Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nevada is getting serious about driverless cars]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/nevada-driverless-cars-law-regulation/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/nevada-driverless-cars-law-regulation/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/17/nevada-driverless-cars-law-regulation/#comments
We were admittedly cynical last summer, when Nevada's state legislature passed a law regulating the safety of driverless cars. But maybe we shouldn't have been, because it looks like they're actually serious about it. The state has now begun fleshing out its campaign with new regulations for testing these robocars, which, of course, are still very much in their infancy. According to the Associated Press, drivers looking to test a driverless vehicle will have to first purchase a bond worth between $1 million and $3 million, depending on the specifics of their project. The data from each test, moreover, will have to be shared with state officials, and all automated vehicles must have some sort of black box-like device to securely store this information, in the event of a crash. Most interesting, however, is how humans fit into all of this. Under the state's regulations, a passenger is still considered an "operator" of the vehicle, even if he or she isn't driving. They'll be exempt from Nevada's ban on driving while texting, but they won't be able to rely on their robocar as a designated driver -- which is fine, because it's not like anyone drinks in Vegas anyway.

Nevada is getting serious about driverless cars originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black boxBlackBoxDriverless CarsDriverlessCarsdrivingdrunk drivingDrunkDrivingduilas vegasLasVegaslawlegislationnevadapoliticsregulationsafetytest driveTestDrivetransportFri, 17 Feb 2012 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Scosche cellControl locks your device while driving, tattles on your text habit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/scosche-cellcontrol-locks-your-device-while-driving-tattles-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/scosche-cellcontrol-locks-your-device-while-driving-tattles-on/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/scosche-cellcontrol-locks-your-device-while-driving-tattles-on/#comments Trying to keep the points off your record, but just can't resist the urge to tweet, text and talk behind the wheel? Maybe it's time you gave up on that whole "self-restraint" schtick and leaned on technology to keep your cellular inhibitions in check. Scosche's cellControl might do the trick, it pairs bit of bluetooth-enabled automotive hardware with a feature-blocking smartphone app to keep your handset under lockdown when you're on the go. It even rats you out if you deactivate or uninstall the system -- automatically sending a text message or email to a "designated administrator," just in case you fall off the wagon. The system boasts compatibility with over 1200 devices across Android, Blackberry, Symbian and Windows Mobile 5 and 6. Artificial restraint will set you back $130, you know, in case self-control and other distracted driving apps aren't doing the trick. Hit the break for the system's official press release.

Continue reading Scosche cellControl locks your device while driving, tattles on your text habit

Scosche cellControl locks your device while driving, tattles on your text habit originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 04:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsautomotiveBluetoothcell phonescellControlCellPhonesdistracted drivingDistractedDrivingdrivingmobile phonesMobilePhonesOn-board diagnosticssafetySci/TechScoscheScosche cellControlScoscheCellcontroltexting while drivingTextingWhileDrivingWindows MobileMon, 23 Jan 2012 04:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Magellan announces RoadMate RV9145 GPS device, offers campground navigation for $350]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/magellan-announces-roadmate-rv9145-gps-device-offers-campground/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/magellan-announces-roadmate-rv9145-gps-device-offers-campground/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/06/magellan-announces-roadmate-rv9145-gps-device-offers-campground/#comments Looking to get a jump start on your summer road trip? Magellan wants to help out, with the RoadMate RV9145. This latest addition to the RoadMate family of GPS devices features an "extra-wide" seven-inch display, which drivers can use to locate campgrounds and navigate the open road, even in low light conditions. With the RV9145, you'll have access to the Good Sam Trailer Life RV Parks & Campground Directory, which offers information on more than 11,700 campground locations across the US and Canada, including those with WiFi and other amenities. Each route, moreover, can be tailored according to your vehicle's height, width and weight, as well as your own preferences for scenic or expedient traveling. The device also comes packed with Magellan's Smart Detour, which offers alternate routes whenever traffic gets unexpectedly thorny, and offers both 2D and 3D mapping capabilities. No word yet on when this device will hit the market, but when it does, you'll be able to grab it for $350.

Magellan announces RoadMate RV9145 GPS device, offers campground navigation for $350 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d map3dMapcampgroundcampingdirectorydrivingmagellanmagellan gpsmagellan roadmatemagellan roadmate rv9145MagellanGpsMagellanRoadmateMagellanRoadmateRv9145mapnavigationroad triproadmate rv9145RoadmateRv9145RoadTriprouteRVRV9145trailertransporttraveltripvacationFri, 06 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Magellan's new RoadMate 5190T helps truckers find their way, like the do-dah man]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/magellans-new-roadmate-5190t-helps-truckers-find-their-way-lik/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/magellans-new-roadmate-5190t-helps-truckers-find-their-way-lik/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/05/magellans-new-roadmate-5190t-helps-truckers-find-their-way-lik/#comments
Truckin'? Got your chips cashed in? Well then you might wanna put them toward the latest RoadMate GPS navigator from Magellan. Designed for commercial truck, bus and taxi operators, the company's new RoadMate 5190T boasts a five-inch color display that drivers can use to find the most pain-free routes from point A to point B. With the 5190T strapped to their dashboards, truckers will be able to set up customized routing based on their vehicles' precise specifications, while using Magellan's Highway Lane Assist feature to help negotiate more baroque highway interchanges or exits. The onboard information dashboard, meanwhile, provides constant updates on trucking speed limits, alerting drivers whenever they drift above a given threshold. There's also a tracking log that allows operators to store information on mileage, hours and other parameters, as well as a built-in speaker system that projects sound at up to 93 decibels. The device is priced at $380, though Magellan has yet to announce a launch date.

Magellan's new RoadMate 5190T helps truckers find their way, like the do-dah man originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5190TbuscommercialdriverdrivingefficientGPS devicesgps navigationGpsDevicesGpsNavigationhighwayhighway lane assistHighwayLaneAssistmagellanmagellan roadmateMagellanRoadmatemapmapsnavigationroadmateroadmate 5190TRoadmate5190troutespeedspeed limitSpeedLimittaxitraffictruckThu, 05 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia Car Mode for Symbian Belle now ready for download]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/nokia-car-mode-for-symbian-belle-now-ready-for-download/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/nokia-car-mode-for-symbian-belle-now-ready-for-download/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/nokia-car-mode-for-symbian-belle-now-ready-for-download/#commentsNokia loves motorists and is showering them with gifts over at the Nokia Store to prove it. Well, one gift at least: the free-of-charge Car Mode app, which helps to transform your Symbian Belle smartphone into a turn-by-turn sat nav, with all the power of Drive, traffic updates, Music and voice calling presented in a more dash-friendly manner. (Did we just say 'Symbian'? We didn't mean to.) The other offering is Car Mode with MirrorLink, priced at £17.99 (roughly $28), which we took for a bump-free ride back at Nokia World, and which repeats the smartphone's screen on compatible systems such as Toyota's Touch Life. Head to the source link to claim your prize.

