to leave it plugged in (while you’re driving) for about a half hour for a full charge. With it being so small it is perfect to carry around in your glove compartment.

Mio announces Moov line

2011-09-18T05:31:00.000-07:00

Mio Technology has forged ahead with its new Moov product line consisting of four new personal navigation devices which boasts a marriage of dependable hardware as well as a fresh user interface. This will be the first set of Mio Technology products that incorporate internally developed software after making full use of the company’s recent acquisition of Navman. The four models in question are the Mio Moov 200, 210, 300 and 310,, where any of these four will be able to offer straightforward navigation minus the hassles and headaches, while providing bang for your buck.

Here’s an excerpt from the press release.

Mio Moov 300 and 310 both feature a 4.3-inch widescreen window to the world of navigation, which allows for more on-screen information. The devices also incorporate text-to-speech functionality to call out actual street names when making turns, to help drivers keep their eyes on the road. These features, paired with a redesigned user interface and more than 3.5 million points of interest — including restaurants, hotels and gas stations — help users find new hot spots in their neighborhoods and beyond, turning everyday driving into a daily adventure.
Mio Moov 310 also comes with a one-year paid Traffic Messaging Channel (TMC) subscription. Powered by ClearChannel’s network of affiliates, TMC provides real-time updates on accidents, detours and construction that could delay or prevent drivers from reaching their destination. TMC updates are automatically displayed by the Moov 310, along with suggestions for routes around the obstruction.
Mio Moov 200 and 210 sport a 3.5-inch, square-shaped display with a bright, anti-glare screen for easy viewing in any environment. The devices take the hassle out of driving with text-to-speech voice guidance to let drivers focus on the road, not on the GPS screen. Mio also incorporated more than 3.5 million points of interest into Moov 200 and 210 to ensure that everything from the gas station on the corner to the local Italian restaurant is within reach. Mio also tackles one of the biggest challenges facing drivers today — traffic. Mio Moov 210 includes 12 months of free TMC real-time traffic updates, making it easier for users to route around trouble areas. All of these features for less than $200; being square never sounded so good.

Toyota Hi-CT Concept Car

2011-09-18T05:30:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen that Element that some people have been driving? I always thought those rectangular cars were odd, like giant shoeboxes. It appears that Toyota has rolled out an environmentally friendly box-shaped car.

The Toyota Hi-Ct concept car was first shown at the Bangkok International Motor Show, but not at the more famous New York Auto Show. This hybrid vehicle can charge from an external electric source, such as a AC100V accessory socket.

Information is pretty limited other than that, for now. Judging by the picture, it appears there is only room enough for two. So much for room for the whole family. I suppose they could hang out on that back flap of the trunk.

I swear, every time I see one of these concept cars, it feels like itâ€™s driving out of a science fiction movie. This one feels like one of Steven Spielbergâ€™s. The cars in A.I.sort of looked like this, and if you look close in a certain scene from Minority Report, there is a car that really resembles this one.

I suppose the green era that we will hopefully be living in will produce more cars like this. Hopefully, they have a little more curves on them.

Microsoft helps save your time

2011-09-18T05:28:00.002-07:00

Perhaps after all this while grappling with Blue Screens of Death while using Microsoft products, the company’s conscience has finally been pricked as they decide to help you save time instead of waste it with the aforementioned problem by launching a software technology known as “Clearflow”. Not only does this software helps drivers with directions, it can also be used to avoid traffic jams so that you will be able to arrive home in time for dinner with the missus. The technology involved has been in the works for the better part of the last half decade, thanks to the efforts of AI researchers from Microsoft’s Research lab. Clearflow aims to alleviate traffic congestion by applying machine-learning techniques. When launched, Clearflow will support 72 cities in the US and is available via Microsoft’s maps.live.com service.

Audi Snook

2011-09-18T05:28:00.001-07:00

When I was in high school, I read this dark science fiction novel by Piers Anthony entitledThe Ring. In this work, the author (who is most famous for his fantasy) presents us with a world full of gyrocars, one-passenger vehicles that somehow rode on just one wheel.

I donâ€™t know if Tilmann Schootz, German designer of the Audi Snook, has ever readThe Ring, but it certainly looks like his inspiration for his auto-stabilized monowheel concept car. Maybe the bright idea light bulb went off above his head, and he designed his car in the shape of it. Whatever the case, Schootz has won a Michelin Challenge Design Award at the 2008 Detroit Auto Show for his vision.

You may look at the Snook and think â€œthatâ€™s impossibleâ€ or â€œthereâ€™s no way that could standâ€ or â€œIâ€™m not driving thatâ€. However, I believe we were all thinking the same things when the Segway was revealed. The Snook achieves its one-wheel balance with â€œagility through instability, controlled by artificial intelligenceâ€.

If this concept ever does become reality, then we really need to change the name. Just what is a Snook? That sounds like some creature on a Saturday Morning cartoon.

Exhaust Air Jack

2011-09-18T05:26:00.000-07:00

When you get a flat tire you have a couple of options… you can tackle it like a man and just jack up the car like you should, or you can be a wimp and call recovery to do it for you. For those of you who hate getting on your knees, putting the jack in place and flexing your muscles there is now an alternative option named the Exhaust air jack.

The exhaust air jack is a bright orange bag which you throw under the side of your car. Once there, you hook up the pipe to your exhaust and switch on your engine. The exhaust fumes that are pumped out go in to the bag and will jack up the car within 30 seconds. The bag can lift the car 17 inches off the ground which is plenty of space to allow you to get the wheel off. To prevent exhaust fumes escaping there is a one way valve in to the bag which allows you to switch off the engine while keeping the bag inflated. There are other benefits of owning this product too as it works in in mud, snow and on uneven surfaces.

Miscellaneous Gadgets,Automotive Gadgets

2011-09-18T05:25:00.000-07:00

Remember the scene in INDEPENDENCE DAY when Jeff Goldblum places a satellite like dish on the roof of his dadâ€™s car and triangulates the signal of his wifeâ€™s cellphone to determine where she was in the White House? His dad asks him how he can do that and he replies â€œall cable repair men know how to do this, pop.â€ Well, the Hi-Gain USB Wss 300n Dish Adapter from Hawking Technologies wonâ€™t triangulate a signal in the White House, but it will boost weak WiFi signals in areas where a signal isnâ€™t very strong to begin with.

With a supports range of nearly 4,000 feet, this 802.11n capable antenna can extend a wireless network up to six times its range and claims a data throughput 12 times the average for transfer speeds in excess of 300Mbps. IN addition, the 300-N is purely plug and play by USB and is portable. Simply plug the 300N into your laptop, install the included software, and direct the HWDN1 towards a wireless source. The result will be blazing speeds when the only open chair at Starbucks is wrapped around rebar yielding a paltry 1 bar signal.

Just donâ€™t tell those invading aliens we can do that. Otherwise theyâ€™ll use our wi-fi signal to cripple our defenses.

MultiFunction GPS Mirror has everything but the kitchen sink

2011-09-18T05:23:00.000-07:00

The multifunction GPS bluetooth Rearview System provides complete 12 satellite GPS navigation, with voice prompting for directions and also has a reverse sensor to monitor backing up. It incorporates an SD card expansion slot and can play both MP3s as well as video formats for Windows Media Player and Quicktime MPEG4 with built in speakers giving the viewer a stereo experience. The mirror also reads JPEG pictures which turns the mirror into a photo album and you can even read eBooks through it!

And as if that wasnâ€™t enough, the Multifunction GPS Bluetooth Rearview Mirror System also has five built in games and a stylus to navigate the interactive menu screens. Itâ€™s 3.5 inch touchscreen LCD is battery powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Now if theyâ€™d also toss in a subscription to OnStar, DirecTV and provide hands free cell communication, itâ€™s be the perfect package. But for $145, this Rearview Mirror may be an ideal add-on to bring any classic into the twenty first century.

Drivemocion Expresses Your Feelings Behind the Wheel

2011-09-18T05:22:00.000-07:00

Iâ€™ve never been the type to use emoticons in my IM messages or emails, but I know some people who cannot stop using them.

So why not use them while you are driving? This is the reason the Drivemocion was invented.

The Drivemocion affixes to the inside of the rear car window via power suction cup. It is operated by a remote control for the front of the car that attaches to the front windscreen. All you need to do is press a button to send simple emoticon messages to motorists.

The Drivemocion comes in several models, which have several options for message displays. For example, the original model has a smiley face, winking face, an â€œOooooâ€ face, plus two words of â€œsorryâ€ and â€œthanksâ€.

That is one of the nicer models. Some of you might be relieved or agitated to know that there is a Drivemocion that allows the middle finger to be displayed. For the sake of the more easily offended readers, such as myself, I have chosen not to show the electronic bird.

Japanese Dekotora Trucks

2011-09-18T05:21:00.000-07:00

Outside of Asia, Japan is known for two things; blisteringly cool technology and awesomely tacky gadgetry. In a perfect merger of both of these factors, the people of Japan have whipped out yet another awesome combination of large flashy toys and kitschy art.

Dekotora Trucks are highly customized trucks which the cult Japanese community decks out to look like artsy monsters. You could easily confuse one of these Dekotora trucks as something other than an automotive, yet the brute power behind these pieces is enough to cause geeks to wet themselves with envy.

Participants in the Dekotora community get together for truck shows where they showcase their prized vehicles. Sometimes these monsters are used as special art promotion trucks at events. And something tells us that they surely draw a crowd.

If we had the money, there is no doubt we would create a Dekotora of our own to cruise around the suburbs, scaring children and possibly mowing down a few nuns on the way. And if we didn’t have vehicular homicide on our minds, we’d no doubt be showing these bad boys off to all the ladies.

Miscellaneous Gadgets,Automotive Gadgets

2011-09-18T05:20:00.000-07:00

There are times when I struggle to find ideas for Coolest Gadget articles, but sometimes, one will just appear. This was the case of the Zapcar. One moment Iâ€™m watching my kids play on the playground, and then the Xebra Electric Sedan pulls up, just begging to be written about.

Once I saw this unusual three-wheeled car, I had to ask the owners about it. I was very intrigued once they told me that the vehicle was totally electrical, with absolutely no gas or petrol is involved. The owners even opened up the lid where the gas should go on an ordinary car, and all I saw was an ordinary electric socket.

To fuel this vehicle, all a Zapcar driver needs to do is hook that socket up to an extension cord, and plug the other end into an ordinary wall outlet. The Xebra Electric Sedan can travel up to 25 miles on a single charge.

Granted, its top speed is only 40 mph (65 kmph), but if you live in a small town like I do, the Zapcar is a very practical and cost-efficient way to travel. Especially the way gas prices keep going up.

Intelligent Night Vision System

2011-09-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

The other day, I was driving down the road, and I changed lanes. I thought I was far enough away from the other vehicles, but then I heard a loud honk. I quickly realized that the car was a lot closer than I thought it was. Considering that a lot of mirrors have that â€œobjects in mirror are closer than they appearâ€ warning, it makes it too easy to miscalculate the distance of a vehicle in the side view mirrors.

Perhaps this is why Toshiba invented Visconti technology, which allows drivers to see how close other vehicles actually are. The company put this technology on display at the 2008 Automotive Engineering Exposition in Yokohama, Japan. Apparently, Honda is already using this Intelligent Night Vision System on some of their models.

Instead of side mirrors, a vehicle with the Intelligent Night Vision System would have video cameras that beam a live video feed to LCD monitors inside of the vehicle. The Visconti software then calculates the distance to the cars in the other lanes around you.

There is even an indicator that displays a red, yellow, or green display to show how close (red) or far away (green) that you are. Youâ€™ve got to like that.

Maybe there will come a day when we see this Intelligent Night Vision System on every car. Something tells me the system is probably quite costly, but perhaps as the technology gets cheaper, maybe it will be a standard feature on all vehicles.

V12 Engine made from paper

2011-09-18T05:13:00.002-07:00

Now this is one piece of origami that you will definitely find fascinating, and in the words of the designer, it took “approximately two years to design this spectacular magical art”, and the person has made this knowledge public so you can save two years (or more of your life) trying to figure it out.

