TomTom has recently updated their iPhone app, and has made some welcome changes.

They have finally added text-to-speech (which is usually a staple amongst GPS devices) as well as graphic lane guidance (the feature that gives the user a display of highway intersections). There is also a help menu that offers a shortcut to emergency numbers and directions to the nearest emergency services. The update also includes a free map update and even a safety camera database update. Yes, the user will be able to receive a warning when approaching speed limit cams.

According to my source, this update is pending approval. It will be free for those who already have the TomTom app, but it will cost everybody else about $99.

Source

Tags: Auto, GPS, iPhone, Mobile Software, tomtom, TomTom iPhone app, TomTom iPhone app update

For those who have ever received a ticket in the mail for running a red light, this next product is for you. Yes, they have the technology to take your picture, and now you have the technology to beat it.

The Right Light Camera Detector is exactly what it says it is: a device that detects red lights. I realize that it bears a strong resemblance to a GPS device, but it won’t help you get to where you want to go unless you are willing to run a few red lights along the way. It does have a GPS chip that will compare your automobile’s location with that of an internal database of up to 6,000 red light and speed camera locations.

You might ask if this is worth $200, and so am I.

Source

Tags: Auto, GPS, Portable Devices, Red light and speed camera, red light cameras, red light tickets, red lights, speed trap, Uncategorized

We’ve been hearing of the iPhone TomTom car dock for some time now but still haven’t managed to secure a solid release window. Well, it was recently made known via TomTom’s online FAQ that the dock will be made available for purchase sometime this October.

Additionally, the FAQ also states that the dock will not ship with the iPhone application rendering it completely useless unless you have already purchased the app separately. However, it remains a mystery if TomTom plans on releasing a bundle with both the app, and the dock.

Tags: Accessories, Auto, car, Cell Phones, dock, GPS, iPhone, iPhone, Mobile News, tomtom

The Eclipse AVN726E is a powerful tool that features well designed maps that come with elevation data as well as 3D buildings. The company has added some nice features to this product as well, including USB and iPod integration (though you do have to purchase a cable to do this) and DVD/DivX playback. It also features Bluetooth hands free calling, a feature becoming more popularly sought.

On the downside, if you hope to add traffic data to the device for navigation needs, it will require the Sirius satellite radio to be used. Still, this device is a nice, hands free calling tool that tells you where to go using audio and visual elements.

Tags: Auto, bluetooth, DVD/DivX playback, Eclipse AVN726E, GPS, ipod

We are all aware that many motorists have gotten a big boost with the help of GPS devices and it looks like they are in for more aid as waze, Inc. unveils a new platform for creating and maintaining live maps in the United States. As we all know navigation is easier if you know where you are going and with these new guides, you can get to your destination faster and with lesser fuel consumption to boot.

“waze is a network of drivers who work together to save time - everyone contributes and everyone benefits. By aggregating the status of all connected wazers, such as GPS traces and active reporting of speed traps or road hazards, we can build and share back a real-time or ‘live’ map which reflects the current state of the roads, finds the best route and guides the waze members though it in their daily driving.”

The application, already widely used in Israel, will open to the general public in the coming months.

(Source) Press

Tags: Auto, best route, fuel consumption, GPS, gps devices, israel, map, maps, motorists, Portable Devices, real time, road hazards, speed traps, traces, united states, waze

Voice Technologies brings us the R1 Bluetooth Handsfree Kit. It is a good option that fits neatly in your car. It is packed with features like dual microphone noise cancellation, a powerful 3-Watt speaker visor mount, mini USB power adapter, wall adapter and car charger adapter.

And for those of you on the phone quite a bit while in the car there is the 30 hour talk time or 800 hour standby time that is possible with a single charge! The manufacturers have yet to announce a release date or price for this handy gadget. Stay tuned.

Tags: Accessories, Auto, bluetooth, Handsfree Kit, R1

We got you the pictures.  Now we get you something to chew on before the official announcement from Motorola.  Looks like the Motorola A455 is just another middle order CDMA handset with a QWERTY keypad added in, making it more of a mid-range messaging device more than anything else.  The previously used moniker of RUSH2 is dropped in favor of “Rival,” which sounds pretty absurd when it looks it won’t be competing with any other handset in particular.  Other tidbits leaked include dual-band CDMA support with EV-DO Rev A., stereo Bluetooth, a paltry 2-megapixel camera, microSD/SDHC support, an mp3 player with a a 3.5 mm headphone jack, and USB 2.0 connectivity.

The Evoke QA4, in spite of having a somewhat spacious touchscreen display, is a sleek slider falls into the same category as the Rival, and fails to evoke much enthusiasm in us.  Features are somewhat analogous to the A455 and include a 2mpx camera, microSD/SDHC support, mp3 player, Bluetooth with A2DP, and voice recognition capability.

No info on a release date or pricing could be found, but as always, we will keep you posted when that happens.