Nokia Car Mode for Symbian Belle now ready for download originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appcarcar modecar mode with mirrorlinkCarModeCarModeWithMirrorlinkdrivingGPSmapsmirrorlinkmobilepostcrossnavigationnokianokia bellenokia car modenokia drivenokia musicnokia storeNokiaBelleNokiaCarModeNokiaDriveNokiaMusicNokiaStoresat navsatellite navigationSatelliteNavigationSatNavsymbiansymbian belleSymbianBelleWed, 04 Jan 2012 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Auto-insurance researchers: 'Cell phone bans don't help reduce crashes']]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/auto-insurance-researchers-cell-phone-bans-dont-help-reduce-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/auto-insurance-researchers-cell-phone-bans-dont-help-reduce-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/19/auto-insurance-researchers-cell-phone-bans-dont-help-reduce-c/#comments

All those fancy in-car docks and voice navigation? Utterly pointless. At least according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, who reckons that it's not the phone that's the issue, but "the full spectrum of things that distract." The IIHS (funded by a group of car insurers) compared crash data between states that had instituted cell phone bans and those that hadn't. According to its research, while the ban had reduced phone use (whoa, really?), it hadn't helped reduce crash rates. The National Transportation Safety Board has presented several studies linking cell phone use to an increased chance of crashing and their latest proposals would ban most hands-free systems found in major car makers' vehicles today. Hear that? That was the sound of hundreds of third-party accessory manufacturers recoiling in horror.

Auto-insurance researchers: 'Cell phone bans don't help reduce crashes' originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 20:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentautocarcarscell phonecell phone banCellPhoneCellPhoneBandistracted drivingDistractedDrivingDrivinghands-freeiihsInsurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetyNational Transportation Safety BoardNationalTransportationSafetyBoardntsbphonesafetyMon, 19 Dec 2011 20:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Tobii looks to keep you alert by detecting when you're tweet-driving (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/tobii-looks-to-keep-you-alert-by-detecting-when-youre-tweet-dri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/tobii-looks-to-keep-you-alert-by-detecting-when-youre-tweet-dri/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/tobii-looks-to-keep-you-alert-by-detecting-when-youre-tweet-dri/#comments
Don't think you'll get caught checking the Duke score while cruisin' down the highway? Soon, you may have to think twice before hitting the scoreboard. Tobii has unveiled its new technology that detects drowsiness and distraction in on-board driver safety systems. The platform is based on the company's advanced eye tracking tech to bolster automobile safety on the highways and byways. The system detects eyes of all shapes, sizes, and colors -- without calibration -- even if the driver is wearing glasses or a pair of Ray Ban shades. A constant stream of data communicates to the watchman the driver's condition, regardless of changes in environment or if the person behind the wheel takes a quick peek out the window. Tobii isn't looking to stop here either, as it says eye control of in-cabin infotainment systems is within reach. Perhaps this time next year, we'll be able to browse that Spotify collection with a series of blinks -- one can only hope.

Continue reading Tobii looks to keep you alert by detecting when you're tweet-driving (video)

Tobii looks to keep you alert by detecting when you're tweet-driving (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driver safetyDriverSafetydrivingeye controleye detectioneye recognitioneye trackingeye tracking systemsEyeControlEyeDetectionEyeRecognitionEyeTrackingEyeTrackingSystemshighway safetyHighwaySafetyimage recognitionImageRecognitioninfotainmentinfotainment systemsInfotainmentSystemspublic safetyPublicSafetytexting while drivingTextingWhileDrivingtobiivideoWed, 30 Nov 2011 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Route 66 Maps + Navigation now available for Android users, augmented realists]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/25/route-66-maps-navigation-now-available-for-android-users-augm/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/25/route-66-maps-navigation-now-available-for-android-users-augm/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/25/route-66-maps-navigation-now-available-for-android-users-augm/#comments
It's been a long and winding road, but Route 66 Maps + Navigation has finally arrived on the Android Market, no less than eight months after launching for iOS. Available on handsets and tablets running Android 2.0 or above, this app brings Route 66's "Follow Me" augmented reality navigation to your windshield, superimposing upon your surroundings an animated lead car to act as your guide. It's available on a free, 30-day trial at the source link below -- after that, you'll have to shell out $65 for a lifetime worldwide license, or $40 for a US license. Steer past the break for more information, in the full press release.

Continue reading Route 66 Maps + Navigation now available for Android users, augmented realists

Route 66 Maps + Navigation now available for Android users, augmented realists originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid marketAndroidMarketappapplicationARaugmented realityAugmentedRealitycellphonedirectionsdrivingfollow meFollowMehandsetmapminipostmobilepostcrossnavigationphoneroute 66route 66 maps + navigationRoute66Route66Maps+NavigationsmartphonesoftwaretablettransportFri, 25 Nov 2011 15:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Escort's SmartCord Live brings radar detection, KRS-One to your smartphone (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/escorts-smartcord-live-brings-radar-detection-krs-one-to-your/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/escorts-smartcord-live-brings-radar-detection-krs-one-to-your/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/28/escorts-smartcord-live-brings-radar-detection-krs-one-to-your/#comments
Evading the long arm of the law, as we all know, is infinitely easier with a radar detector onboard -- and even easier if said detector is hooked up to a cloud. That's the idea behind the SmartCord Live, a new power cord from the eagle-eyed folks at Escort. Once connected to your car's radar detector and lighter socket, this Bluetooth-enabled bundle will communicate with your iPhone or Android handset through a specialized app. Once that's taken care of, you'll be hooked up to Escort Live -- a so-called "social network for the road." There, you'll find access to Escort's Defender database, full of real-time geographic information on verified speed traps, red light cameras and other roadway surveillance systems. Once your detector picks up a threat, you can press a "report" button on the cord or app to instantly send out a big "five-oh" to all other Escort users in the area, while boosting your Karma quotient, in the process. Find out more about the cord and its corollary system, after the break.

Continue reading Escort's SmartCord Live brings radar detection, KRS-One to your smartphone (video)

Escort's SmartCord Live brings radar detection, KRS-One to your smartphone (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappapplicationbluetoothbundlecarclouddatabasedrivingescortescort liveescort live smartcord liveEscortLiveEscortLiveSmartcordLiveiphonemapmobilepostminipolicepower cordPowerCordradarradar detectorRadarDetectorred lightred light cameraRedLightRedLightCamerasmartcord liveSmartcordLivesmartphonesocial networkSocialNetworkspeed trapSpeedTraptransportvideoFri, 28 Oct 2011 08:54:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW presents car-to-x communication, wants vehicles to talk more (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/bmw-presents-car-to-x-communication-wants-vehicles-to-talk-more/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/bmw-presents-car-to-x-communication-wants-vehicles-to-talk-more/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/bmw-presents-car-to-x-communication-wants-vehicles-to-talk-more/#comments What good is an Ultimate Driving Machine if it can't get a little help from its friends? A new hazard-dodging system from BMW could help these Bavarian autos get a bit more chatty, each vehicle talking to nearby traffic across long-range wireless networks. In a series of video demonstrations, the car maker shows how the car-to-x system could give advance warnings of traffic, emergency vehicles and weather hazards by enabling one car to beam warnings directly to others. BMW hopes to connect the system to mobile phone networks as latency times improve and possibly even access data from traffic light systems. Sure, GM and Ford got there a bit earlier, but you can see BMW's implementation demonstrated after the break, and check out the via link for more videos of the world's most boring game of GTA.