This â€œV12 four-stroke Engineâ€ has semi-realistic exterior and interior detail. Each of 12 spark plugs (LEDs) is ignited accordingly to the moving cycle. Many moveable parts include a compound crankshaft, a rapid cooling fan, 12 rods and 12 pistons etc. It is made with paper entirely (except some little wood sticks, some tapes, 12 LEDs, some electrical wires, 12 switches, a resistor, a motor and a battery holder). The instruction included in this kit is a CD-ROM (a PDF file) contains easy-to follow diagrams and step-by-step instructions with more than a thousand detailed nice and clear pictures. All patterns are printed on high quality acid-free heavy paper, which can last for many years and will not turn brittle and yellow or fades with age. No paint applied. It looks pure and elegant. Various shadows created by different light sources make it look stunning. The origami-reinforced structure is applied in the engine (they will not be seen). The origami-reinforced structures make the model very rigid and keep the pieces in the accurate positions.

BMW’s GINA Concept Car is Made of Cloth

2011-09-18T05:13:00.001-07:00

When most of us think about new improvements in automobiles, we usually think of better fuel efficiency. However, a recent program by BMW called GINA thinks outside the box by changing the â€œboxâ€ around the car itself.

Simply put, GINA replaces the stagnant metal frame of a car with durable cloth. This cloth is put over a frame, and creates all the stability that is required for a fender, door, or whatever shape is required.

What is really fascinating is that frame can be motorized, so when portions of the frame shift, the car can literally change its shape. For example, the hood opens up by parting like the Red Sea. Even more odd is the covers of the headlights open like eyelids. There is a video after the jump if you want to see this for yourself, and I highly recommend you do.

The video explains that GINA is an attempted acronym for something like Geometry withINfinite Adaptations. So the abbreviation may not be perfect, but I think the concept is needed. Replacing the metal of a car frame with durable cloth sounds a lot cheaper than metal that constantly gets dented, rusted, and always in need of replacement.

The GINA can be found in the BMW Museum in Munich Germany. There is no word if this technology will hit the market anytime soon.

Cops can finally track, rather than chase bad guys

2011-09-18T05:12:00.001-07:00

Weâ€™ve all been mesmerized by the local news coverage of some bad guy fleeing police in a high speed chase. And like watching car racing and hockey, we just wait for the inevitable crash that will end the pursuit. And soon enough, it comes and the foolish perp is taken away in cuffs while his car is a smoldering mass of twisted metal. But lately, police are catching all kinds of flack for pursuing these car chases at the endangerment of the local populace. Some have even taken to letting the guy go, rather than risk a crash and human lives which result in the inevitable bevy of lawsuits. But now, they can track the bad guy, rather than chase him, with a new projectile GPS transceiver which will allow the helicopter and units monitoring to simply hang back and wait for the perp to get where heâ€™s going.

STARCHASE is the name of the device and it fits on the bumper of any current police cruiser. Like a small air powered canon, the Starchase will launch a small dart that has a GPS receiver built in which broadcasts the carâ€™s location in real time. This enables police to either hang back and follow the perp at a safe distance or, triangulate his route and location and send units to head him off at the pass. Either way, this is the promise of new technology. Creating gadgets which, in their James Bond fashion, protect the good guys and catch the bad guys.
Now thatâ€™s a cool gadget.

Ego Street Scoota

2011-09-18T05:11:00.000-07:00

You know how it is these days – the insane price of oil has driven virtually everything up, save for our salaries. Heck, it used to be dirt cheap filling up cars with gas, and right now at $4 a gallon in most places across the US, motorists are complaining about gas stations being virtual highway robbers as they stop short of taking your firstborn in exchange for a full tank of gas. What are some of the alternatives? A bicycle would be too slow to commute across longer distances, while a motorcycle isn’t environmentally friendly and sips some gas as well. There is always the ego street scoota to save the day – an electric scooter that costs no more than a thousand quid. Can’t believe your ears (and eyes)? Read on then.

With the Ego Street Scoota, you will be able to zip around the city on bus lanes, doing away with congestion charges while cutting queues to get to your destination as fast as possible. Best of all is, there is no need to purchase any gas to let this baby carry you everywhere you want to go, and you get to save a handsome amount on road tax as well. It is powered by an onboard battery that can be recharged via the mains, offering a top speed of 30 mph and a maximum traveling range of 40 miles. It will cost around $0.16 for a full charge, which averages out to approximately half a cent per mile. Sure, you won’t pick up any chicks at the club with this ride, and you are bound to get wet during the rainy season, but think of the long term (positive) impact on your finances and the environment!

Flo N’ Go Duramax Makes Stealing Gas Easy

2011-09-18T05:10:00.000-07:00

Gas prices worldwide are out of control. In the U.S. prices recently peaked above $4/gallon. Relative to the rest of the world these prices are even considered wimpy in comparison. It’s no question that oil is on its way out as the major fuel commodity. It can only maintain its lasting power for so long. Eventually people are just going to get fed up with the prices, possibly even before the reserves run dry.

The Flo N’ Go Duramax is a portable 14 gallon gas can and fuel siphon which dispenses gas without any spillage or pesky flammable gas leaks. You can use the Flo N’ Go for much more than automobiles. Any gas powered gadget or vehicle can be filled or emptied with the Flo N’ Go Duramax’s siphoning system.

Made with a high-density polyethylene, the Flo N’ Go is both durable and rust-proof. Not to mention extremely unlikely to dent. With a flow rate of 2 gallons per minute you can fill up a 10 gallon gas tank in a matter of 5 minutes, which is pretty quick, even compared with gas stations.

While the Flo N’ Go isn’t made for shady purposes, we’re sure there are some frugal people out there who are already planning their great gas heist. Siphoning your neighbors gas tank has never been so easy. Just hope they use the same gas quality as you.

TurnSmart Mirror System

2011-09-18T05:09:00.001-07:00

I sit in my 15 year old Suburu, glancing at my fellow drivers with envy. Look at all of them with their fancy rear view mirrors and their LED turn signals. Psh, like I would want something like that anyway. Don’t look at me that way! No need for smugness! I already know you have a nicer car, no need to rub it in that you’re better looking and most likely better in bed too.

But there’s a few tricks up my sleeve which might just make me feel a little better about my crap-mobile, even if it’s not nearly as chic as the real thing. The TurnSmart Mirror System adds a set of wide rear view mirrors onto your current mirrors. These mirrors also happen to feature solar panels which power a set of super bright LED’s which sync with your turn signal. Solar panels! How about that, Mr. Smug Driver?!

Sure, my car might not be up to par with your 2008 Escalade. Hell, it probably isn’t even up to par with a 1998 VW Beetle. But that doesn’t mean I have any less right to keep myself safe from you and your hulking automobile. Bigger cars just mean you have a bigger blind spot. So, I win.

If you’re like me and begrudgingly holding onto your vintage car, just because the few minor engine and exhaust problems aren’t enough to force you to yield the cash for a new ride, then you should pick up one of these too. No more smug looks. No more being left behind in the safety mix. $150 and you’re set for a few more days of driving power, at least.

Recycled Auto Part Chess Set

2011-09-18T05:08:00.000-07:00

Think about how many junky cars you see people driving. Where do you think those cars will be in five years? Rotting away in some landfill no doubt. Old car parts can be used for so many productive purposes, rather than gathering dust on some abandoned lot.

Armando Ramirez proves that old cars are so much more than mobile junk piles. He creates these awesome recycled chess sets made from old automobile parts. Each chess set is custom made, each piece composed of the heavy and rustic remnants of an old car.

For example, the heads of the bishop pieces are made using NGK and AC DELCO spark plugs. Each set is completely unique, each with their own individual touches. A truly green process using recycled parts into a product for modern use. You just can’t beat that if you’re a chess player with a heart of green.

Each set will set you back $207.95 which really isn’t bad as far as custom made products go. But what you get in return is a true piece of art. A recycled game with a true rustic pseudo-steampunk feel. We imagine it’s products like this that provide inspiration to all of you green industrial plotters out there.

Vauxhall Motors Speed Limit Detector

2011-09-18T05:06:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I got pulled over for speeding on the highway. The officer told me that the speed limit was 45 mph, but I could have sworn it was 55, maybe even 65. Of course, the officer was not about to let me go back and check, and as it turned out, I think I had just missed the 45 mph speed limit sign.

Needless to say, I settled the ticket out of court, but it would have been nice to have some device on my dashboard that tells me what the speed limit is. Granted, that might condemn me on my next ticket. It would be hard to convince an officer that I didnâ€™t know what the speed limit was when itâ€™s glowing on my dashboard. However, if that number is less than what the officer says the speed limit is, I would be so vindicated!

That is exactly what Vauxhall Motors, a British subsidiary of General Motors, has done. This speed limit detector can take 30 pictures a second, and then analyze these pictures with image recognition software. Once it detects the speed limit on the signs, it posts the correct number on the dashboard.

The Vauxhall speed limit detector is planned to appear on the upcoming Insignia sedan, and could be available on 2010 models of United States cars.

Vancake Camper: A Really, Really Lowrider

2011-09-18T05:05:00.002-07:00

If there was a limbo competition for cars there is now no question on who the winner would be. How low can the Vancake go? Try this out for size. This mini-Volkswagen bus is only 3-feet and 1-inch tall. Meaning for the average 6 foot man, this automobile only reaches to around the waist area.

Officially known as the Camper, but affectionately titled “Vancake”, this super low-rider is the world’s lowest Volkswagen bus. Call us crazy, but we don’t see this niche having a super stringent competition at this point. And to add even more to its wonderful allure, there’s a little back story to go along with its awesomeness.

Designers Just Kampers and Andy Saunders created the Vancake in only three days! Working away during the Bug Jam festival at the UKâ€™s Santa Pod Raceway from June 18 to June 20, the team managed to remove the Volkswagen’s roof, equip an electric sunroof, and completely redo the car’s previous paint job to give the Vancake a more scaled feel.

The Vancake is not only totally snack sized, but is also totally street legal. The only thing we’d worry about is getting rear-ended by fellow drivers who are fascinated by our tiny car. For only three days of work, we’d say it’s a hell of an accomplishment.

Bricycle: Saving the Planet, one driver at a time

2011-09-18T05:05:00.001-07:00

Every day, millions of people take to the roads as solitary drivers in their automobiles. This seems to be a complete waste of energy as most cars have room for at least three other passengers. Assuming the solitary driver canâ€™t find an convenient carpool, why not switch to a speedy, energy-efficient vehicle that can hold just one driver?

This is the concept behind the Bricycle, a three-wheeled wonder designed by someone named Brian. Yes, he named it after himself, but see the name as a descriptor, and not as a reflection of ego. After all, this isnâ€™t any normal bicycle or tricycle, but a motorized trike that is like no other.

This Bricycle is made of plywood, epoxy, and fiberglass cloth. It is powered by a 48-volt motor at the front, and is capable of 21 speeds.

Brian has stated that his Bricycle prototype is nearing completion, and I certainly see a lot of potential. I have seen other conceptual one-manned vehicles that can turn an ordinary road into a two-way highway since they take up half the space. Considering the amount of cars on the road, vehicles like the Bricycle might be the only way to reduce traffic.

Not only that, the Bricycle is completely electrical, so we can reduce our dependence on oil. Anything that can help out with fighting overpopulation and pollution can only be a good thing.

Nissan’s ECO Pedal pushes back during acceleration

2011-09-18T05:04:00.000-07:00

Despite having the best of intentions to alter your driving habits in order to save on gas, sometimes it’s difficult to change your ways.Â Well Nissan has designed a gas pedal called the ECO Pedal to help you with your lead foot.Â When it senses you’re accelerating too quickly, it will begin pushing back.Â Which if you prefer a car that has the ability to get up and go, it’s going to become a bit obnoxious.Â They do claim the it will increase fuel efficiency by 5 to 10 percent.Â Which would definitely cut down on all that money you’ve been forking out for gas.

On the plus side it does have an off switch for the gas pedal.Â Nissan states that the pedal will be installed in models in the next year.Â Although I can say without a shadow of a doubt this gadget would drive me insane, I can see it being quite useful for others.Â Hopefully they just put it in cars that are geared towards fuel efficiency anyway.Â That or make it so that it was only slipped into a few of the cars.Â Unfortunately, I’m sure that this pedal would annoy more people than it would actually help.