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Tags: A455, Auto, Cell Phones, Evoke, Motorola, Motorola, QA4, Rival

A home theater for your car? Clarion’s overhead monitor combines all the comforts of a home system right in the back seat of your car. The 15.4″ WXGA color TFT-LCD monitor comes with adjustable tint, color and brightness and a built in DVD player. It also comes with a built-in transmitter for wireless headphones and a handy remote.

The TFT active matrix LCD monitor reproduces vivid colors and provides clear, crisp viewing of your favorite DVDs. It’s simple to install on the roof of your car and provides that much needed entertainment for your kids on those long road trips or just when mom and dad need a little break. MSRP $1,000.

Tags: Auto, Clarion, monitor, overhead

Here’s an interesting concept for protecting your teens and improving their driving skills. The car key in the picture will render every cell phone useless while your kids are driving the car.

The idea is really cool to a certain extent. Don’t you think your kids should still be able to dial a safe number of some sort? Just in case something goes wrong? Hopefully we’re going to see an upgraded idea of this whole concept, one that will let you and your kids stay in contact even when they’re behind the wheel.

via psyorg

Tags: Auto, car, Cell Phones, Cell Phones, concept, Mobile News

In a random turn of events, Google and GE have announced their partnership into the world of environmentally friendly energy.

What does this mean exactly? Well, Google hopes that with GE’s help (or vice versa) they will be able to more effectively harness the power of renewable resources such as wind, sun, and geothermal, and well, make better use of it.

That isn’t all though, Google hopes to also do work on electric-cars… gCar anyone?

Tags: Auto, GE, Google

iLuv has introduced the newest addition to its other splendid Apple-oriented products, the iMM173 Dual Dock Alarm Clock, which is capable of supporting the original iPhone, the iPhone 3G, and iPods. This stylish dock features two universal docking stations enabling users to charge either two iPods or an iPhone and an iPod at the same time, while playing media accessible from either of the device. There’s a big LCD screen to display the time or whatever function is being accessed and a 10-level dimmer to adjust the display according to user preference. The built-in speakers feature treble and bass controls with 5watts x2 output coupled with jAura sound technology. Users can opt to wake to their favorite tune from either of the media sources (with an alarm clock for each), the digital FM radio which features up to 8 preset channels, or stick to the plain old buzzer as a wakeup call.

The iLuv iMM173 Dual Dock Alarm Clock will hit the stores early September with a price tag of $130.

Tags: Accessories, Auto, iluv, iPhone, iphone 3g, iPod dock

There, the headline just about sums up everything that I have to say about this device that a NY startup called Peek is planning to unleash on our multitasking, convergent society. For $100, Peek is ready to hand you a device that is capable of checking/sending emails that come your way on T-Mobile’s $19.95-per-month connection. Now, I don’t know about you guys, but I would definitely hate lugging around a device for just a single utility that is already available on my do-it-all, which, apart from allowing me to access my mail, plays my videos/music/games, snaps pictures, and guides me across the country by its GPS. But I guess Peek might have a niche market to tap into if they are really forging ahead with this idea. Let’s see what surprises Peek will have a peek at after the device is released on September 14th.
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Tags: Auto, email device, peek

Sony, one of the world leaders in entertainment and audio technology, unveiled two new Xplod in-dash CD receivers. Now for those who doesn’t know what a in-dash CD receiver is - like me before I actually read this press release - its actually a car stereo.

Sony is offering two new stereos, the new CDX-GT920U and CDX-GT620U models. These two delivers 52 watts x 4 high-power output and three additional pre-outs to satisfy drivers who want explosive sound and flexibility. In addition, both these devices look amazing and supports USB flash media for Sony’s Quick BrowZer technology.

The CDX-GT920U head unit features a motorized fold-out detachable faceplate and switchable blue, green and red key illumination on a large full-motion fluorescent display. On the other hand, the CDX-GT620U head unit also features a flip-down detachable faceplate with blue illumination on a black LED display. The front USB input supports Quick BrowZer functionality.

Both of the new car stereos feature an auxiliary input on the faceplate to connect a portable music player using a standard 1/8-inch mini jack cord and offer MP3, non-DRM AAC and non-DRM WMA playback via CD and USB.

The CDX-GT620U model is now available for about $170, while the CDX-GT920U model will be available in June for about $250.

via: sony

Tags: Auto, cd receiver, in-dash, Portable Devices, receiver, Sony, xplod

What is it with boys and cars? The first time I read about this news, excitement instantly kicked in. Lamborghini, an Italian manufacturer of sports cars, has just revealed another member of its sports car family, the Lamborghini Murcielargo LP640 Super Car. This was done during the 2008 F1 & Super Car Show.

The Murcielargo LP640 is powered by a 6496cc 12-cylinder engine with 640 horsepower, it can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 3.4 seconds and reach a top speed of 340km/h. Now that’s what we call speed!

The 2008 F1 & Super Car Show is held at Kim Dae-jung Convention Center in Gwangju, Korea from May 9 to May 18 2008.

via: aving

Tags: Auto, car, Lamborghini, murcielago

Garmin announced today that the new Suzuki SX4 will be equipped with Garmin’s navigation system. This will be the first time a navigation system will be a part of standard fitmet on a vehicle under US $16,000. The system not only comes with an integrated mount but is also easy to remove and carry around for adventures on foot.