Continue reading BMW presents car-to-x communication, wants vehicles to talk more (video)

BMW presents car-to-x communication, wants vehicles to talk more (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWBMW car-to-xBmwCar-to-xcarcar-to-xcarsdrivingemergency vehicleEmergencyVehiclehazardhazard detectionhazard warningHazardDetectionHazardWarningroad safetyRoadSafetytrafficturningvehicle warning systemVehicleWarningSystemvideowarning systemWarningSystemwireless networkwireless networksWirelessNetworkWirelessNetworksMon, 24 Oct 2011 11:47:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom extends Live service and HD Traffic to Canada with Go Live 1535M nav unit]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/tomtom-extends-live-service-and-hd-traffic-to-canada-with-go-liv/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/tomtom-extends-live-service-and-hd-traffic-to-canada-with-go-liv/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/tomtom-extends-live-service-and-hd-traffic-to-canada-with-go-liv/#comments Satisfying your poutine craving just got easier as TomTom extends its internet-enabled Live service and HD Traffic to nav systems up north. Using the Go Live 1535M portable GPS unit, Canadian drivers can now access the company's signature HD Traffic feature to get real-time routing based on current congestion. Another perk of being connected is the suite of apps that gives adventurers access to Yelp, TripAdvisor, Expedia, Twitter and local search from the dash -- making it easy to find that perfectly crafted caribou jerky and brag about it on social networks. Starting in October, Canucks can cop the system for around $269 with a free 12-month starter subscription to Live offerings. Check out the full PR after the break.

Continue reading TomTom extends Live service and HD Traffic to Canada with Go Live 1535M nav unit

TomTom extends Live service and HD Traffic to Canada with Go Live 1535M nav unit originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappscanadadrivingexpediago livego live 1535MGoLiveGoLive1535mGPSnavigationnavigation systemsNavigationSystemstomtomtrip advisorTripAdvisortwitteryelpWed, 05 Oct 2011 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Maps adds 3D bird's eye route previews for high-flying navigators]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/google-maps-adds-3d-birds-eye-route-previews-for-high-flying-na/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/google-maps-adds-3d-birds-eye-route-previews-for-high-flying-na/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/03/google-maps-adds-3d-birds-eye-route-previews-for-high-flying-na/#comments
Sure, you could use Google Maps to find the shortest path from point A to point B, but what if you're interested in going from A to B via scenic route C? That's where Google's new 'helicopter view' comes in. Unveiled last week, this feature allows online navigators to visualize any driving, walking or mass transit route with a 3D, bird's-eye animation. All you have to do is enter your starting point, destination and mode of transportation, and click the new "3D" button that will appear next to each route. From there, you'll be launched into a Google Earth-powered flight, displaying all the buildings, mountains and other terrain that you'd encounter during your real-life journey. You can also pause the flight at any moment to check out any sights of interest, along with any geo-linked photos, videos or other online content. Buckle up and check out the source link below for more details and images.

Google Maps adds 3D bird's eye route previews for high-flying navigators originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 07:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3D preview3dPreviewanimationbirds eyeBirdsEyedrivingfeaturegeo-linkedgooglegoogle earthgoogle mapsGoogleEarthGoogleMapsmapsminipostpreviewroutesearchtransporttravelvisualizationwebMon, 03 Oct 2011 07:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Thrustmaster's Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On takes you from zero to hero in $200]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/thrustmasters-ferrari-f1-wheel-add-on-takes-you-from-zero-to-he/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/thrustmasters-ferrari-f1-wheel-add-on-takes-you-from-zero-to-he/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/30/thrustmasters-ferrari-f1-wheel-add-on-takes-you-from-zero-to-he/#comments
You may never get the chance to join Ferrari's Formula 1 team, but indulging your imagination is about to get a lot easier, now that Thrustmaster has unveiled its new Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On -- a life-sized replica of the wheel you'd find within the 150° Italia. Announced yesterday, this rubber-textured wheel features a full slate of professional-grade rotary knobs, switches and action buttons -- including two rotary encoder switches, eight push-buttons and a set of "push and pull" sequential shifters that, true to form, are attached directly to the wheel face. Designed to seamlessly attach to your T500 RS, the accessory will be available in two models: a PC- and PS3-compatible mode, with 13 action buttons and three D-Pads, or an advanced PC-compatible mode, with 25 action buttons and one D-Pad. No mention, however, of that And if you look in the upper left corner, you'll even find your very own boost button. The Add-On is slated to start shipping in early October for $200, so buckle up and steer past the break for more details, in the full PR.

Continue reading Thrustmaster's Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On takes you from zero to hero in $200

Thrustmaster's Ferrari F1 Wheel Add-On takes you from zero to hero in $200 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 05:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onbrushed metalBrushedMetalbuttonconsoleD PadD-PadDPaddrivingf1ferrariferrari f1 wheel add onFerrariF1WheelAddOnformula 1Formula1gamePCplaystation 3Playstation3PS3racingrotary knobRotaryKnobsequential shifterSequentialShiftersteering wheelSteeringWheelT500 RST500Rsthrustmasterthrustmaster t500rsThrustmasterT500rswheelFri, 30 Sep 2011 05:02:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW's Ultimate Drive app lets you share your favorite routes, crowdsources day tripping]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/bmws-ultimate-drive-app-lets-you-share-your-favorite-routes-cr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/bmws-ultimate-drive-app-lets-you-share-your-favorite-routes-cr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/bmws-ultimate-drive-app-lets-you-share-your-favorite-routes-cr/#comments
Are you driving to get somewhere, or are you driving to drive? That's the fundamental question behind BMW's Ultimate Drive -- a new app that allows iPhone and Android users to share and rate their most enjoyable routes. With this arrow in your smartphone's quiver, you can create and upload your favorite paths using Google Maps, while evaluating other user submissions based on traffic, scenery and that ever-elusive thrill factor. As CNET points out, the app won't let you upload maps from your computer, nor does it allow for Yelp-style ratings of locations along the way, though those features may only be an update away. Check out the source links to download the free app and enjoy the journey. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading BMW's Ultimate Drive app lets you share your favorite routes, crowdsources day tripping

BMW's Ultimate Drive app lets you share your favorite routes, crowdsources day tripping originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 15:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappbeamerbimmerbmwbmw appsbmw ultimate drivebmw ultimate drive appBmwAppsBmwUltimateDriveBmwUltimateDriveAppcarcrowdsourcedrivinggoogle mapsGoogleMapsiphonejourneynavigationratingroutescenerysharesharingsmartphoneThu, 11 Aug 2011 15:51:00 EST<![CDATA[OutRun AR project lets you game and drive at the same time, makes us drool]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/outrun-ar-project-lets-you-game-and-drive-at-the-same-time-make/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/outrun-ar-project-lets-you-game-and-drive-at-the-same-time-make/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/03/outrun-ar-project-lets-you-game-and-drive-at-the-same-time-make/#comments
Cool game, or coolest game ever? That's the question we were asking ourselves when we first came across Garnet Hertz's augmented reality-based OutRun project -- a concept car that weds Sega's classic driving game with an electric golf cart, allowing players to navigate their way around real-life courses using only arcade consoles. Hertz, an informatics researcher at the University of California Irvine, has since brought his idea to fruition, after outfitting the system with cameras and customized software that can "look" in front of the car to automatically reproduce the route on the game cabin's screen. The map is displayed in the same 8-bit rendering you'd see on the original OutRun, with perspectives changing proportionally to shifts in steering. The cart maxes out at only 13 mph, though speed isn't really the idea; Hertz and his colleagues hope their technology can be used to develop game-based therapies for disabled users, or to create similarly AR-based wheelchairs. Scoot past the break to see a video of the car in action, and let your dreams converge.