Fuel Checker Prevents Terrifying Mistake

2011-09-18T05:03:00.000-07:00

Iâ€™m not certain if this is one of the most useful or useless devices that I have ever reported on. This next device is for those who try to refuel their car with the wrong type of fuel. So if youâ€™ve ever put diesel instead of unleaded in your car by mistake, perhaps this could prevent you from ruining your engine all over again.

Yes, I have never done that either, but I guess it couldnâ€™t hurt to have a little preventative measure like this. All that is required is to install the gadget on the inside of your fuel flap, and go ahead and hold the fuel nozzle up every time you fill â€˜er up. If you put the wrong type of fuel in, a little light will go off.

I donâ€™t know about you, but most of the gas stations have the diesel pump separate from the regular, premium, or unleaded choices. Also, isnâ€™t the nozzle of the diesel pump slightly larger than that of regular gas tanks?

I see one good use for this. Parents can put it on their gas tanks so when their kids fill the car up for the first time, there will be a warning in case the wrong gas is used.

Belkin TuneCast Auto Actually Compatible with iPhone 3G

2011-09-18T05:02:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have purchased that new 3G iPhone, you may have discovered that some of the original iPhone and iPod accessories are not compatible with it. You might be frustrated at having to buy new 3G accessories, but at least the lines will be shorter when you go back to the Mac store.

Fortunately, Belkin has come to the rescue with the TuneCast Auto for the iPhone and iPod, which, as it happens, is completely compatible for the iPhone 3G. The TuneCast Auto works by attaching it to the line out for car stereo inputs or a cassette adapter.

It allows the user to transmit audio wirelessly on multiple FM stations from 88.1 to 107.9 MHz. So for those of you who enjoy music off of the iPod and iPhone, but donâ€™t have a docking platform on their car stereo, this product is for you.

The Belkin TuneCast Auto is also able to cut the through normal static with its ClearScan feature that finds the best FM frequency available. Other features of the TuneCast Auto include a PRO setting which optimizes audio and boosts volume. It also has two programmable preset buttons, a high-contrast backlit display, and an in-car charger.

In Car Charger has USB ports to spare

2011-09-18T05:01:00.002-07:00

Considering that many of our mobile electronics have USB ports for charging, it is not always convenient to find a spare USB port, especially when traveling on the road.

I suppose this is why the In car charger has USB ports, four of them actually. This In car charger plugs right into the cigarette lighter, and now the user can plug in an iPod, mobile phone, digital camera, GPS device, or any other USB device that he or she needs on the open road.

The charger works within a range of 12-24 volts, and a fuse that can be changed out. I suppose this is very useful for people constantly on the road, like truckers, but only if the user doesnâ€™t smoke.

If youâ€™re confused by that last sentence, just try to imagine lighting a cigarette when youâ€™ve got four cords plugged in to this In car charger. If youâ€™re not too careful, youâ€™ll burn a USB wire when you put the lighter back in the socket.

Iqua VisorSUN

2011-09-18T05:01:00.001-07:00

The iqua Visor Sun is a bluetooth handsfree speaker for the car that clips on to the visor and uses solar power to recharge, meaning you’re always connected. How refreshingly sensible.

Coleman Solar Battery Charger

2011-09-18T04:59:00.002-07:00

Having experienced a dead battery in your vehicle is surely one of life’s moments where nearly all drivers know. The Coleman Solar battery Charger will help prevent that from happening, sending a “trickle” charge to the battery as long as it feeds on sunlight. Just make sure you place it in a strategic spot.

Hereâ€™s an easy and inexpensive way to keep your carâ€™s 12V battery charged. Place this solar-powered charger on the dash or window for best sun exposure, then plug it into the carâ€™s cigarette lighter. It sends a â€œtrickleâ€ charge to the battery, preventing it from being drained by the clock, radio memory or an alarm which uses power even when the ignition is off. Great for use with ATVs, snow vehicles and vintage cars that are used infrequently. Suction cups hold it on the windshield or garage window. 10-ft. power cable. Includes a battery clamp adapter that lets you connect it directly to a battery, if desired.

It will cost you $29.95 to bring home the Coleman Solar Battery Charger. Perfect for folks with fleets of vintage cars, while we poor plebeians who find it difficult enough to maintain a single car aren’t to likely to run into a dead battery situation from NOT using our vehicle often enough.

The Big Hug Adhesive Cell Phone Holder

2011-09-18T04:59:00.001-07:00

Cars, especially older ones, don’t always have a convenient spot to put your cell phone and I’ve never been a fan of leaving it in my pocket while driving.Â Yes, you could slip it into your cupholder, but it’s not quite in the line of sight and that means your drink can’t go there.Â Which could be catastrophic for those in dire need of caffeine and are unwilling to hold it between their legs.Â Well with this little cell phone holder your phone will always be at the ideal spot for you.

It has adhesive backing so you can stick it to any random surface you like.Â It will work with some slim cell phones, and since it is made of soft material you don’t have to worry about it scratching up your phone.Â Unfortunately, since this is being sold over the internet you’ll just have to buy it and pray it happens to work with your phone.Â It does say that it will not work with the wider phones like the iPhone.Â It is sold with those giant purple hands, sadly, there are no other color options available

When will that light turn green? Audi’s Travolution lets you know.

2011-09-18T04:58:00.000-07:00

Nobody likes a waiting at a long red light, and sometimes it would be good to know exactly how long a driver has to wait. Fortunately, Audi is working on a program called Travolution, which allows a driver to know how long that infernal light will stay red.

This device will come in handy for when you are going fast toward a red light. The Travolution will tell you if that red light will suddenly turn green in a few seconds, so you can keep going.

Not only can this Travolution revolutionize travel and save time, but it can also save the earth as well. Apparently, the idle time that you spend at an intersection waiting for a light can lead to increased CO2 emissions, which no one really wants for an environmentally friendly planet.

So far, this Travolution is still in the experimental phase right now, being tested out in the German town of Ingolstadt. The town had to install a network of â€œintelligent traffic lightsâ€ in order to implement this Travolution system, and Iâ€™m wondering how much work it would take to get all traffic lights in the world in line.

Iâ€™m not certain if this Travolution will improve things, because it will just increase the amount of times that drivers will want to get things done before the light turns green.

GPS navigation system that plays 8-bit games

2011-09-18T04:57:00.000-07:00

Devices getting combined with other things and becoming one big complex gadget as opposed a bunch of different gadgets is for the most part a lot more convenient.Â Yet a GPS unit with a built-in gaming system I’m not sure is actually all that convenient.Â The 8-bit games might be fun, but you can’t really use the GPS and play a game at the same time.Â The best time to play the games are on long car trips, which is usually when you need your GPS the most.Â This isn’t the first device to try to combine the two, the PSP now is able to have GPS on it as well.

With both devices, as much as I love my PSP, I just think it’d end up becoming a headache.Â This is smarter than the GPS put into a PSP purely because the PSP Slim is impossible to use in the sunlight.Â Granted the newer PSPs have solved that issue.Â The GPS unit can support multiple languages, has a SD/MMC memory card slot, Bluetooth, a controllerÂ and a Samsung ARM9 400MHz processor.Â It has a 4.3â€ screen and of course has a LCD touch screen.Â So far there is no word on an actual price for this gadget.

Update on the Terrafigura Transition: Not yet the flying car we all want

2011-09-18T04:56:00.000-07:00

About one year ago, we covered a driveable airplane called the Terrafugia Transition. I believe that back then we said they would be available â€œsometime before 2012â€, however, a source has told me that the company hopes to have them out before the end of 2009.

Just think! One more year until we actually have flying cars! Or at least the closest thing to them. The Terrafugia Transition may not be able to do Vertical Take-off Landings, or hover, but it can take off from a normal airplane runway.

As you can see from the YouTube video that has no sound, the wings just fold up after landing. It reminds me of the car that Matt Tracker used to drive on M.A.S.K., but some of you probably donâ€™t remember that old cartoon.

The Terrafugia is certified by both the FAA as a light airplane, and the NHTSA as street legal. Just to let you know, you will need a light sport license to fly the Transition, but to drive it, it looks like all youâ€™ll need is a regular license. The wings will not open up unless a specific combination is entered to guard against what would be a spectacular climax to a highway high-speed chase.

Ego Flash allows for hand-free operation in the car

2011-09-18T04:55:00.000-07:00

There has recently been a law passed where I live that says that all cell phone calls made in cars must be hands-free. I suppose this is designed to prevent accidents from inattentive drivers always on the phone, but I still see drivers with cell phones pressed to their ears in blatant violation of this law.

Maybe these drivers need an Ego Flash. The Ego Flash has nothing to do with a motivational talk in any way, but an advanced Bluetooth hands-free device for the automobile.

The Ego Flash has two components, one of them is the actual processor of the two, and the other is the device with a 1.6 inch OLED display. This display has caller ID, controls the phone, it can hang up, and even do redials.

It can also do text messaging, and it will even read them aloud. By the way, did I mention that the Ego Flash can hold 10,000 phone contacts? It is also able to play MP3s right from the phone itself.

Photo Identification Ignition Interlock device

2011-09-18T04:54:00.000-07:00

Smart Start, Inc. from Irving has recently rolled out the new Photo Identification Ignition Interlock device that could potentially help save lives on the road. What does it do exactly? Well, this device uses patented technology which remembers photographs of the interlock user and associating it with an ignition interlock device. This device is smart enough to know

who is actually taking the breath test, and is almost 100% foolproof since it works on each and every test, including attempted tests. Just to get a better idea of how secure and effective it is, Texas Judges have required 250 offenders to install the Photo-ID interlock device as an additional sanction on the SSI 20/20 Interlock device since September 1st this year.

According to Lamar Ball, CEO of Smart Start, â€œDrunk driving is preventable; we are committed to saving lives and making our roadways safe. Assisting in the prevention of the needless incidence of drunk driving is our mission, and research shows interlocks are a proven tool in reducing DWI recidivism.â€

This futuristic tool is a commitment by SSI to display their ongoing commitment when it comes to helping authorities monitor interlock offenders. This technology has proven itself to be a major step forward for ignition interlock technology, and it will provide answers to the million dollar question: “How do I know who took the interlock test?” Guess there is no fooling technology, but what happens when one wears one of those masks found in the Mission Impossible series that match the exact photograph used? Will it be able to circumvent the safety system then?

The device can be found all over Texas, and SSI will be offering free installation from now until January next year, so might as well take advantage of this three-month window period to take full advantage of the situation.

The Houdini Automotive Escape Tool

2011-09-18T04:53:00.000-07:00

If you’re really big on vehicle safety, you might pick up one of these Houdini Automotive Escape Tools.Â Â It would also be great for parents sending their teen drivers off into the world.Â No, it can’t save them from everything, but at least they’ll be prepared for certain situations.Â The Houdini tool will help them out when their window needs broken, they need cut out of their seatbelt, need an emergency flashlight or need to call for help.Â There is also the Pro version of the tool that was created for police officers and firefighters.

It’s a bulkier version, and it doesn’t have a whistle to call for help, but it will likely hold up through multiple uses a bit better.Â The regular version has a small blade for the seatbelt, which also has a cover for when it’s not in use.Â To break the window, just put the window breaker end of the tool against the window and hold it there till it shatters.Â Then of course the LED light is pretty self explanatory and the whistle is on the opposite end of the blade and window breaker.

Car Seat made out of Carbon Fiber

2011-09-18T04:52:00.002-07:00

Car seats for your kids are never an exciting thing to purchase.Â They rarely feature designs different from every other car seat developed in the past twenty years.Â Yes, they might have more safety features, but usually you’re going to get stuck with some pastel car seat probably featuring Winnie the Pooh or some Disney princess.Â Which seems a bit unfair once you think about it.Â After all, your kid doesn’t really care what their car seat looks like till their later years of sitting in one.Â So why not buy a car seat that will look attractive in your car.Â Well one designer has decided to create a car seat inspired by racing gear.

