Griffin CarTrip will track efficiency and show diagnostic reports (video)
We mentioned the CarTrip when they announced it earlier in the week, but after seeing this thing in person at CES, I really want one. Primarily because the device will allow you to clear the stupid "check engine" light in most cars made after 1996 with an ODB-II port. You see, the CarTrip features a dongle that plugs into the ODB-II port in your car, and it communicates via Bluetooth with an iOS device (in your hand or dashboard).
The CarTrip can then show you certain codes from your car's "brain" and alert you to problems or clear the check engine light. Plus, a little plant sprout on the app will show you how efficiently your car is driving, and the device will track efficiency even if you don't have your iOS device in the car. Check out the video on the next page; we had a chat with Eric Weisinger from Griffin about the CarTrip. It should be available in the second quarter of 2011 for US$89.99.