[Thanks, Stagueve]

Continue reading OutRun AR project lets you game and drive at the same time, makes us drool

OutRun AR project lets you game and drive at the same time, makes us drool originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bitARarcadeaugmented realityAugmentedRealitycameraconceptconcept carConceptCarconsolecustomdrivingelectric vehicleElectricVehicleEVgamegarnet hertzGarnetHertzgolf cartGolfCartoutrunresearchsegasoftwarespeedUC IrvineUCIUcIrvineuniversity of california irvineUniversityOfCaliforniaIrvinevideovideo gameVideoGameWed, 03 Aug 2011 09:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Trapster 3.0 helps you avoid speed traps, encourages safety first]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/trapster-3-0-helps-you-avoid-speed-traps-encourages-safety-firs/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/trapster-3-0-helps-you-avoid-speed-traps-encourages-safety-firs/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/22/trapster-3-0-helps-you-avoid-speed-traps-encourages-safety-firs/#comments Speed limits, highway patrol, other drivers, it can all be such a bummer -- especially, if you're sitting back in one of these. With a little crowdsourced aid, however, and a free Android app, you can still fulfill that need for excessive speed. Recently released on the Android market, Trapster's v3.0 update refreshes the look of its checkpoint alerting mobile app and throws in some new features for good measure. In addition to the cleaner UI, there's also a new homescreen widget that lets you vote on upcoming traps and terrain maps to complement the existing standard and satellite versions. But the real standout feature here is the inclusion of a real-time speedometer that should have the heavy-footed reaching for that brake more often. The new function alerts drivers with color-coded warnings should their speed demon ways get the best of the road's limit. Alright, so the app may discourage your burnt rubber predilections, but that shouldn't stop you from hitting the source link to download this ticket-avoiding application.

Trapster 3.0 helps you avoid speed traps, encourages safety first originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndroidAndroid appsAndroid marketAndroidAppsAndroidMarketappappscarcarsdrivingmobilesmartphonessmartponespeed trapspeed trapsSpeedTrapSpeedTrapsTrapsterTrapster 3.0Trapster3.0Fri, 22 Jul 2011 16:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Maps brings live traffic coverage to 13 European countries, makes work weeks even shorter]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/google-maps-brings-live-traffic-coverage-to-13-european-countrie/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/google-maps-brings-live-traffic-coverage-to-13-european-countrie/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/google-maps-brings-live-traffic-coverage-to-13-european-countrie/#comments
The next time you head out for a leisurely Sunday drive along the autobahn, you might wanna take a minute to consult Google Maps' live traffic feature, now available in Germany and 12 other nations across Europe. Announced earlier this week, the new addition offers regularly updated coverage of all highways and major thoroughfares in countries like Spain, the Netherlands and Switzerland, while bringing more detailed street-level data to users in the UK. Europe's road warriors will also be able to use a legend to learn about traffic patterns at specific times or days of the week, making it even easier for you to micro-manage your summer getaway to the Swiss Alps. Learning how to fit all your luggage into the back of a Twingo, however, is another matter altogether.

Google Maps brings live traffic coverage to 13 European countries, makes work weeks even shorter originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 10:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplicationcardrivingeuropefreewaygermanygooglegoogle mapsgoogle maps navigationGoogleMapsGoogleMapsNavigationhighwaymapsnavigationsmartphonespainswitzerlandtrafficUKFri, 15 Jul 2011 10:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Wireless Back-Up Camera for the Magellan RoadMate checks your six]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/24/wireless-back-up-camera-for-the-magellan-roadmate-checks-your-si/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/24/wireless-back-up-camera-for-the-magellan-roadmate-checks-your-si/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/24/wireless-back-up-camera-for-the-magellan-roadmate-checks-your-si/#comments Most of us can get by with occasionally frequently checking our rear view mirror, but many bigger vehicles don't offer quite the same visibility. Hence the market for bumper cams in general and for Magellan's new Wireless Back-Up Camera in particular. The $150 add-on exploits the 7-inch LCD on your RoadMate 1700 or 9055, thereby avoiding the clutter of an independent system. The waterproof and dustproof camera fixes to your license plate and connects to a transmitter in your trunk, which then beams the feed to a receiver attached to your GPS. The system activates automatically when you go into reverse and boasts a 120-degree field of view, 45-degrees of vertical angle adjustment and a 45-foot range. The PR with full details is just a click away. Oh, and it helps if you remember to brake.

Continue reading Wireless Back-Up Camera for the Magellan RoadMate checks your six

Wireless Back-Up Camera for the Magellan RoadMate checks your six originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add-onback-up cameraBack-upCamerabackup camerabackup camerasBackupCameraBackupCamerasbumperdrivingdriving aidDrivingAidmagellanmagellan Roadmatemagellan roadmate 1700MagellanRoadmateMagellanRoadmate1700roadmateroadmate 1700RoadMate 9055Roadmate1700Roadmate9055Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla Roadster nears the end of its production run, company switches focus to Model S]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/tesla-roadster-being-discontinued/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/tesla-roadster-being-discontinued/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/tesla-roadster-being-discontinued/#comments
Well, we knew this day had to come eventually: various sources are reporting that Tesla Motors has announced that production of its Roadster will soon be drawing to a close, a scant three years (and a few months) after initially launching. "I think there's a handful of cars left to sell in the US," said CEO Elon Musk. "People in Europe and Japan probably have another six months [while in] the US, it's maybe a month or two." We always thought that the company's approach was pretty gutsy, and maybe that's exactly what the automotive world needed -- a long-range (if expensive) ride that screamed: "this ain't your parents' EV." (Cue guitar solo.) For the time being, the company will be switching its focus to the more subdued Model S sedan, although we won't be surprised if we see more badass vehicles from these guys in the future. We aren't sure it'll help with the tears, but our Roadster Sport 2.5 test drive will (thankfully) live on forever.

Tesla Roadster nears the end of its production run, company switches focus to Model S originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobileautomobilesautomotiveautomotivesbattery electric vehiclebattery lifeBatteryElectricVehicleBatteryLifecarcarsdrivingelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleelon muskElonMuskevmodel sModelSsedanteslatesla model stesla roadstertesla roadster 2.5tesla sedanTeslaModelSTeslaRoadsterTeslaRoadster2.5TeslaSedanThu, 23 Jun 2011 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nevada prepares itself for the imminent rise of driverless cars]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/nevada-prepares-itself-for-the-imminent-rise-of-driverless-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/nevada-prepares-itself-for-the-imminent-rise-of-driverless-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/23/nevada-prepares-itself-for-the-imminent-rise-of-driverless-cars/#comments
Driverless cars are still a way's away from hitting the mainstream, but when they do, the glorious state of Nevada will be ready for 'em. This week, the state passed a new law that will require its Department of Transportation to "adopt regulations authorizing the operation of autonomous vehicles on highways within the State of Nevada." More specifically, the DOT will have to cook up a set of safety standards for self-driving vehicles, and designate specific areas in which they can be tested. Invisible drivers immediately hailed the decision as a watershed victory in their ongoing struggle for civil rights.