The designer, Rory Craig will be pitching his design idea to Sparco Motor Sports.Â They are known for their racing inspired seats and safety harnesses.Â The car seat will work for your child through all three of the stages they will go through in a car seat.Â Which means you’d never need to buy a new car seat.Â The body of the seat is made out of carbon fiber which means it will be very lightweight and strong.

Coffee Cup Power Inverter charges your gadgets

2011-09-18T04:52:00.001-07:00

Keeping all of your gadgets charged and ready to go can be a pain when you’re always busy.Â Well now if you need to charge a gadget that doesn’t have a car charger attachment, you can still manage to charge it up.Â It will also be great for those times when you’ve left your car charger for your cellphone someplace.Â You could easily thieve the wall charger from home and pop it in your car.Â Just put this cup into a cup holder, then plug it into your car charger and you have two three prong outlets to play with.

Along with the three prong outlets, it also features a USB port to charge other gadgets like your iPod.Â Which means if you’re a gadget addict, you can charge three of them at once while you’re on your way to work.Â The cup is 6â€ tall and will fit in standard cup holders.Â Being about the size of a coffee cup, it would likely manage to fit in the cup holder of a VW Beetle.Â Which trust me, is a grand accomplishment in itself.

Car Windshield Mount with Twin Holders

2011-09-18T04:51:00.000-07:00

Most of us don’t just have one gadget we keep in our car.Â For many there’s GPS, cellphone and sometimes an iPod too.Â Which means it would be nice to have a device that held more of our electronics.Â Instead of having several holders that clutter up your car.Â Well with this car windshield mount it will hold two of your gadgets.Â Ideally I wish it held three, but two at least covers a couple of your important gadgets.Â It could hold your cellphone and your GPS or your cellphone and your iPod.Â It’s just all depending on which you think is important to be visible.

Although GPS is an item that seems far more effective when you can actually see it.Â I suppose there is the possibility that you could put your windshield mount for your GPS above this one and have all three up.Â Then again, that might eat the entire windshield of your car.Â Each arm for each gadget is adjustable, so you can make sure it’s pointed at an angle where you can clearly see the screen.

Spotlight for your car

2011-09-18T04:50:00.000-07:00

Now here’s a rechargeable LED light for use in your vehicle whenever you’re traveling. After all, you never know when you might need something like this, as emergencies seem to occur at the most inconvenient of times. This nifty little device can be plugged into the vehicle’s 12V power outlet to be charged, and its high output .5 wall LED is bright enough to light up just about anywhere you point it to. The Spotlight is both waterproof and shockproof, thanks to its 6061 aluminum aircraft body. It isn’t too hot when it comes to charging though – 7 hours offers just 2 hours worth of light.

Honeycomb tire design solves roadside hazard problems for G.I. Joe

2011-09-18T04:49:00.000-07:00

Several of the many upgrades that Humvees are getting in Iraq to protect against ambush include thicker armor plating and new honeycomb tires which are bullet proof and will keep the humvee rolling when itâ€™s been ambushed in a firefight or even an I.E.D. Whatâ€™s the secret? It doesnâ€™t use air.

The Honeycombs are based on a polymeric web which will not only take bullet fire, but also explosions from an improvised explosive device and still let our boys in cammy get away at over 50 miles an hour. Most injuries and deaths occur, not because of the initial IED blast â€“ armor can take most of that blunt force trauma â€“ but because the tires have been blown out. And even though current tire design calls for a â€œrun while flatâ€ specification, thereâ€™s little a tire can do when the air has been ripped out of the tire by shrapnel. Seems run while flat tires still need small amounts of air still in them. But the Honeycombâ€™s donâ€™t, according to their manufacturer, Resilient Technologies.
After studying every rwf tire on the market, and tires ripped to shreds in theater, Resilient went to mother nature for the answer and came up with a six-sided cell pattern honeycomb design that can best Emulate the “ride feel” of pneumatic tires, while allowing shrapnel to simply pass through the open spaces. What you end up with is a tire that is not only more robust and durable, but also runs quieter and cooler than current models. And Resilient is confident they can bring the tire, expected to be added to the Humvee design in 2011, to the Army for the same or even less a cost as current tires.

iBreath Alcohol Breathalyzer for your iPhone or iPod

2011-09-18T04:48:00.000-07:00

Just when you thought that iPod accessories consist of nothing but cases, speaker docks and earphones, along comes the iBreath Alcohol Breathayze. This is pretty much a self-explanatory device – it allows you to take your own alcohol breath test before your brain cells decide that it is better to catch a cab home instead of attempting to rush headlong into a DUI charge.

The iBreath Alcohol Breathalyzer does not require any batteries to run as it sips power off the iPod it is connected to, and all functions as well as results are shown on the iBreath LCD display. It has a BAC range of 0.000 to 0.100% and comes with a timer to let you know when’s the next time for a test. Nice to see it comes with an integrated FM transmitter as well, transmitting your favorite iPod tunes to just about any FM tuner.

Miscellaneous Gadgets,Automotive Gadgets

2011-09-18T04:47:00.002-07:00

No one likes dealing with speed bumps.Â Even if you drop down to crawling speeds, some are so severe that they jar your car around like crazy anyway.Â With some cars they even make them scrape the ground, like the 90s Mustangs.Â Well now someone has decided to create a speed bump that makes things easier for a lot of drivers.Â If you like to fly over speed bumps then these won’t help you out at all.Â However, if you are one of the ones that slows down for them then it will make it a much smoother ride.

When you approach the speed bump at high speeds, like above 30 mph then you’ll hit the bump.Â However, if you drop below that speed the speed bump will flatten out and allow you to drive over it comfortably.Â This was done by Jae-yun and Jong-Su Lee and hopefully someone will find these brilliant and put them to use.Â The only bad thing is that I’d be willing to bet that these cost more than the average speed bump.Â Which means it would be a while before these ever became mainstream.

New automobile key could help save lives

2011-09-18T04:47:00.001-07:00

Teenagers – most of them get the euphoric feeling of being independent from their parents the moment they pass their driving exams, and receive the keys to dad’s car. Regardless of whether you’re from a well-to-do family or will inherit a vehicle that’s as old as you, there is nothing quite like being in a jalopy with you at the wheel. No longer will you have to endure dad’s over-careful driving style, and neither do you have to subject yourself to elder sister’s maniacal forays down the highway. You are in charge of your destiny, be it a shiny new Ferrari or an old Ford pickup truck that requires 10 minutes of warm-up before it can get going. Unfortunately for parents, instead of worrying about their kid’s newfound freedom on the road, they also have to think about cell phone usage habits. Good thing somebody came up with this new automobile ignition key that prevents teenagers from talking on cell phones or sending text messages while driving. That ought to go a long way in helping reduce the amount of accidents, eh?

Researchers at the University of Utah were the ones who came up with this invention, and they have dubbed it Key2SafeDriving, targeting a lower number of road fatalities. How does it achieve this noble intention? For starters, it will rely on Bluetooth connectivity to remain hooked to compatible cell phones wirelessly. and is aimed at cutting down on road deaths. It relies on Bluetooth technology to wirelessly connect keys to phones. Before the engine is turned on, the driver must slide the key out or push a button to release it. The device will then send a signal over to the driver’s cell phone, moving it into “driving mode” while displaying a “Stop” sign on the handset’s display screen. Any incoming calls or texts will be answered with a message , “I am driving now. I will call you later when I arrive at the destination safely.”

According to Xuesong Zhou, an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering who co-invented the system with Wally Curry, “The key to safe driving is to avoid distraction. We want to provide a simple, cost-effective solution to improve driving safety.”

Dashboard Devices Carputer

2011-09-18T04:46:00.001-07:00

Clearly, we are at the point where there are too many electronic devices in our cars. With all the highly advanced car stereos, GPS devices, and cellular phones that are out right now, it is about time someone just up and put a PC in the automobile.

I suppose that is what Dashboard Devices was thinking when they created the â€œCarputerâ€. This Entertainment and Navigation for Vehicles (ENV) device is actually a two-part system. The first part is the ENV-XC, with an Intel Core Duo processor, 1 Gbyte of RAM, 160 Gbyte hard drive, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, dual FM radios, optional satellite radio receiver, DVD-RW burner, plus GPS radio.

As for the second part, the user has a choice of the ENV-100, the ENV-50, or the ENV-50c. The ENV-100 is a double-DIN system, while ENV-50 and ENV-50c are single DIN. The difference between the 50 and the 50c is that the 50 has a motorized screen and the 50c has a detached screen.

There is no word on what operating system this Carputer will use, but it should be known that the company has given a heads up about the Carputerâ€™s vulnerability to viruses. Let us hope that these Carputers donâ€™t distract us from driving.

Dashboard Devices hopes to have the Carputer available by the summer time, at a price of about $2,700. Rumor has it that the company will put the Carputer on display at CES if you want to check it out in Vegas this January.

Cordless Heated Car Screen Ice Scraper

2011-09-18T04:44:00.000-07:00

Right now, it is the dead of winter where I live. The snow level keeps rising, and it is getting colder and colder. As a result, my windshield is filled with frost that must be scraped off every time I want to go out for a ride. It is enough to make me want to move a place that always has a warmer climate.

I saw this gadget and thought that it was perfect for me. It is the Cordless Heated Car Screen Ice Scraper, and the name alone sold me.

This Ice Scraper is designed to charge in the cigarette lighter socket, and works for about 20 minutes. With the rugged teeth and heated pad, it just what you need to break up the big chucks of ice that are blocking your view. The Scraper also comes with an LED light so you can use it at night.

Anything that can help me get the annoying frost off the car windshield is definitely worth buying. Too bad I didnâ€™t report on this device a few weeks ago, because it certainly would have been the Perfect gift for that hard-to-shop person during the holidays.

Toyotaâ€™s Solar-powered Car

2011-09-18T04:43:00.000-07:00

About six month ago, we reported that Toyota was planning on putting solar panels on the Prius to power the air-conditioner. It has been recently been released that the famed Japanese motor company plans to release a car that is completely solar-powered.

As you can see on the photo, the solar panels are on the roof like solar panels of a house. This is only one way the car gets its power, as the company wants to supplement power by somehow attaching the car to the solar panels on the roofs of homes. This way, a car can be powered in a garage or parked outside.

Toyota is actually quite ahead of the solar power game. Their company in central Japan has solar panels on the roof that are equivalent in area to sixty tennis courts, and can produce enough energy to power 500 homes. That is enough annual savings for 740 tons of carbon dioxide emissions, which is equal to using 1,500 barrels of crude oil.

So is this the dawning of the age of the solar car? I used to think that a solar car was a useless invention, as most people drive at night. However, if it is possible to charge a car with solar power, then I guess weâ€™d power our car in a manner similar to solar-powered cell phone chargers.

Originally, Toyota said that it would have the solar panels on the Prius by Spring 2009. However, a car that is entirely solar powered will take years of development, so we donâ€™t know exactly when we will see Toyotaâ€™s solar car. Iâ€™m sure you will agree that it is a step in the right direction for a greener world.

SimCraft Took me for a ride at CES

2011-09-18T04:42:00.000-07:00

We already discussed the Emperor super-power chair from Novelquest, but in the booth next to it at CES was SimCraftâ€™s racing simulator. Thatâ€™s real Indy 500 race car driver Sarah Fisher in the photo, by the way.

I got a chance to try it, and I tell you, it felt like I was really auto racing. The frame was made of the same materials found in actual race cars, and it moved when I turned the wheel. I quickly learned that first lesson of racing: an inch is a mile.

In other words, you barely need to turn the wheel when you are going at 150 miles an hour on the track. You also have to stay on the outside of ring of the track, because once you go inside, your suspension gets all messed up and you go into the wall. Could a console game have taught me that? Not even with a steering wheel control.

Also, when you crash, you can feel it. Not as bad as a real race car, and that is the point. One of the SimCraft representatives has genuine experience race car driving, and he says the experience is pretty close, with some exceptions. For example, the user of the SimCraft cannot feel the same tremors on the steering wheel that a real race car driver will feel, and even though the triple-screen view on the SimCraft is good, it doesnâ€™t compare to the view a real race car driver would have.

