It's no secret that our cars are quickly becoming extensions of our data-crazed lives. Everywhere we go, we surround ourselves with electronics meant to make our lives more convenient. Plus, most of these gadgets are just plain cool. Microsoft and Ford started something with the SYNC system and Apple has the market cornered with its iPod and iPhone, with integration of those i-devices now becoming popular options with car shoppers. Don't expect Google to sit back and watch. The internet giant has teamed up with an impressive list of major players, including Intel and Wind River Systems. These companies are actively working on getting their Android open-source operating system integrated into cars as we speak. If we had to wager a guess, it would be BMW that's most likely to roll out a new Android-powered infotainment system first, possibly as early as next year according to John Bruggeman, chief marketing officer at Wind River. For an early look at the first device with the Android OS, check out Engadget's recent feature.
[Via: CNET ]
[Tag: android, android open source, android os, AndroidOpenSource, AndroidOs, google, google android, GoogleAndroid, open source car, open source os, OpenSourceCar, OpenSourceOs ]
Google Android open-source OS could come to cars
Knight Rider-themed GPS system with authentic KITT voice
Click above to view more shots of the Mio Knight Rider GPS
"Michael, you're going the wrong way, you ninny." For all you Knight Rider fans no longer moved by finding a perfect 45 rpm single of "A Knight Rider Christmas," Mio has a brand new toy that's capable of Knight Industries Two Thousand level antics. The Knight Rider-themed GPS unit has voice prompts recorded by the one-and-only William Daniels (thankfully not Val Kilmer), the original voice of KITT, and asks cordially "Hello Michael, where do you want to go today?" when powered up. The LCD display is also flanked by a series of red LEDs reminiscent of KITT's nose-mounted lights. Once the unit is available for sale, about $270 is all it'll take to get KITT in your KARR. Thanks for the tip, Dan!
[Via: Next Autos ]
[Tag: knight rider, knight rider gps, KnightRider, KnightRiderGps, mio gps, mio knight rider, mio knight rider gps, MioGps, MioKnightRider, MioKnightRiderGps ]
Rocket Car Mod is Like Steampunked Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
Forget boring hydrogen-hybrid supercars and the like: a one-off vehicle mod like this recently-spotted Rocket Car is how to really impress passers-by. Built by Baron Margo, its shiny bullet-shape is all pipes, rocket exhaust (with what look like real jet engine parts), dials and a whirling propeller that apparently spins as you drive, keeping time with a ring of flashing lights. Basically it's like the car that Chitty Chitty would dream of being when it grows up, and I can almost forgive its steampunk-esque nature as it's just so astonishing. [LAMetblogs]
[Via: Gizmodo, The Gadget Blog ]
[Tag: ]
How do you plan to spend you tax rebate? Enthusiasts already know.
The team over at SEMA, you know them as the group that supplies the automotive industry with aftermarket performance and cosmetic accessories, have asked more than 1,000 automotive enthusiasts how they intend to spend their federal tax rebate checks. Of course, we know what SEMA wants the answer to be...
Interestingly enough, most surveyed (21%) said they would use the money to pay down credit cards. Another large chunk (20%) said they'd bank the cash for now. Of those who said they'd spend the money on specialty automotive equipment, most intend to buy wheels, exhaust kits, cold air intakes, and engine performance accessories. From survey results, SEMA was able to determine most enthusiasts have altered, and delayed, buying specialty equipment due to the high cost of fuel. In fact, some of the hottest aftermarket performance parts right now are specifically designed to enhance fuel economy. We think you just found an excuse for that new CAI.
[Via: TAX REBATE TO ENTICE VEHICLE ACCESSORY SPENDING?
Millions of tax-paying consumers have began receiving their federal tax rebate checks, and according to a survey sent to automotive enthusiasts last week, 18% s ]
[Tag: Aftermarket,Federal,Rebate,SEMA,Specialty Aftermarket,SpecialtyAftermarket,Survey,tax rebate checks,TaxRebateChecks ]
When reverse lights aren't enough. Our Lady of the Trunk
This is nearly a perfect device. If only you could record your own message – something situationally appropriate, perhaps. As it is, Our Lady of the Trunk is the perfect companion when you're preparing to worship at the feet of Our Blessed Mother of Acceleration. Most of us will have to back out of our driveways or parking spots before summoning full ahead from the propulsion plant, so offertory to these spiritual matriarchs could be considered part of the religion of driving. Really what this little doohickey amounts to is a reversing alarm, but it's apparently got a voice sample in its electronics, along with the standard klaxon. You couldn't pay a loudmouth to hang out on your bumper and announce with the authority of a 100dB sound pressure level that the vehicle is backing up, so how can you go wrong for less than ten bucks? The voice is only in English (sorry, rest of the world), but in the box are the requisite transducer and its power leads, a bracket, and instructions in three, count 'em three, different mother tongues. Father's day is coming up!
[Via: American Science & Surplus ]
[Tag: backup alarm,backup siren,BackupAlarm,BackupSiren,our lady of the trunk,OurLadyOfTheTrunk,reverse alarm,reverse siren,ReverseAlarm,ReverseSiren,reversing alarm,reversing siren,ReversingAlarm,ReversingSiren,safety device,SafetyDevice ]
Scooter-geek's dream ride: Yamaha Vino scooter, fully farkled
Though it's usually the adventure touring crowd that excels at turning their motorcycles into rolling technology test-beds, we've recently run across a Yamaha Vino scooter that has been fully farkled. Featuring an on-board computer based around a VIA mini ITX form factor motherboard that's cleverly been hidden under the stock Vino's seat, this rolling geek-mobile packs in WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, GPS, FM radio, a TV tuner and a front-mounted camera in its diminutive frame. With the full-spec computer, pretty much anything should be possible right from the road using this scooter. While this is certainly a cool project, we have a few questions regarding its durability. How long will the acrylic plate that makes the structure for the computer hold up? Perhaps most importantly, how long will the scooter's battery be able to power all this technology? In the name of science, of course, we graciously offer our services for a road trip on the machine to find the answer to these all-important questions. Thanks for the tip, jared!
[Via: Thought Lab ]
[Tag: farkle,farkled,geek scooter,geek-scooter,GeekScooter,yamaha vino,yamaha-vino,YamahaVino ]