Nevada prepares itself for the imminent rise of driverless cars originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autocardepartment of transportationDepartmentOfTransportationdriverless carDriverlessCardrivinglawnevadapoliticssafetyself driving carself-driving carSelf-drivingCarSelfDrivingCarstandardstatetransportvehicleThu, 23 Jun 2011 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla Model S is almost production-ready, does photo shoot to prove it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/tesla-model-s-is-almost-production-ready-does-photo-shoot-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/tesla-model-s-is-almost-production-ready-does-photo-shoot-to/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/tesla-model-s-is-almost-production-ready-does-photo-shoot-to/#comments
You're looking at an unlikely picture: two Tesla EVs on the same street. The Silicon Valley carmaker is hoping to become more mainstream, however, when it releases its Model S sedan next year to complement the exuberantly expensive Roadster 2.5. Tesla has just released photos of the latest, nearly production-ready build of the Model S to whet our appetites. The shots reveal a couple of sleek cosmetic changes to the front bumper and body panels, but mainly we're just happy to see the S rolling on schedule. Oh yes, and there's another glimpse of the 17-inch infotainment console, which Auto Evolution now reports will be accompanied by built-in 3G. Sounds dandy, but that $57,400 starting price had better include a data plan. Man, who are we kidding?

[Thanks, Lucian]

Tesla Model S is almost production-ready, does photo shoot to prove it originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 06:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobileautomobilesautomotiveautomotivescarcarsdrivingelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevinfotainment consoleinfotainment systemInfotainmentConsoleInfotainmentSystemmodel sModelSsedanteslatesla model stesla sedanTeslaModelSTeslaSedanTue, 07 Jun 2011 06:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel will arrive in early October for $60, give you something to hold on to]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/xbox-360-wireless-speed-wheel-will-arrive-in-early-october-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/xbox-360-wireless-speed-wheel-will-arrive-in-early-october-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/xbox-360-wireless-speed-wheel-will-arrive-in-early-october-for/#comments Microsoft's Kinect motion controls may be infiltrating all sorts of games at this year's E3, but the Xbox maker isn't neglecting those in need of a more tangible control scheme. A new Wireless Speed Wheel has just been revealed, with a reasonable $60 price tag and an early October launch date. As you see above, it's technically three-fourths of a wheel, but that does allow for extra green bands of lights to be applied and, slightly more importantly, a set of directional and action buttons to be added to the handles of this steering implement. There's a rumble pack inside for force feedback and a pair of trigger buttons on the underside for smashing the gas or dabbing the brakes. Another image after the break.

Continue reading Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel will arrive in early October for $60, give you something to hold on to

Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel will arrive in early October for $60, give you something to hold on to originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 03:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360accessorycontrollerdrivinge3e3 2011E32011gamingmicrosoftperipheralspeed wheelSpeedWheelwheelwirelesswireless speed wheelWirelessSpeedWheelxboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 07 Jun 2011 03:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect enabled head-tracking previewed in Forza 4 spotlight video, turns heads (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/kinect-enabled-head-tracking-previewed-in-forza-4-spotlight-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/kinect-enabled-head-tracking-previewed-in-forza-4-spotlight-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/kinect-enabled-head-tracking-previewed-in-forza-4-spotlight-vide/#comments
Ever since Johnny Chung Lee was snatched up by Microsoft's Project Natal team to work on Kinect, we've been curious to see how his Wii head-tracking skills would come to fruition on the device. This week, an Inside Xbox episode shows us how it will work with Forza 4, and the Kinect enabled head-tracking appears to run fairly smoothly compared to others we've seen (just try getting similar results on Gran Turismo 5 with a PlayStation Eye). There's no word about other titles planning to make use of this new feature, but we'll surely find out more while we're at E3 next week, and possibly get some hands heads-on time while we're at it.

Kinect enabled head-tracking previewed in Forza 4 spotlight video, turns heads (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 23:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drivinge3e3 2011E32011Forza 4forza motorsportforza motorsport 4Forza4ForzaMotorsportForzaMotorsport4gamegaminghead trackinghead-trackingHeadTrackingJohnny Chung LeeJohnnyChungLeekinectMicrosoftplaystation eyePlaystationEyeproject natalProjectNatalPS EyePsEyeracingvideoxboxxbox 360xbox 360 kinectxbox kinectXbox360Xbox360KinectXboxKinectWed, 01 Jun 2011 23:19:00 EST<![CDATA[TomTom announces Go Live 800 series PNDs for lost Europeans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/25/tomtom-announces-go-live-800-series-pnds-for-lost-europeans/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/25/tomtom-announces-go-live-800-series-pnds-for-lost-europeans/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/25/tomtom-announces-go-live-800-series-pnds-for-lost-europeans/#comments
TomTom's Go Live family got a little larger today, with the unveiling of the company's new 800 series of PNDs. With the purchase of an 820 or 825 GPS, you'll get a year's worth of free access to HD Traffic, a speed camera alert system, local weather updates and all the rest of TomTom's Live services. The navigators also come with intelligent orientation sensors that allow for easy dashboard mounting, as well as Bluetooth capabilities that enable drivers to make hands-free calls while they cruise. The five-inch 825, much like the ARM11-powered Go Live 1000, generates routes using TomTom's IQ Routes technology, though it won't cost quite as much as its big brother. No word yet on the pricing of the 4.3-inch 820, which is due to hit Europe this September, but the 825 will retail for about £230 ($373) when it launches this month. Full presser after the break.

Continue reading TomTom announces Go Live 800 series PNDs for lost Europeans

TomTom announces Go Live 800 series PNDs for lost Europeans originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 25 May 2011 10:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4.3-inch5-inch820825bluetoothcardashboardDrivingflip-screengo livego live 800go live 820go live 825GoLivegolive800GoLive820GoLive825hands free callinghands-freeHandsFreeCallingiq routesIqRoutesnavigationnavigation systemNavigationSystemsatelliteSatelliteNavigationSatNavtomtomtomtom go live 800tomtom go live 820tomtom go live 825TomtomGoLive800TomtomGoLive820TomtomGoLive825Wed, 25 May 2011 10:43:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW left turn assistant uses lasers to help you avoid running people over]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/bmw-left-turn-assistant-uses-lasers-to-help-you-avoid-running-pe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/bmw-left-turn-assistant-uses-lasers-to-help-you-avoid-running-pe/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/bmw-left-turn-assistant-uses-lasers-to-help-you-avoid-running-pe/#comments
BMW continues to fight the good fight: making sure you hit fewer people with its luxury vehicles. The German automaker is developing a vehicle warning system aimed at curbing collisions caused by drivers making left turns -- a leading cause of accidents and motorcycle fatalities. The system, which can be enabled for vehicles making left or U-turns while traveling under 10mph, detects movements using the vehicle's navigation system and a single camera. Once a left turn is recognized, three lasers are used to scan for hazards up to 328-feet away -- if one is detected, the car will automatically brake and throw up corresponding alerts for the driver. The company is set to show off the system as part of INTERSAFE 2, this week in Wolfsburg, Germany. In the meantime, the rest of us will have to rely on things like mirrors and looking over our shoulders.