I canâ€™t seem to find a price on the SimCraft site, but it canâ€™t be cheap. I have learned that the company is planning a version that can fold down and fit under the bed. I have another suggestion for a future product: make it like the Speed Racer movie. Of course, you will have to put some sort of hydraulic lifting mechanism for the impossible jumps done in that film.

Unify4Life uses BlackBerry to control home theaters and garage doors

2011-09-18T04:41:00.002-07:00

For years, I have been wondering why I can do almost anything with my mobile phone, but when it comes to my television or garage door, I have to resort to another remote control entirely. Why canâ€™t I control everything with a mobile like my BlackBerry? This is the question that Unify4Life is answering with two new devices: the AV|Shadow and the Garage|Shadow.

The AV|Shadow allows for switching channels, selecting chapters for a DVD, and even allows for adjusting the volume on the userâ€™s audio receiver. It uses Bluetooth Technology, so the user doesnâ€™t have to point at the screen or any other video device.

The user can customize their own settings, and the interface is set up in a circular pattern, perfect for the BlackBerry Trackball. The AV|Shadow is set up for TV, Satellite, Cable, Apple TV, TiVo, DVD, DVR/PVR, VCR, Blu-Ray, iPod, Mircosoft Media Center, even gaming consoles like the PS3.

The AV|Shadow is enough inspiration for any company, but Unify4Life also has another useful application called the Garage|Shadow. This device turns a BlackBerry into a garage door opener. It is easy to install and use, and now the user doesnâ€™t have to worry about losing their RF remotes any more.

Blaupunkt and miRoamer create Worldâ€™s First Internet Car Radio

2011-09-18T04:41:00.001-07:00

I have been seeing more and more Internet radios on the market these days, and I suppose that it was only a matter of time before someone invented one for the car. At CES, miRoamer, a popular Internet radio site, and Blaupunkt, a leader in automotive multimedia, introduced the worldâ€™s first Internet radio for the car.

I know that I have said this before, but I always get suspicious when I hear the words â€œworldâ€™s firstâ€ applied to any technological product. Usually, those words mean that â€œsomeone else actually did it first, but we are the first to really market itâ€. However, most of the other Internet radio makers at CES seemed genuinely surprised at the release of miRoamer and Blaupunketâ€™s product, and they all asked the same question: How is an automotive web-connection achieved?

Yes, the Internet Car Radio cannot work on its own, but requires a 3G or GSM phone to be connected via Bluetooth in order to access the Internet. From there, the user is able to access radio stations from miRoamer, which allows the user tens of thousands of music, entertainment, news, and talk stations.

The large screen display allows for easy interface with the many station options, and it includes other features including access to the phone, address book, Bluetooth, not to mention navigation.

So, is the beginning of a new age of Internet radio? I donâ€™t see why not. I think weâ€™ve done all we can with Sirius and XM, so the Internet is really the only other way to go with automotive radio.

Nikkai In-Car Journey Recorder for taping the Road Ahead

2011-09-18T04:39:00.002-07:00

When I was on the road to Vegas for CES, I wished I had some sort of video recorder so I could just speak my mind and write about it later. It would have definitely saved me some time and would have made the trip a lot less boring. On a somewhat related note, Nikkai has created the In Car Journey Recorder, which is the inverse of my idea.

Yes, the In-Car Journey Recorder is designed to affix to the windshield to record the road ahead, not the driver. It uses a 1.3M CMOS image sensor, which can record video footage for your insurance or lawyer in case of an accident. Now you have proof that it really wasnâ€™t your fault in a collision case, when itâ€™s your word against someone else.

The In-Car Journey Recorder records to an SD card for up to 2GB capacity, which is good for up to 18 hours worth of video footage. It can capture intervals between 2-3 seconds and 3 minutes.

Ford Unveils Earth-friendly Dashboard

2011-09-18T04:39:00.001-07:00

I believe it was Al Gore in his bookEarth in the Balance who said that an ordinary car is one of the greatest threats to the environment. Clearly, all automotive companies need to be thinking about Mother Earth the next time they roll their next model off the assembly line.

I suppose this is why Ford has come up with a new dashboard that literally shows you how earth-safe your driving is. Part of it has to do with measuring your fuel efficiency, which is not gauged by a meter or a number, but a picture of a vine.

Apparently, if your driving is fuel-efficient, the vine will start budding and blooming until it is healthy. However, if you are wasting gas, you will be forced to watch that vine shrivel up and die. Yes, it is odd to have a visual cue instead of an exact scientific reading, but I guess we consumers have been trained to react to pictures instead of raw data.

Personally, I think this new type of dashboard is nice simply because it looks cool. I mean, look at it, itâ€™s like selecting new tracks for iTunes, for crying out loud! Of course, that type of display canâ€™t be cheap, so youâ€™re probably looking at a few hundred dollars being tacked on to the Ford in your future.

SnoBootz help drivers sttay on the road in harsh winter conditions.

2011-09-18T04:38:00.000-07:00

Theyâ€™re called snobootz. Think of them as snow shoes for your car. Not as gangly as snow chains, to be sure, but theyâ€™re quick to install and fit like a glove on your tires. In this harsh winter weather, every car needs an edge to keep it on the road, and SnoBootz may act better than the traditional chains that most people use in the northern part of the country where snow is part of the local flora and fauna.

SnowBootz have rooted steel claws built into them to grab onto the ice for serious traction. Theyâ€™re built around some tough laminated donut shaped fabric which act like a skin on and fit tightly around the perimeter of the tire. Installation is easy â€“ lay out the Bootz, drive over them, and then snap them together. Things go faster if you have two people working at it, but single drivers can easily handle installation as well. The tough part, however, may be taking them off as driving on them in cold weather make them contract tightly on the wheels to the point where only getting a firm grip and pulling for all your worth will get the catches to release. But is that a bad thing? It just means that SnoBootz will stay on safely and securely until you want to take them off.

Windshield Wiper Sharpener makes your wipers last longer

2011-09-18T04:37:00.000-07:00

This is one of those gadgets you never had a clue you needed.Â Now that you’ve seen it though, I’d be willing to bet you’re at least curious to try it.Â When windshield wiper blades start to go bad, I know at least a good portion of us, myself included, put off taking care of it as long as possible.Â After all, it doesn’t rain all the time, so as long as you’re not having a run of bad weather, bad windshield wiper blades are easy to ignore.Â Although, it’s probably not best to ignore the issue in the winter.

Since that is the case for many, we’ve probably all at least once experienced the joys of replacing windshield wiper blades in the pouring rain.Â Well apparently there’s another way to put off replacing those blades, which is good news for the procrastinators and especially those that are excessively cheap.Â Instead you can take this little kit from Japan and sharpen your windshield wiper blades.

Portable Car Seat Laptop Tray holds your drink

2011-09-18T04:36:00.000-07:00

f you’ve ever gotten stuck in the backseat on a long road trip, you know what a short trip it can be to a nice padded cell.Â In the backseat you can feel crowded in and sometimes there aren’t even a sufficient amount of cup holders for the amount of people piled in there.Â Then you have to figure out what to do for the entire drive.Â In some cases you have a DVD player in the car, which is nice.Â If you don’t have one though, this little tray would be the perfect spot to set up your laptop on.

It’d also be great for those that carpool to work to finish typing up some important document for work at the very last minute.Â The table can be mounted to the back of a seat or even to the steering wheel itself.Â Please, only mount it to the steering wheel if the car is not actually moving though.Â When it’s not in use the tray can be popped into an upright position and be out of the way.

New tire/wheel design is long on concept, but do the numbers support it?

2011-09-18T04:35:00.000-07:00

The old adage for cars is that engineers arenâ€™t mechanics for if they were, they wouldnâ€™t design their cars the way they do. Well, the same could be said of designers who arenâ€™t engineers OR ). mechanics. Witness this ambitious wheel/tire design called the â€œDynamically Augmenting Wheel Systemâ€ (aka DAWS). The idea is interesting.

As a car takes a turn at speed, rather than losing its center of gravity due to inertia, the wheel itself is designed into eight segments to telescope laterally â€“ thereby keeping the center of gravity where it is. The theory is that the wheel segments move on what is referred to as a liner bearing â€“ located in the hub. This allows the wheel to shift the entire vehicle proportionally and resist inertiaâ€™s effects on pulling tires off the road.

Man. Can you imagine not only the cost of outfitting a car a set of these babies, but also of fixing them when they break? As my dad used to say â€¦ the more parts a design has, the greater the chance it has of breaking down. Whereas, a simple circlular tube design has little chance of catastrophic failure except for a tire blowout itself.

Not only is this lawn mower all terrain, its remote controllable

2011-09-18T04:34:00.000-07:00

Anyone who lives on a hill knows how much a hassle it is to mow a hillside. Many farmers have just given up the task in favor of a heard of billy goats and cattle who do the job quite nicely. And I donâ€™tâ€™ even want to show you the slopes in my back yard. But the bottom line is that hillsides need to be mowed down just like any other landscape. Even more so as brush fires usually get out of control on hillsides. So, what all us hill folk need is a lawn mower thatâ€™s half tank, half RC car. And thankfully, that day has come with a vengeance. Enter the Evatech GOAT Robot 22T.

The Goat can be controlled by radio from up to a half mile away and can mow up a 70 degree slope like itâ€™s flat land thanks to its tank like treads which grab ahold and provide secure footing all the way up. And it can move up that steep hillside at speeds reaching 8 MPH, which means I could sit in my backyard with an umbrella and some sweet tea and get the hillside mowed down in less time than it takes to mow the rest of the yard. Better yet, hand the boy the RC control and tell him to pretend he’s Patton’s 3rd Army moving towards Bastogne! And with the optional snowplow attachment, the Goat can also become an awesome snowplow in winter.

Rear View Mirror has video camera built in

2011-09-18T04:33:00.002-07:00

Often times, automobile accidents boil down to either one manâ€™s word against another or some arbitrary rule that the one driving behind is automatically at fault. Wouldnâ€™t it be nice to be able to have video proof of whoâ€™s at fault? Well, only if itâ€™s the other guy, that is! But thatâ€™s the idea behind this Rear View Mirror Car Camera Recorder.

The video camera is mounted in the rear view mirror and it functions as a blind spot reduction, backup camera, and a DVR. It records to SD card and records not only the video image, but equally important is the time and date. And with SD cards, removal of the video clips to play on your PC is extremely simple. And whatâ€™s really cool is that the Rear View Mirror Car Camera Recorder works with your existing rear view mirror as an overlay, so thereâ€™s no expensive and time consuming installation process to replace the stock mirror. It just slips right over it.

Other features include 2.5â€ LCD screen, adjustable lens, recording that automatically begins when you start the car, and auxiliary camera port for optional rear view camera â€“ which is a great idea, especially if youâ€™re driving an RV or pulling a large trailer like a boat or camper.

Honda Element becomes extremely dog friendly

2011-09-18T04:33:00.001-07:00

Some people just aren’t the greatest with other people, sometimes they’re just far better with animals.Â Well for the dog owners out there that have a strong love for their dog, Honda is about to release an SUV that’s worth looking over.Â It is created to accommodate those that enjoy driving around with their pet.Â It’d be especially great for those that love taking road trips with their pup along with them.

The Honda Element 2009 already was popular with pet owners due to the washable floor, which makes things far easier.Â Actually the washable floor makes the vehicle more practical for messy kids as well.Â Well now they are also adding a cushioned bed and most importantly, pet restraints.Â After all, you wouldn’t want anything to happen to your dog in the event of a car accident.Â Other great perks include an elevated platform, second row as well as cargo pet restraint systems, a 12V DC rear ventilation fan, second row seat covers with a dog pattern design.Â To finish it off they added an extendable cargo area load-in ramp, all-season rubber floor mats with a toy bone pattern, a spill resistant water bowl and dog friendly exterior emblems.Â The car is supposed to be released in the fall.Â In some ways it does seem like a bit much, but some people treasure their pets as much as they would children, so it’s nice that there’s an option out there for them.

Personal Rapid Transit set to debut soon

2011-09-18T04:32:00.000-07:00

With the population rising, it leaves people searching for alternative forms of transportation for heavily populated areas.Â Well this idea for Masdar City looks like something straight of an lassac Asimov book I read years ago.Â They are basically an electronic taxi without a driver.Â You choose where it is you’d like to go and it will take you there or close to it.Â Initially the system will stay fairly simple, but as time progresses it will continue to be modified and become more complex.