The system will be based on Garmin’s nuvi 700 series and will be christened Suzuki T.R.I.P. (Travel, Real-time traffic, Information and Play) and will feature maps of North America. The device will feature a largish 4.3-inch touchscreen display and millions of POIs. The base version of this navigation system will be included as part of standard equipment but customers are free to choose an upgrade package to the premium version, which includes dynamic content from MSN Direct including real time fule prices, traffic and weather reports.

The POI database will be enhanced by Suzuki to add lifestyle-oriented, Suzuki-recommended destinations and landmarks. The 2009 Suzuki SX4 will hit dealer showrooms this summer.

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Tags: Auto, GPS, nuvi, sx4, trip

Pioneer Electronics has recently announced the new Premier PRS-1900 4-channel reference amplifier. Redefining “state-of-the-art” with its mobile amplification, Pioneer Premier PRS-A900 car amplifier will deliver high performance and quality. Incorporating components that were first tested and then selected, the Pioneer Premier PRS-A900 Amplifier is a specially designed amplifier. Its simple and clean circuit ensures that it amplifies only the signal without altering the sound on its way.

“Our engineers painstakingly over-engineered each section of the PRS-A900 to produce one of the most accurate and musical automotive amplifier ever created, while at the same time achieving excellent dynamics, power output or reliability. Virtually every aspect of the PRS-A900, from the components on the circuit board to the bottom of the chassis, were designed for reproducing incredible sound quality,” said Larry Rougas, vice president of marketing and product planning for the mobile business group of Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “What resulted is an amplifier that can satisfy even the critical listener.”

Pioneer, the famous in-car product manufacturer has always come up with something new to entertain us in our cars and this time it is the new Premier PRS-A900 Amplifier. This amplifier from Pioneer includes a bottom cover that intends to isolate the pure audio signal and rejects noise. Pioneer Premier PRS-A900 Amplifier is available now at a suggested price of $ 1,500 from stores in the US.

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Tags: Auto, Car Audio, Pioneer, PRS-A900 Amplifier

I’m not a big fan of cars, but I’m sure many of those who are, lust after the Ferrari. Unfortunately, not all of them have the money to even think of getting one. How about opting for a cheap model of it? Of course, it’s not anything like the real thing, but perhaps it can easy your pain of longing a bit. The Ferrari Car Phone is designed after the Ferrari, except unlike the sleek look of the sports car, this actually looks quite gaudy.

The Ferrari Car Phone is equipped with a 2.2-inch LCD touch screen, MP3 an MP4 player, and a microSD card expansion slot. It looks like a child’s toy no matter how I look at it, but het, it might suit your taste, right? The Ferrari car phone sells for approximately US$200.

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Tags: Auto

Check out this concept car from Chrysler. The ecoVoyager features a futuristic design and true to its name runs off a lithium-ion battery pack and an advanced hydrogen fuel cell. Chrysler claims a range of up to 300 miles. It has a distinctive design where the front and back doors open in opposite directions.

While it looks a bit funny at first, it does seem sensible. More pics in the extended entry.

Chrysler ecoVoyager

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Tags: Auto, auto show, chrysler, ecovoyager, fuel cell, new york

MobileWhack was at the New York International Auto Show 2008 (last day is today!) that happened at the Javits Convention Center in New York. There were a host of new/concept cars on display including the Honda FCX Clarity - a fuel cell car. The fuel-cell stack in Clarity converts hydrogen fuel and oxygen into electricity that is then used to drive the engine. The end result is, you guessed it, water vapor, making it a truly zero-emission alternative.

As you can see, the current FC stack from Honday is much more compact compared to one they had in 1999. The FCX Clarity motor’s rotor shaft has a hollow construction where the driveshaft passes through the center in a coax configuration, allowing the motor and gearbox to be combined into a single unit.

The Clarity is currently in limited availability in Southern California.

Honda FCX Clarity

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Tags: alternative fuel, Auto, Auto, clarity, fc, fuel cell, honda, water vapor

Sony’s new MEX-BT3600U CD tuner has it all: USB and Bluetooth interfaces, a quick-search interface that lets you browse your MP3 media and support for hands-free through the car stereo. If your Walkman or mobile phone can stream audio over Bluetooth, then the MEX-BT3600U can receive and play it back on the car stereo. Thanks to support for Bluetooth A2DP (advanced audio distribution profile) and AVRCP (audio/video remote control profile), you can skip tracks or pause audio from your car stereo.

A USB port on the front of the player provides a convenient way to connect your digital music player. The front-panel AUX input also lets you connect an external player’s audio output. Featuring 24-bit D/A conversion and 52Wx4 channels, the Sony MEX-BT3600U has three separate pre-outs as well.

The unit also comes with a card-sized infrared remote. No word on the pricing yet.

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Tags: a2dp, Auto, avrcp, bluetooth, car, cd player, handsfree, mobile phone, streaming audio, usb