BMW left turn assistant uses lasers to help you avoid running people over originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 May 2011 21:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BMWbrakebrakingbraking systemBrakingSystemcar safetyCarSafetyDrivingGermanGermanyGPSINTERSAFEintersafe 2Intersafe2laserturningvehicle warning systemVehicleWarningSystemwarning systemWarningSystemwolfsburgMon, 16 May 2011 21:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Continental readies stereo camera system for 'seeing' cars]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/continental-readies-stereo-camera-system-for-seeing-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/continental-readies-stereo-camera-system-for-seeing-cars/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/05/continental-readies-stereo-camera-system-for-seeing-cars/#comments
The idea of cars preventing accidents before they happen isn't novel, but at the end of the day, collision detection systems are only as smart as the information being fed to them. That's the ethos behind Continental's new stereo camera system, which spots people, pets, and other objects in a vehicle's path, and measures their height, distance from the vehicle, and how they might be moving. This rig, which will be just another part of Continental's ContiGuard safety system, uses the difference in the lenses' optical paths to make these calculations -- so long as those obstacles are 20 to 30 meters (66 to 98 feet) away. The company also says the cameras are sharp enough to detect partially obscured objects, and claims accuracy within 20 to 30 centimeters (8 to 12 inches). No word on when it will be ready to ship seeing cars, though if the press release is any indication, German drivers are likely to get their test drive first.

Continue reading Continental readies stereo camera system for 'seeing' cars

Continental readies stereo camera system for 'seeing' cars originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 May 2011 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accidentaccident preventionAccidentPreventionaccidentsautoauto safetyautomotiveAutoSafetycarcar safetycarsCarSafetycollisioncollision avoidancecollision detectioncollision-detectionCollisionAvoidanceCollisionDetectioncontiguardContinentaldriverdriversdrivingGermanGermanysafetyseeing carSeeingCarstereo cameraStereoCameraThu, 05 May 2011 12:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan NV200 van named NYC's 'Taxi of Tomorrow,' Travis Bickle cringes (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/nissan-nv200-van-named-nycs-taxi-of-tomorrow-travis-bickle-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/nissan-nv200-van-named-nycs-taxi-of-tomorrow-travis-bickle-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/nissan-nv200-van-named-nycs-taxi-of-tomorrow-travis-bickle-c/#comments New Yorkers, this is your "Taxi of Tomorrow." After two years of deliberation, Nissan's NV200 was chosen as the city's exclusive taxi yesterday, edging out models from Ford Motor Co. and Turkish manufacturer Karsan. The four-passenger van is slated to hit New York's streets in late 2013, after which it will be gradually phased in on a more widespread basis. With a manufacturer suggested retail price of around $29,000, the commodious NV200 boasts a 2.0L 4-cylinder powertrain, transparent roof panel, driver navigation system, overhead reading lights and a mobile charging unit, replete with a 12V outlet and two USB ports. Nissan also placed an emphasis on passenger and pedestrian safety, with front and rear-seat curtain airbags, standard traction control and an external lighting system designed to alert others when the NV200's doors are opening. The van's microbial seat fabric should help assuage the fears of many germophobes, while its "low-annoyance" horn promises to put a (probably miniscule) dent in the city's noise pollution. Mayor Bloomberg definitely won't realize his all-hybrid dreams by 2012, but Nissan has agreed to participate in a forthcoming EV pilot program, involving up to six of the company's electric LEAFs. Until then, New Yorkers will have plenty of time to get used to the city's new soccer mom approach to taxi transport. Cruise past the break for full PR and video.

Continue reading Nissan NV200 van named NYC's 'Taxi of Tomorrow,' Travis Bickle cringes (video)

Nissan NV200 van named NYC's 'Taxi of Tomorrow,' Travis Bickle cringes (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 May 2011 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airbagautobloombergcarchargerDrivingelectric vehicleElectricVehicleEVleafmayor bloombergMayorBloombergnavigationNavigationSystemnew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitynissanNissan Leafnissan nv200NissanLeafNissanNv200NYCpowertrainpublic transportationPublicTransportationtaxiusbvideoWed, 04 May 2011 15:18:00 EST<![CDATA[State Farm app uses iPhone sensors to grade your driving habits, oh joy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/state-farm-app-uses-iphone-sensors-to-grade-your-driving-habits/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/state-farm-app-uses-iphone-sensors-to-grade-your-driving-habits/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/02/state-farm-app-uses-iphone-sensors-to-grade-your-driving-habits/#comments Remember when you took your driving test and had an inspector second-guessing your every stop, turn, signal and lane choice? State Farm's new Driver Feedback app is like having said individual with you all the time. Simply put, it uses your smartphone's accelerometer and GPS to gauge your acceleration, braking and cornering habits (sound familiar?) and spit out a score, letting you brag to your (parents / significant other / stranger / the family dog) just how safe and secure you are. State Farm claims it doesn't collect any information and won't adjust your insurance rates based on your score, which is a bit of a bummer if you ask us -- wouldn't it be nice if you could earn some cash back for perfecting your heel-toe? Either way, you'll find it for free in the iTunes App Store.

Continue reading State Farm app uses iPhone sensors to grade your driving habits, oh joy

State Farm app uses iPhone sensors to grade your driving habits, oh joy originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 May 2011 09:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerometerappAppleappsdrivingfeedbackGPSiOSiPhonemotion sensorMotionSensorState FarmStateFarmvideoMon, 02 May 2011 09:08:00 EST<![CDATA[New York DOT now adding 2-point driver's license penalty for talking on the phone while driving]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/new-york-dot-now-adding-2-point-drivers-license-penalty-for-tal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/new-york-dot-now-adding-2-point-drivers-license-penalty-for-tal/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/17/new-york-dot-now-adding-2-point-drivers-license-penalty-for-tal/#commentsIt has been illegal to talk on a cell phone while driving in New York for years now, but the state has just steeply upped the penalties associated. The $100 fine which is currently imposed has been joined by a 2-point penalty on the driver's record -- which should serve as a real deterrent for most. The DMV has estimated that one in five crashes now involve so-called distracted drivers, resulting in about 5,000 deaths last year. So please, keep your eyes on the road.

New York DOT now adding 2-point driver's license penalty for talking on the phone while driving originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carscellphonesdistracted drivingDistractedDrivingdotdrivinglawsnew yorkNewYorkphonestransportationThu, 17 Feb 2011 21:50:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile intros DriveSmart Plus service to block texting while driving, FamilyWhere to track down your kids]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/t-mobile-intros-drivesmart-plus-service-to-block-texting-while-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/t-mobile-intros-drivesmart-plus-service-to-block-texting-while-d/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/19/t-mobile-intros-drivesmart-plus-service-to-block-texting-while-d/#comments The texting-while-driving epidemic is starting to get a lot of carrier attention, and T-Mobile's taking it to the next level today by throwing its weight behind a new subscription-based upgrade to the DriveSmart app that's been available on the LG Optimus T since launch. DriveSmart Plus runs $4.99 a month for all lines on your account (provided the lines are attached to compatible devices) and upgrades the basic DriveSmart app by automatically detecting when your car's in motion -- no need to enable it by hand -- at which point incoming calls are automatically sent to voicemail and incoming text messages are met with an automatic response that the recipient is currently driving. Naturally, there's an emergency override built-in -- but to make sure young drivers aren't abusing it, DriveSmart offers parents the option of being contacted by text or email when it's overridden and can let them monitor overall phone usage through a web interface. The service is only available on the Optimus T initially, but more hardware support is "coming soon."

On a related note, T-Mobile is also introducing FamilyWhere, matching similar services already offered by Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint by letting parents see where their young'uns are and set up customized alerts by location and time; it's apparently compatible with "nearly any type" of phone on the T-Mobile network, so you shouldn't need to equip the tykes with superphones just to get this action set up. It runs $9.99 a month and covers all the lines on your account; follow the break for both press releases.