Actually, the planner that designed the network refers to it more as an elevator type system as of now.Â Just push a button and it takes you to where you need to go.Â Passengers will be able to get within 100 meters of any destination.Â The system that will be located within Abu Dhabi is definitely revolutionary.Â I doubt that this new system is perfect, but I am curious to see it be modified and for other ideas to be spawned from this one.Â Personal Rapid Transit is set to make its debut sometime this year.

Panasonic In-dash Blu-ray Players

2011-09-18T04:31:00.000-07:00

Ah, Blu-ray. Can anything stop this fad from spreading? I donâ€™t know, can it? Seriously, is Blu-ray taking the world by storm? If so, it is a slow storm brewing.

It would appear that Panasonic is ready for the age where Blu-ray has completely replaced DVDs with two dash-mountable devices. According to my source, this is the first dash-mountable device that is Blu-ray compatible.

The first of these new products is the CN-HX3000D. It is a Windows-powered device with a seven inch screen with 1280 x 720 resolution. It also has a 40 GB hard drive, 5 channel amplifier, Bluetooth, GPS, and is compatible with the iPod and the iPhone.

The second is the CY-BB1000D, and you need to hook it up with the HX3000D to make it work, apparently. My source is a little vague on that point, but it says that the BB1000D doesnâ€™t support Blu-Live. This is one of the â€œlet the buyer bewareâ€ purchases.

So, if you are type that is really into Blu-ray, so much that you need it in your car, then (do I need to say it?) this product is for you. You will have to wait until the fall to purchase them, but my source does not have a price.

Robotic Taxi Service

2011-09-18T04:30:00.000-07:00

Iâ€™m sure all of you remember the movie Total Recall, where Arnold Schwarzenegger rides in a cab that drives itself. It would appear that someone has taken inspiration from science fiction with this Robotic Taxi Service.

It looks a lot like the that we reported on a week ago. Designer Kubik Peterâ€™s automated transport is electrically powered, and can seat about two. That may not sound like much room, but there is a trunk in the back for some luggage.

Now Iâ€™m sure youâ€™re wondering: how does the passenger tell the robo-cabbie where to go? I believe the user just makes a selection of cross-streets on a touchscreen controller. I would imagine that the touchscreen would have internet access, so maybe the passenger can watch a little YouTube video while he or she is waiting to get from Point A to Point B.

Iâ€™ve noted that the robo-cab looks a little skinny. Perhaps it is prepared for an era where two people can comfortably travel side by side in a lane normally made for one car. Considering that many metropolitan cities have way too many cabs on their streets, they could use an exclusive lane devoted to cabs.

This robo-cab could hearken in an age where a taxi driver is no longer needed. Of course, they could always create the Johnny Cab dummy drivers from the aforementioned Total Recall. Remember that cabbie that could talk and attempt at make conversation with starters like â€œhell of a day, isnâ€™t it?â€ Well, if these robo-cabs are ever perfected, Iâ€™m certain it will be a â€œhell of a timeâ€.

Electric vehicle charging posts implements billing system

2011-09-18T04:29:00.000-07:00

Electric vehicles will no doubt be more and more commonplace in the future, and you know what this means? More and more gas stations would have to learn to co-exist with these types of vehicles, resulting in each pump offering both electric charging as well as regular fuel. I do think that this isn’t such a good idea after all, since a slight spark in an electrical charging system could result in all that high octane fuel catching fire, blowing up in some Hollywood-style explosion. Well, that could just be my imagination getting the better of me, but what we have here is the first billing system in the world for electric vehicle charging posts.

This ground-breaking tool will be used for monitoring and invoicing electricity drawn from vehicle charging stations, and was recently unveiled at the Norwegian zero-emissions exhibition, EVS 24. Known as the EBConnect, the Elektromotive-developed station makes it a snap for electric vehicle owners to identify its energy consumption, where customers will be able to receive their bills accurately. This new system will see action in over 140 Elektrobay charging stations across the UK as a start.

The EBConnect software will be able to handle a two-way exchange of data via GSM and the Internet, capable of tracking electricity usage and invoice accordingly. While we don’t doubt the efficiency of such a system, there is always a possibility as with the case of technology to screw up along the way, so hopefully the customer service department is up to speed in handling calls and complaints of over-charging by accident. You need not rely on your credit card alone to pay, as this system even throws in a â€˜pay-and-goâ€™ service, where you must top up your personalised Elektrobay keyfob with credits before using. Of course, you can also add the costs automatically to your household utility bill if you prefer to consolidate everything into one piece of document.

Santok’s STK In-Car Splitter With USB Ports

2011-09-18T04:28:00.000-07:00

With as many gadgets as most of us cart around, finding ways to charge them in your car becomes an issue.Â You could just attempt to spread them out so that you don’t have to have as many things plugged in within your car at once.Â However, sometimes you really need your cellphone that happens to be dead and your GPS.Â Well this In-Car Splitter would likely be plenty for even the most gadget addicted person out there.

It has 2 regular cigarette lighter sockets as well as two USB ports.Â Giving you enough room to keep four gadgets powered up at all times.Â The arm on the splitter can be angled in different directions, making it so that it’ll work in any vehicle you own now or in the future.Â It also has a replaceable fuse as an extra safety feature.Â You can read more on it on santok's website, but unfortunately they don’t give any pricing information on the splitter.

The Park ‘N Place Garage Parking Aid

2011-09-18T04:27:00.000-07:00

It was a long time before I became used to actually parking my car in a garage and everyone has their tricks for dealing with getting in far enough.Â The most common one I’ve seen is hanging a tennis ball from the ceiling, but that trick has its own list of problems.Â You have to make sure it’s hung at just the right spot, which can be a little more tedious than utilizing a gadget such as this.

Just place it on the ground at the spot you need it, which is a touch more simple than trying to hang something from the ceiling.Â Then when you’re pulling in, you have a big red indicator to let you know how far you can pull in.Â To top it off, once your car bumps the sign, it has flashing lights that will go off on contact.Â It’s also on a flexible stand, so you won’t have to worry about breaking the gadget.

Cobra’s Aura SL3 warns drivers on bad areas

2011-09-18T04:26:00.000-07:00

It’d be nice if we had a device that yelled at us every single time something hazardous was going on while we’re on the road.Â Of course it’d require that a device be able to predict the future to get that level of safety.Â Which at this particular juncture is a tad on the impossible side.Â This GPS Safety Locator does make an effort though to make sure that you know about any potential issues.Â At least the issues that it can see, it’s not going to tell you when someone flies up on you and about slams into you.Â No, this instead gives important intersection alerts and other things along those lines.

I’m curious how well it would really work in a rural area, but the device is supposed to alert you within plenty amount of time for you to slow down.Â It also thankfully lets you know when you are approaching any red light camera, speed cameras or just general caution areas.Â You can also program in your own alerts, up to 1,000, to remind yourself of bad areas.

The Cube Concept Car

2011-09-18T04:24:00.000-07:00

This isnâ€™t the first time that we have reported on concept automobiles of the future. Most of them arenâ€™t really what comes to mind when we think of a car, as they tend to be small one-manned drones.

The Cube is nothing different, but I admire Carlos Mendezâ€™s vision for cars. Mendez noticed that most cars are way too large and heavy compared to their driver, so he set out to create a â€œvehicle designed more to a human scaleâ€.

What makes the Cube unique is that the user determines what it will look like and alters it according to his or her needs. Think of the base as something like a Lego car, and it is up to the user to add the roll bars, windshield, roof, or a bed for hauling stuff.

Mendezâ€™s Cube is also environmentally sound as it is completely electrical powered. Iâ€™m guessing that mass-production of the Cube would probably solve traffic problems as it looks like it takes up half as much width as an ordinary vehicle.

Decreased width is also a theme amongst future cars. However, I still question how we would transition to that. Would we really live in a world where special lanes are made for cars like the Cube? I suppose the old lanes would be for the â€œantique wideâ€ cars. Only time will tell for that one.

Mendez hopes that his Cube will be the model car of the future, sort of like the Model T became the standard that began the age of automobiles. Again, only time will tell for that one.

Supermarket to be powered by cars in parking lot

2011-09-18T04:23:00.003-07:00

The effort to keep business expenses low while trying to transition to a more green lifestyle has prompted a British super market to look to their parking lot to power their lights and run their cash register. And the idea may catch on for other power needs as well.

Sainsbury’s installed a new kinetic plating system in the parking lot lanes which generate power as a car drives over them. The way it works is that as a car moves over the plates, it’s hydraulic action turns a power generator creating up to 30 kilowatts of electricity. And apparently there’s enough flow through business that the energy generated is running the store’s power for lighting and cash transactions through their point of sale computer systems.

Additionally, Sainsbury is collecting rain water to use in the toilets, and larger floor to ceiling windows are making the interior brighter to lower needs for lighting. There are also plans of funneling unsold food to a biomass plant to generate further green power. But it’s the user of the kinetic plates that has the British government thinking similar technology can be harnessed to power street lights all over the city.

That’s an excellent example of how better ideas can not only save energy and better the environment, but create jobs for installing and maintaining it as it powers the system.

Supermarket to be powered by cars in parking lot

2011-09-18T04:23:00.001-07:00

That’s an excellent example of how better ideas can not only save energy and better the environment, but create jobs for installing and maintaining it as it powers the system.

Scamander RRV can go just about anywhere

2011-09-18T04:22:00.000-07:00

Before he died, Peter Wheeler wanted the ultimate car – one that would not only go fast, but go anywhere. And by anywhere, he meant ANYWHERE. Over land, over water, over just about anything. The end of the day, he had the Scamander.

Because he loved driving fast, but shooting in the outback, Wheeler needed something that wasn’t bound by the roads it ran on, or having to waste hours driving around lakes and streams that block his way.

So he built a vehicle with huge 35 inch tires, and the rear wheels have paddles attached to them. Powered by a 2.0 litre Ford Zetec engine, the Scamander also was designed with individual braking systems which can isolate each wheel separately for better traction. The body, is built from foam plastic pods that are form fitting aerodynamically and positioned around it’s aluminum frame. This keeps the RRV light enough to wade through any lagoon.

The driver sits dead in the middle of the front seat with a near 300 degree field of view from five windows included a very large windshield. Two passenger seats occupy the rear along with covered pickup style bed for more utilitarian purposes.

But will Detroit be seeing something like this any time soon? Not likely as Wheeler was investing his own money into the project and with his death, the fate of the Scamander is very much in doubt. But one thing is for sure, it definitely works.

The Auto Exec Passenger with Power Inverter

2011-09-18T04:21:00.001-07:00

There have been a few different power inverters that you can toss into your car.Â Which makes it much easier to make sure your gadgets are always charged up and ready to go.Â However, if you’re actually needing to get quite a bit of work done while you’re on a trip, this case might be a better option.Â The power inverter stays in the case and has enough of a cord to plug into your car, even if it’s sitting behind the passenger seat.Â Then it also has storage for any items you might need to take with you from the office, to make sure that you can get your work done while you’re on the go.

Of course it’s not advised to type up your full report while you’re driving, but if you’re the passenger this would work out great.Â It features a thick strap that will hold up to 100lbs, so you can pack plenty into the bag.Â It has a total of 10 different pockets, one of which for your laptop.Â That pocket will fit laptops that are up to 15 inches.Â It also has 2 file pockets, 1 extra large front pocket, 2 water bottle pockets and then one pocket for a cellphone or iPod as well as various other pockets.Â It has a USB port and the power inverter has an extension cord with a range of 6 feet.

Super Universal Car Mount

2011-09-18T04:20:00.000-07:00

Super Universal Car Mount! Super Universal Car Mount! Super Universal Car Mount! Okay, I donâ€™t think I could hype this product any more.

Considering that most countries have that whole â€œno handhelds law while drivingâ€, you need something to hold the mobile devices. Of course, I assume laws like that were made so drivers would not be distracted, but I canâ€™t think of anything more distracting than this device that looks like a babyâ€™s mobile.

However, this really is a handy device for holding a cellular phone, a satellite navigation system, and an MP3 player. Yes, this one thing can pretty much do it all and attach to the windshield with a strong suction cup. From there, all three goosenecks can adjust for all sorts of mobile views.

Okay, I think that is about all I can say about this particular device. Iâ€™m not certain what else you can use this for, really. Itâ€™s too bad they donâ€™t have some attachment that can hold your coffee, but I guess thatâ€™s what a cup holder is for.

Attention Assist Helps Sleepy Drivers

2011-09-18T04:19:00.000-07:00

On the Volvo S80 is a new safety feature that I have never seen before, but Iâ€™m guessing it is probably needed. Attention Assist has an interesting feature that can detect whether the driver is nodding off, which is a cause of many an accident.

The Mercedes-Benz S500 as well as the new E-class of the model have this Attention Assist safety feature, which uses seventy parameters that signal to the car that the driver is drifting into slumberland. Granted, I have no idea why seventy is needed, because I believe that the only possible indicator would be on the steering wheel.

In fact, how can a car tell when you are nodding off? Maybe they have a â€œpower nodâ€ detector that I donâ€™t know about. If youâ€™re not familiar with the â€œpower nodâ€, just think back to college when that boring professor put you to sleep, but you tried to stop yourself. The end result was classmates in the back shouting â€œwhiplashâ€!

If the car does detect your drowsiness, the indicator light will come out. Oddly enough, a picture of a cup of coffee appears on the dash. So what is this, some sort of signal that you need caffeine? If so, I would prefer having a Mountain Dew can in there in lieu of the coffee cup. Iâ€™m not a big coffee achiever guy.

Now, if the car has a GPS, it could give the driver directions to the next coffee shop. For me, there would have to be some compass pointing to the nearest Mountain Dew machine.

Portable Pizza Oven a great option for the RV crowd but please, not while in Rush Hour

2011-09-18T04:18:00.000-07:00

If I had an RV or camper and was looking to bake a pizza or cake while camping, the Portable Pizza Oven might possibly be a good option to add to my camping gear. But if I was stuck in rush hour and was a tad hungry, using this while driving would be a recipe … for disaster.

The Porta Pizza Oven plugs into the 12 volt cigarette lighter receptacle. It has heating elements above and below for all around cooking and can handle a small cake pan or pizza. It folds out like a typical toaster oven and has two settings – high and low – for cooking and warming up.

As I said, if you’re looking for something to free up some plug space on your portable generator, and have spare counter space on your RV counter or camper, this could be a good option – just make sure you start up the engine from time to time to keep from killing the battery.

But if you’re looking for a hot food option while your commuting to work on the freeway, you may find that this oven turns your vehicle into a car-be-que by sitting on the passenger seat while operating.

Sailboat uses kite power to move on land and in water

2011-09-18T04:16:00.002-07:00

Harnessing the power of the wind to travel is nothing new. America was discovered thanks to it, goods travelled all over the world for eons as a result of it, there’s even a super bowl of sailing in the world’s oldest athletic competition (the America’s Cup) which couldn’t happen as a result of the wind. And cargo ships are even considering using giant kites to travel on the wind as a green way to cut costs and save the environment while sailing the seas. So it’s nothing new. But toss in the ability to travel from the road straight into the ocean on the wind, and suddenly the “coolness factor” asserts itself. Especially when you can see an opening scene of a new Bond movie in it’s future.

Called the sea quad, this sailboat (actually more catamaran) is more kite powered than sail, although an easy moment of riising a small mast is certainly a design option. But the main mode of propulsion for the Quad is kite power. Check out the cool video:

A bar is connected to the kite flying in the winds above, and the pilot maneuvers by tacking the kite into the wind. It can also be powered by conventional sail mast. But it’s not cheap, as the sticker is just south of $14,000. Takes up to two passengers.

Jay Leno proves real world applications for 3D printer

2011-09-18T04:16:00.001-07:00

Jay Leno is more than just a former host of the tonight show, or even a stand up comic. Jay is a car nut, and his has quite an impressive collection of automobiles from sports cars to trucks, to even tank like vehicles which are hybrids. But Jay also has some very old original automobiles with engines that have no replacement parts. And when one recently went down for good, it looked as if one of his cars would never run again. Then he got the idea to use a computer and 3D printer to make his own replacement parts. And it worked.

The part was a slide, or “D” vale from his 1907 White Steamer engine which had been used so much, that the metal had become porous, leaking oil and steam everywhere. Knowing that welding up any holes wouldn’t only do further damage, Leno and his mechanics used the NextEngine 3D scanner and Dimension 3D printer to scan the original part, make the necessary repairs digitally, and then simply reprint the part back. The Dimension 3D printer printed an exact copy of the part in plastic, which was then used to create a mold to recast the part back in it’s original form.

This 3D printer costs $15,000 and makes parts from plastic. But prices are starting to drop.

But parts aren’t the only thing. The printer means that obsolete tools used to work on the engines can also be fabricated digitally in the same fashion. These tools aren’t cheap, with the NextEngine scanner costing around $3K and the 3D printer running $15K. But it’s easy to envision services where it can be done far cheaper until the prices drop for every day use.

So, as time creates wider gaps between technology and real world use, gadgets like 3D scanners and printers are certain to close that gap to keep them running and in prime shape!

The CradleVue holds your laptop in the car

2011-09-18T04:15:00.001-07:00

By now just about every single mini van has a small portable DVD player.Â The ones that don’t are getting fewer and fewer.Â Except there are still several holding out, because it just seems like a ridiculous expense to some of us.Â After all, most households own at least one laptop, so why spend the money for something that is only useful within your car?Â The down side with the laptop is that it’s difficult to set it up in a vehicle at an angle that makes everyone happy.Â Well with this CradleVue, it would hold your laptop up high and you won’t have to spend money on a portable DVD player.

The CradleVue can be adjusted to hold onto any size laptop.Â It also can adjust to accommodate more than just mini vans, it’ll also work for cars, SUVs and trucks as well.Â It has a specific type of cord that is used to absorb all of the usual shock from riding around in the car.Â The biggest risk factor with this is wondering whether or not it would somehow wear out the hinges between the keyboard and laptop.

F1Showcar Motion Simulator uses Real Race Car

2011-09-18T04:13:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to try out the SimCraft Racing simulator at CEB , and I thought that it was a trip. However, just picture how cool it would have been if I had been sitting in a Formula 1 car!

I mean, if you can’t afford to drive a real car on a track, then maybe you can have the car! Okay, I’ll admit that was pretty sarcastic, but at least the car has real tires, racing seat and harness, steering wheel, and pedal system.

The car is mounted on a pneumatically powered motion platform that is similar to the ones used in Flight Simulator training. It has a nineteen inch monitor for viewing the road, which sort of pales in comparison with Simcraft’s wrap-around triple display.

The F1Showcar Motion Simulator will set you back $44,900. Yeah, this definitely a toy for those who clearly have money to burn, which does not include myself. I also don’t have the space in my place for something like this, either. Then again, it doesn’t seem right to buy a Formula1 car and just mount it on a platform.

Still, I think I can see why it was done. How else are you going to get the feeling of driving without using a real car? It reminds me of a video game in Japan called Initial D where the player was in an actual sports car to engage in The Fast and the Furious type races. I wrote about that here if you want more information.

Halcyon Concept Car: I’ve seen the future, and it’s shaped like this

2011-09-18T04:12:00.000-07:00

Picture the first cars that were ever assembled, such as the Model T and what not. They look very different than the cars than the cars of today, right? I suppose that automobile design has a certain (for lack of a better word) evolution to it.

So let’s hit the fast forward button to see what the shape of cars will be in the future. I’m not certain what you were thinking, but I never would have come up with this. Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that designer Ralph Tayler-Webb’s Halcyon car is ugly, I’m just saying that I wouldn’t have gone with such an indescribable, almost amorphous, shape.

Tayler-Webb was apparently inspired by nature to create the Halcyon. He was inspired by the tranquility and silence of a glider flight, and realized that technology should blend in with nature, not stand out from it.

The Halcyon is designed to glide through landscapes rather than drive, and it is good for the planet in other ways. It is lightweight and fuel-efficient, with an electric motor constructed from porous aluminum.

In all honesty, I can’t help but think that cars will never look like this. However, I’m sure if you were to go back in time and show Henry Ford what his automobiles look like today, he would probably laugh at you.

Find your tools quickly with RFID tags

2011-09-18T04:11:00.000-07:00

If you are in construction, TV reporting, or any other job that requires you to bring expensive tools to another location, then you know the frustration of leaving tools behind. On a somewhat related note, I left a camera behind at a wedding that I went to last week, and all I could think was: “oh, I should have done a quick inventory of my things before I just drove off”.

DeWalt is thinking the same thing when it created Tool Link, a way of keeping track of tools with RFID tags. The system comes with an RFID scanner with software for a truck’s dashboard computer, as well as two RFID antennas for a truck’s bed.

It also comes with 50 RFID tags that can be attached to any tool. So when you leave the job, you can check the computer and see if any tools were left behind, and track down the ones that are missing.

Of course, you will have to make a database for this, and you might wonder if the $1,500 price tag to install Tool Link in your Ford truck is really worth it. Just think of it as insurance. Is it easier to pay the high price now, or keep paying every time a tool gets lost?

PSA Shows that Texting while Driving can Kill a friendship

2011-09-18T04:10:00.002-07:00

When I took driver’s education in high school, the teacher showed this one film called Signal 30. This film was a no-holds barred look at car accidents, with all the blood-and-guts details. I’ve never been the type who slows down when passing a car accident, because I don’t want to see real-life gore.

Of course, we didn’t have texting and driving when I was in high school, which is the cause of many auto accidents. If we did, then I’m sure my driver’s education teacher would have insisted on showing the PSA video that you can view after the jump.

The video itself is about the first four minutes of what will be a 30-minute video, and it is quite graphic. It begins with a teenager texting while driving, and you can probably figure out what happens next. There is a lot of blood, and even though it could be gorier, there are some scenes that are just downright sad.

For example, the video doesn’t hesitate to show a baby who is not blinking, or a little girl who wonders why her mummy and daddy can’t wake up. This is probably something they couldn’t show on television in America unless it was TV MA, but I believe the rules are different in the UK.

The video was made by the Gwent Police Department, and none of the footage that you see is real. I’m not certain what the full 30-minute video of this will be called, but if this doesn’t stop teens from texting while driving, then I’m not certain what will.

The Cooling Car Summer Seat

2011-09-18T04:10:00.001-07:00

There are a lot of cars that come with built-in heaters in the seats and even if your car doesn’t have that, you can always put something in your car to solve that problem.Â One thing you don’t see a whole lot is something on the seat to keep you a little more cool.Â Which during a long road trip or when you’re stuck in a traffic jam would be really nice.Â There are times when the air conditioning just doesn’t cut it.Â For those times, there is this seat cooler.

This would be especially nice for those of you that have leather seats.Â Yes, the leather looks great, but when it’s hot and sticky out, a leather seat does not help matters any.Â This stays powered by either using the power from your car battery or can be plugged into your average wall socket.Â This will provide instant relief while you’re waiting on your air conditioning to cool the rest of the car.Â Plus you’ll no longer have to worry about your back being sweaty from not getting any air circulation thanks to the cooling fan.

Naturmobil Car requires horsepower….literally

2011-09-18T04:09:00.000-07:00

I can’t decide if this horse powered car is moving forward with the times or taking them back to a time before cars.Â Yes, you’re in a car and it has wheels, but it’s powered by a literal horse.Â Â Which is not much better than planting yourself in a horsedrawn carriage.Â Admittedly this is actually faster than a buggy would be though.Â A buggy goes about 5-10 mph, whereas this car concept can go up to 28 mph.Â Either way, you’re not exactly going to be flying down the highway.