Continue reading T-Mobile intros DriveSmart Plus service to block texting while driving, FamilyWhere to track down your kids

T-Mobile intros DriveSmart Plus service to block texting while driving, FamilyWhere to track down your kids originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddrivesmartdrivesmart plusDrivesmartPlusdrivingfamilyfamilywherelglocatormapoptimus tOptimusTt-mobiletextingtexting while drivingTextingWhileDrivingWed, 19 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Getaround app turns you into Enterprise, lets you rent out your dormant whip]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/getaround-app-turns-you-into-enterprise-lets-your-rent-out-your/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/getaround-app-turns-you-into-enterprise-lets-your-rent-out-your/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/getaround-app-turns-you-into-enterprise-lets-your-rent-out-your/#comments Oh, sure -- you're making much use of that Zipcar app already, but what if the tables were turned somewhat? For suburbanites with two cars in the garage (one of which is collecting major dust), Getaround's mobile app allows you to be Zipcar. Put simply, those with a spare vehicle (or a vehicle that routinely stays parked for certain blocks of time each day) can load their vehicle, location, schedule and price into the app, and then nearby Earthlings can poke around and see what's on offer. If they're interested in taking your ride for a spin, they can hit you up via the app and agree on how many hours / days / weeks they'll be needing it. In essence, you're looking at peer-to-peer car sharing, with Getaround snagging 30 percent of the rental rate; speaking of rate, that can range between $4 and $25 per hour, with the owner setting the price. Those based in San Francisco can tap into the source link to become involved in the beta, and don't be shocked if you see a Tesla Roadster listed for $25/hour -- that's actually one of Getaround's first customers, and you can rest assured that red beauty will be calling your name this weekend.

Getaround app turns you into Enterprise, lets you rent out your dormant whip originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appautomobilecar rentalcar rentalsCarRentalCarRentalsdrivinggetaroundmobile appMobileApprentrentalrentingsoftwarestartupteslaFri, 14 Jan 2011 11:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti Sleep Pilot promises to keep drivers alert, warn them when to pull over]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/anti-sleep-pilot-promises-to-keep-drivers-alert-warn-them-when/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/anti-sleep-pilot-promises-to-keep-drivers-alert-warn-them-when/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/anti-sleep-pilot-promises-to-keep-drivers-alert-warn-them-when/#comments Looking for an alternative to that extra large cup of coffee or energy drink to keep you awake on long haul drives? Then you'll soon have another option in the form of the Anti Sleep Pilot, which promises to keep you from nodding off through the magic of technology. Already on sale in Denmark, the device is able to automatically turn itself on and off by monitoring the movement of your vehicle, and it attempts to keep you alert by regularly performing various tests that you can respond to just by tapping the device. That promises to not only prevent fatigue in the first place by keeping your mind active, but also warn you when it's really time to take a break by monitoring your reaction times to each test. Still no word on an official price over here just yet, but we assume it'll cost somewhere in the neighborhood of the 1,499 kr (or $270) the device currently runs in Denmark.

Anti Sleep Pilot promises to keep drivers alert, warn them when to pull over originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 09:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti sleep pilotAntiSleepPilotdriverdriversdrivingdrowsinessdrowsydrowsy drivingDrowsyDrivingsleepWed, 24 Nov 2010 09:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Autonomous Audi TTS scales Pikes Peak in 27-minute climb]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/21/autonomous-audi-tts-scales-pikes-peak-in-27-minute-climb/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/21/autonomous-audi-tts-scales-pikes-peak-in-27-minute-climb/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/21/autonomous-audi-tts-scales-pikes-peak-in-27-minute-climb/#comments They said they'd do it, and by golly, it's been done -- a specially-equipped Audi TTS drove the entire 12.42 miles and 156 precarious turns of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb without a driver at the wheel. (Google, eat your heart out.) While the vehicle technically performed the feat about a month ago in September, Audi decided to wait until this last week to proclaim it to the world, following a helicopter accident during filming that sent pilot Jim Dirker to the hospital. Thankfully, he survived to fly another day, and at least some of the footage pulled through as well; you'll find a brief clip after the break of the shiny white Quattro autonomously speeding up that hill.

Continue reading Autonomous Audi TTS scales Pikes Peak in 27-minute climb

Autonomous Audi TTS scales Pikes Peak in 27-minute climb originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 21 Nov 2010 23:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi ttsaudi tts pikes peakAudiTtsAudiTtsPikesPeakautonomousautonomous carautonomous vehiclesAutonomousCarAutonomousVehiclescardrivingpikes peakpikes peak hill climbPikes Peak International Hill ClimbPikesPeakPikesPeakHillClimbPikesPeakInternationalHillClimbttsvehiclevideoSun, 21 Nov 2010 23:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Passport IQ GPS throws a radar detector into this law evading mix]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/passport-iq-gps-throws-a-radar-detector-into-this-law-evading-mi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/passport-iq-gps-throws-a-radar-detector-into-this-law-evading-mi/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/27/passport-iq-gps-throws-a-radar-detector-into-this-law-evading-mi/#comments
You know we've seen our share of GPS units, the occasional radar detector, and even a radar detector that incorporates GPS functionality to keep on top of speed traps. The kids at Escort, however, are throwing us "the world's first fully integrated driving accessory." (Whatever that means!) Passport IQ is a 5-inch, full-color, voice controlled touchscreen GPS unit featuring NAVTEQ 3D maps and live traffic. If that weren't enough, this bad boy also sports protection against radar, laser, red light, and speed camera ticketing. If only we hadn't had our license revoked by the state of Rhode Island back in '04! (Long story.) And, yes: it costs a mere $650. PR after the break.

Continue reading Passport IQ GPS throws a radar detector into this law evading mix

Passport IQ GPS throws a radar detector into this law evading mix originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driverdrivingescortescort passport iqEscortPassportIqfuzz busterFuzzBustergpsnavteqpassport iqPassportIqradar detectorRadarDetectorsatnavspeedingWed, 27 Oct 2010 15:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan Leaf launches in Europe, takes us for a drive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/nissan-leaf-launches-in-europe-takes-us-for-a-drive/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/nissan-leaf-launches-in-europe-takes-us-for-a-drive/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/26/nissan-leaf-launches-in-europe-takes-us-for-a-drive/#comments 26,000 people can't be wrong, right? That's the current tally of Leaf pre-orders that Nissan has collected from US and Japanese drivers excited by its all-electric hatchback. Yesterday, the car that's built to plug into the same wall outlet as your toaster held its official pan-European launch party -- with the UK, Ireland, Netherlands, and Portugal getting the first deliveries in early 2011 -- and we were on site to grab a few closeup pictures and some precious time in the driver's seat. American drivers should look out for a new set of keys in their mailbox this December, so there's probably no better time than now to give them a preview of what they're getting themselves into. Jump past the break for more on the Nissan Leaf.

Gallery: Nissan Leaf press images

Gallery: Nissan Leaf test drive

Continue reading Nissan Leaf launches in Europe, takes us for a drive

Nissan Leaf launches in Europe, takes us for a drive originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Oct 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carcarwingsdrivedrivendrivingelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleeuropeeuropeanevhands-onimpressionslaunchleaflisbonnissannissan leafNissanLeafportugalpreviewtesttest driveTestDrivevideowindows embeddedwindows embedded automotive 7WindowsEmbeddedWindowsEmbeddedAutomotive7zero emissionsZeroEmissionsTue, 26 Oct 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Swiss van driver gets stuck up a 'glorified goat track,' blames GPS]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/swiss-van-driver-gets-stuck-up-a-glorified-goat-track-blames/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/swiss-van-driver-gets-stuck-up-a-glorified-goat-track-blames/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/swiss-van-driver-gets-stuck-up-a-glorified-goat-track-blames/#comments It's reassuring to know that while some things may change dramatically, others will and do stay the same. Overreliance on GPS is one of those highly consistent trends, as exhibited most recently by one Robert Ziegler, a full-time van driver and part-time goat track explorer. The unfortunate gent found himself growing increasingly uncomfortable with the directional instructions his satnav unit was handing out, but his hope was that "each little turn would get [him] back to the main road." Eventually, after having its fun, the GPS guide told Robert to turn around, but by that point he wasn't in a position to do anything other than call the local rescue services, who kindly airlifted him and his van back to more hospitable terrain. See a picture of the van's delivery to ground level after the break.

[Thanks, r3loaded]

Continue reading Swiss van driver gets stuck up a 'glorified goat track,' blames GPS

Swiss van driver gets stuck up a 'glorified goat track,' blames GPS originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>driverdrivinggpsgps mishapsGpsMishapslostmishapmountainsatnavstuckswitzerlandvanWed, 29 Sep 2010 10:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Robot arm takes engineers for a virtual reality Formula 1 ride (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/07/robot-arm-takes-engineers-for-a-virtual-reality-formula-1-ride/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/07/robot-arm-takes-engineers-for-a-virtual-reality-formula-1-ride/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/07/robot-arm-takes-engineers-for-a-virtual-reality-formula-1-ride/#comments As it turns out, industrial-strength robot arms are good for more than amusing hijinks and the occasional assembly line -- a team of researchers at Germany's Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics have turned a KUKA KR 500 into the ultimate Formula 1 simulator ride. Outfitting the six-axis, half-ton lifter with a force-feedback steering wheel, pedals, video projector and curved screen, the newly-christened CyberMotion Simulator lets scientists throw a virtual Ferrari F2007 race car into the turns, while the cockpit whips around with up to 2 Gs of equal-and-opposite Newtonian force. There's actually no loftier goal for this particular science project, as the entire point was to create a racing video game that feels just like the real thing -- though to be fair, a second paper tested to see whether projectors or head-mounted displays made for better drivers. (Projectors won.) See how close they came to reality in a video after the break, while we go perform a little experiment of our own.

[Thanks, Eric]

Continue reading Robot arm takes engineers for a virtual reality Formula 1 ride (video)

Robot arm takes engineers for a virtual reality Formula 1 ride (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Aug 2010 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6DOFCyberMotionDrivingdriving simulatordriving simulatorsDrivingSimulatorDrivingSimulatorsF1FerrariFormula 1Formula1kukakuka 500kuka roboticsKuka500KukaRoboticsmax planck instituteMax Planck Institute for Biological CyberneticsMaxPlanckInstituteMaxPlanckInstituteForBiologicalCyberneticsRobocoasterrobotrobot armrobot armsRobotArmRobotArmsRobotssimulationsimulationssimulatorSimulatorssix-axisvideovirtual realityVirtualRealitySat, 07 Aug 2010 18:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel Connected Cars will record your bad driving for posterity, take over if you're really screwing up]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/05/intel-connected-cars-will-record-your-bad-driving-for-posterity/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/05/intel-connected-cars-will-record-your-bad-driving-for-posterity/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/05/intel-connected-cars-will-record-your-bad-driving-for-posterity/#comments Intel's latest Research Day has sprung up a new vision for "smart" vehicles; a vision that frankly chills us to our very geeky core. Cameras and sensors attached to an Intel Connected Car will record data about your speed, steering and braking, and upon the event of an accident, forward those bits and bytes along to the police and your insurance company. Just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, doesn't it? Don't get us wrong, the tech foundation here is good -- having cars permanently hooked up to the ether can generally be considered a good thing -- but what's being envisioned is as obtrusive as it is irritating. Oh, didn't we mention that the cars can become self-aware and overrule you if you try to bend the rules of the road? Because they can.

Intel Connected Cars will record your bad driving for posterity, take over if you're really screwing up originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 07:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiautopilotbig brotherBigBrotherblack boxBlackBoxcarsconnected carConnectedCardrivingintelintel connected carintel research dayIntelConnectedCarintelligent carsIntelligentCarsIntelResearchDaynanny stateNannyStateresearch dayResearchDaysmart carsSmartCarsMon, 05 Jul 2010 07:10:00 EST<![CDATA[California considers electronic ads on license plates, we consider never moving there]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/california-considers-electronic-ads-on-license-plates-we-consid/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/california-considers-electronic-ads-on-license-plates-we-consid/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/21/california-considers-electronic-ads-on-license-plates-we-consid/#comments Driving in California could get a little more annoying in the coming days. The Legislature of the state that brought you Brody Jenner and Spencer Pratt is now considering a bill which would allow the beginning of research into electronic license plates for vehicles. The new-fangled plates would look just like regular ones when a vehicle was in motion, but would flash awesome advertisements and other messages when stopped for more than four seconds. One San Francisco based startup, Smart Plate, is already hard at work on developing just such a device, but they're not in production yet. The measure is seen largely as a money making scheme for California, which -- like nearly everywhere else in the world -- is heavily in debt after several years of hard partying and irresponsible shopping trips. Parties interested in advertising on the plates would apparently contact the California DMV directly (then wait in line for 12 to 14 hours before submitting their preliminary application for ad space). If approved, the DMV will be required to submit its research and findings to the Legislature by January of 2013. Here's to the future!

California considers electronic ads on license plates, we consider never moving there originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 22:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisementsadvertisingbillcaliforniacarsdmvdrivingelectronic adselectronic advertisingElectronicAdsElectronicAdvertisinglawlegislaturelicense platelicense platesLicensePlateLicensePlatesmotor vehiclesMotorVehiclesSB1453smart plateSmartPlatethe futureTheFuturetransportationvehiclesMon, 21 Jun 2010 22:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Data suggests handheld phone bans while driving aren't helping]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/03/data-suggests-handheld-phone-bans-while-driving-arent-helping/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/03/data-suggests-handheld-phone-bans-while-driving-arent-helping/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/03/data-suggests-handheld-phone-bans-while-driving-arent-helping/#commentsThe Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's Highway Loss Data Institute (try saying that five times fast) seems like it'd be the first organization in the world to vehemently support bans on the use of handheld phones while driving, but interestingly, it's come out with some data recently to suggest they're not doing much good. A study of insurance claims in four regions where laws have been passed -- New York, Washington, DC, Connecticut, and California -- both before and after the bans went into effect, compared to adjacent regions where use was allowed, apparently shows no demonstrable drop in accidents. Now, the IIHS claims that "we know that such laws have reduced hand-held phone use" -- but from our personal experience in areas where laws have been passed, we can definitely confirm that there are still plenty of folks ignoring the bans, so there are at least a couple factors at play here. Does this mean yapping is a good idea while you're behind the wheel? No, but it might confirm the obvious: you're still distracted even if you're on a handsfree.

Data suggests handheld phone bans while driving aren't helping originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drivinghighway data loss instituteHighwayDataLossInstitutehldiiihsinsurance institute for highway safetyInsuranceInstituteForHighwaySafetymobilestudyWed, 03 Feb 2010 08:02:00 EST