The biggest down side of this eco-friendly car is that there isn’t a divider between the horse and you.Â Which means you get to live with the smell of a horse the entire time you’re driving.Â To power the car there is a treadmill where the horse jogs.Â The creator Hadi Mirhejazi has taken into consideration the horse’s comfort and done his best to use technology to the horse’s benefit.Â The designer is hoping to take a trip around the world to show off the vehicle

Excalibur Electronic Travel Cup keeps coffee hot

2011-09-18T04:07:00.000-07:00

There’s nothing quite as disappointing as taking a nice big drink of coffee only to discover you’ve waited just a little too long.Â Then instead of getting hot or even warm coffee, you get a taste of cold coffee.Â Which, when the coffee is meant to be hot, is always gross.Â Well instead of trying to guzzle down your coffee or tea faster in order to make sure it stays hot the whole way through, you could pick up this travel mug.Â It’s insulated like every other travel mug out there, plus it has a built-in heater.

LED Jumper Cables look a touch alien

2011-09-18T04:06:00.000-07:00

Most of us have had the joy of dealing with a dead battery in our car and somehow it always seems to happen under the worst of conditions.Â You know the ones, dark and either snowing or raining.Â It being dark is definitely a requirement though.Â Well with these jumper cables you won’t have quite so much difficulty managing to charge your battery in the dark.Â These cables might look a touch alien, but they’ll still do the trick.

You’ll never have to worry about getting the colors confused and therefore causing a slightly damaging mistake.Â Every single one of the clamps has a light built into it.Â These high-intensity LED lights will kick on whenever you squeeze the clamps open.Â It’s probably easier than trying to hold a flashlight in your mouth, while your hands are busy trying to position the cables.

Twin Socket Battery Charger charges batteries in your car

2011-09-18T03:58:00.000-07:00

If you have a gadget you rely heavily on that requires AA batteries, you might invest in this battery charger.Â It’s always nice to have a battery charger at home, but if you’re outside of the house when your gadget dies, that won’t help you.Â Usually that leaves you stuck buying new batteries, well instead of doing that you can charge up your batteries within your car.

This battery charger allows for you to charge 2 AA batteries at one time.Â It also has a adjustable plug-in that allows for you to put the charger at the ideal angle for your comfort.Â At the front of the charger it also has a built-in LED reading light.Â It can be used to read a map while you’re on the road, which is better than flipping on that excessively bright dome light.Â The charger comes with 2 AA rechargeable batteries when you purchase the kit

The Trailer Hitch Alignment Tool

2011-09-15T04:17:00.000-07:00

Hooking up certain hitches can be difficult with help.Â Some allow for you to be a little off, but others it requires being extremely precise.Â Then to actually pull off hooking up a trailer, boat or camper on your own is a tedious and time consuming task.Â I suppose it is entirely possible, but it’s probably going to take you a while to get it right.Â Usually you’re far better off waiting until help arrives.Â Well this Trailer Hitch Alignment Tool will make it possible for you to hook everything up without any help.

There’s a rod that attaches to each side, one on the hitch of your vehicle and the other for the hitch on your trailer.Â In order to make it easier to see both rods, these have brightly colored markers on the ends.Â Then the rods themselves are adjustable, you can make them stand up to 43 inches tall.Â In order to resist rust, these come in a chrome plated finish.Â Then all you have to do is line up the colored markers on the end and you’re done.Â I imagine it might take some practice though to get used to lining up two colored dots.

Garage Bell reminds you of the good old days

2011-09-15T04:14:00.000-07:00

For those of you that hate getting preoccupied with things at home, only to spin around and see your spouse has managed to get inside and stand right behind you without you noticing.Â You might need something to announce their presence so that you don’t have a heart attack every single day.Â Plus you’ll get to reminisce about the good old days when gas stations weren’t all self serve.

This garage bell comes with a 25 foot long air hose that allows for the bell to ring cheerfully.Â All it takes is someone driving over the air hose and it’ll cause the bell to ring, announcing their presence to anyone near the garage.Â The die-cast hose anchor comes in bright red, which is always a classic choice.Â It could work at either your house or your place of business to let you know when someone drives up.

Ford announces inflatable seatbelts in 2010 models

2011-09-15T04:13:00.001-07:00

See if you can figure out what differentiates the two dummies in the photo to the left. If you said that one of them has an inflatable seat belt, then you are correct! (Of course, that is not the only difference, but that is neither here nor there.)

These inflatable seatbelts are part of Ford’s push to make our automobiles a little more safer from accidents. They will be available starting next year, making their debut in the 2010 Ford Explorer. (I think that most car companies have already released their 2010 models by now, so this should be available now.)

Ford has said that they want the inflatable seat belts to be the standard for all of their cars, and hope that they will succeed in their design of reducing head, chest, and neck injuries. By the way, my source says that these new inflatable seatbelts are considered to be “more comfortable”, but it doesn’t say whether that is before or after they are inflated.

I’m guessing that these seat belts inflate after an accident, sort of like the airbag in the front seat. I wonder if they feel any different than normal seat belts, or can you tell right away when you use them. And what exactly pumps the air there, and how does it do it so fast?

SoundRacer makes your car seem fast

2011-09-15T04:10:00.000-07:00

For those of you that have officially found yourself driving a reliable quiet family car, now you can fake your senses into believing that you’re driving a sports car.Â Sure, you can’t afford that sleek little sports car, nor would the car seat fit into the back for your kids.Â However, you can pretend that you have one, it’s almost as good.Â Just pick up this SoundRacer and it’ll play the sounds to make you believe that you have that nice sports car engine under the hood of your mini van.

There are two different versions of the SoundRacer, there’s the V8 and the V10.Â Either one will calculate the car engine’s RPMs and then play the sound changes through your car speakers.Â It’ll also increase the speed of the engine sound, so you can drive the speed limit while it makes it sound as if you’re flying down the highway.Â There’s a built-in FM transmitter that transfers the sounds on a select frequency to the car stereo.Â That transmitter can also be used for your MP3 player.

New Car Stereo has built in iPod Dock

2011-09-15T04:08:00.000-07:00

Many car manufacturers have started to include USB plugs in their car stereo systems to accomodate connecting MP3 players. That’s a cool thing, but the driver still has to deal with the quandry of where to put the iPod? Check out this new car stereo system which not only lets users sync their iPods for playing iTunes, but also has a pull down iPod Dock to store and charge it at the same time. Very cool.

The Dual XML8110 Mechless Mobile Audio system looks like a standard car stereo system at first blush, with digital LED display and easy to use buttons. But flip down the face and it becomes a full fledged iPod/iPhone dock, completely with not only navigation and volume controls, but also the ability to make hands free phone calls at the touch of a button with an upcoming iPhone application.

The stereo also has built in FM Radio (what, no AM love? what up with that), equalizer presets and even an AUX IN for connecting other devices. And even though it doesn’t have a CD or cassette player built in – that’s really the point here. The XML8110 Mechless Mobile Audio system is moving forward, not backward and this stereo may be ideal for the wireless crowd. Only thing really missing is wireless iTunes purchase capability.

Yada Hands Free Rear-view Mirror Bluetooth Speaker Phone

2011-09-15T04:07:00.000-07:00

People are slowly becoming increasingly aware that they may not be able to continue their cellphone habits as they usually have.Â Cops are starting to get a bit more touchy about people talking on their cellphone while they’re driving.Â If you don’t want to wear something, you could always have a device within your car that turns your cellphone into a speakerphone.Â This Yada Hands Free Bluetooth Speaker Phone just slips over the top of your existing rear-view mirror.

The Bluetooth device will let you talk on your phone without you having to deal with an earpiece of any kind.Â The YD-V16 allows for you to talk for 25 hours at a time and has 650 hours of standby time.Â Â Â It’s said to have great sound clarity and signal strength.

Lifeguard Personal Breath Alcohol Tester uses fuel cell

2011-09-15T03:58:00.000-07:00

Holiday parties always seem to be the ones that even the most respectable sorts make drunken fools out of themselves.Â Unfortunately, the cops are well aware of it as well, which means you might want to be a touch more careful before you hit the road.Â If you’re the one hosting the party it might be a good idea to find a way to regulate who is alright to drive and who isn’t.Â With this you won’t have to keep an eye on everyone, you just have to grab them before they leave.

Various portable breathalyzers have been around, but this one has a small difference.Â It actually uses a fuel cell, whereas most use semiconductors to test your blood alcohol level.Â The down side with those semiconductors is that they tend to give false readings and then don’t live very long on top of it.Â The device has a permanent mouthpiece and then comes with 10 disposable ones.

Eko Stoplight gives countdown on red light

2011-09-14T04:53:00.000-07:00

No one enjoys sitting at a stoplight.Â As you sit there you get to contemplate all kinds of things.Â Like wondering how much of your life has been wasted waiting on stoplights.Â Then you notice you’ve been sitting there a good long while and begin to wonder if the light will ever change.Â Then comes the agitation and impatience.Â Well instead of wondering how long you’ll be at that ridiculous light, you could know exactly how much time you have left if only your city would install these Eko Stoplights.

It shows you just how much time you have left by counting down.Â This design by Damjan StankoviÄ‡ was actually created for its eco-friendly benefits.Â With this timer you’d be able to casually sit at the light and know just how long you have.Â Which means you could shut off your engine to reduce the amount of gas you’re burning up while you’re sitting still.Â Personally I’m just excited at the idea of getting a visual reminder of how much time I have left.

Dash Cam Dually films the inside and outside of the car

2011-09-14T04:50:00.000-07:00

I have seen a lot of cameras that are made to record the action outside the car. I honestly can’t think of any reason to have one of these unless you happen to get in a lot of accidents, and you don’t want your insurance rates to go up any more than they already are.

The major difference between the Dash Cam Dually and regular car cameras is that you get two cameras. Most cameras only show the action outside of the car, but this one has a second camera to show the inside of the car.

In addition to these 1.3 Megapixel cameras, it also has four infrared LEDs to illuminate the inside of the video for proper filming. It also has a G-Shock sensor that displays five level settings that can record the impact points. So if you have an accident, it will record the impact, along with a GPS receiver to log the exact location, speed, and direction.

All this information is recorded upon an SD card, so you can easily view it later on anything that reads an SD card.

Zerokill Reflectors to help cut down on roadkill

2011-09-14T04:49:00.000-07:00

I’ve had my fair share of close calls when it comes to hitting deer, I’ve actually only hit one rabbit.Â Considering how many animals I’ve managed to dodge, believe me, that’s an accomplishment.Â Anything that would make the odds of hitting an animal of any size less likely would make driving a lot less hazardous for a great deal of drivers.

This solar powered animal warning system charges all day long.Â It gives off a subtle blinking LED light that flips on when it detects an animal nearby.Â It alerts the motorist so that they can slow down.Â It also reflects the oncoming car’s headlights.Â It makes it so the light bounces sideways in order to warn the animals and hopefully get them to run the other direction.Â Right now these Zerokill reflectors are just a concept by Sungi Kim and Hozin Song.

New Cortexa touchscreens from Smarthome

2011-09-14T04:47:00.000-07:00

Smarthome has just announced its new range of Cortexa touchscreen displays to the masses, where they will come in 8.4″ and 15″ touchscreen formats. Well, most homes these days still use traditional switches and aren’t all that smart, but it works for the majority of folks out there. For those who always want to live life on the cutting edge with the latest and greatest at their disposal, they would do well to check out what Cortexa has to offer with the recent introduction of their new touchscreen displays. Apparently, these won’t be crazy expensive, but are affordable yet offering power and performance for the home DIY enthusiast to develop a unique, reliable and complete home automation product suite.

Cortexa’s new range of touchscreens are powerful and run on fast processors to keep it ahead of the game. You get flush mounting and acrylic bezels for that artistic touch to make it blend well with your interior (for most designs, anyways), while capacitive soft-touch configurable buttons are a snap to use and press. Webcam support is also thrown in for added effect. Cortexa’s robust solid-state touchscreens will open up access to the Cortexa Home Automation Controller, and one is able to use third party web-based or Windows based applications through a simple configuration process. Don’t worry about leaving the earth habitable for the next generation – these new Cortexa touchscreens are RoHS compliant, energy-efficient and reliable enough to function for years, with an always-on service via the XPe embedded OS to help you out of tight spots.

These touchscreens are perfect for those who run web-based or Windows based applications where an in-wall location and touch access are considered to be essential. In an everyday use device such as this, one would expect the Cortexa touchscreens to deliver robust, solid-state and unwavering stable performance, which it promptly does so thanks to a low-heat, high performance fanless processor.