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GM says "Mailbox piccolo concerts are right out!"
A forum thread about a player and a GM talking about the Piccolo of the Flaming Fire popped up yesterday. As usual it was deleted, but the image was saved by Neuroxin on the WoW LJ community -- where I saw this. While GM threads are nothing new, the reason that this player was contacted by a GM is a new one on me. Were you aware that using the Piccolo of the Flaming Fire when you are AFK on top of a mailbox can get you in trouble with the GMs?While I totally appreciate that the piccolo can be annoying over a long period of time, does it truly interrupt the ability to play? Is it on the same level as ganking someone over and over as someone suggested? I'll admit that I totally hate that item, but not because it makes me dance. I hate it because a small flute should not sound like a harp. (and yes, that's nitpicky of me)
Method Man and Vashj
As a society we are not always interested in seconds. We prefer firsts, the first man to walk on the moon, the first man to swim the English Channel, heck even the first woman got plenty of notice in her day. And yes, Nihilum did managed to down Lady Vashj first, but I have been following the story of the second guild to kill the snake-headed wench, and I am happy to report their day has finally come. For those of you not obsessed with minutia the way I am, the guild Method from the Sylvanas (EU) realm killed Lady Vashj on May 5th. Something happened though that makes this kill more interesting than just any old world 2nd. The encounter bugged out and the guild, after all their hard work, lost the chance at looting the corpse. That's right folks, imagine watching Lady Vashj's corpse despawn in front of your very eyes. I know I would cry wet, salty tears. Naturally members of the guild contacted a GM, but to no avail. It was a whole day before the guild finally got resolution. They did get a mail message though that told them that their loot would indeed be delivered. World of Raids says Method received a Krakken-Heart Breastplate and Gauntlets of the Crestfall amongst other things. Congrats to them for getting their just rewards. If you're interested in learning more details about the fight, Method will be interviewed by WoW Radio on May 13th at 12:30 EST. I'm sure they'll have some fascinating insights. [via World of Raids]
Chevy Volt heads into GM's production pipeline
Those of you as taken with GM's Chevy Volt concept vehicle as we are may want to take a minute to reconsider any impending car purchases, as the car is now officially headed into production -- in two different versions no less. According to Autoblog, that could put the car on track for a roll out in 2010, although GM isn't quite ready to get that specific. In addition to the plug-in gasoline model we saw earlier this year, the other version GM is working on is a fuel cell model, although it'll apparently be too expensive for volume production (diesel and ethanol-powered versions could also be headed to select markets). The plug-in gasoline version takes the rather ingenious route of using the gasoline engine to power a generator, which charges the car's batteries, which in turn powers the car itself (you can also simply plug it in overnight to charge the battery). That supposedly translates to a gasoline savings of about 500 gallons per year for the average commuter, not to mention a signification reduction in CO2 emissions. While there's no word yet on what it might cost, GM has reportedly said that it's willing to lose money initially in order to get the car produced and sold, which could certainly be a good sign.
GM partners with MapQuest for beefed-up OnStar service
GM doesn't look to be letting the prospect of a huge chunk of its customer base disappearing stop it from rolling out enhancements to its Onstar service, with the company today announcing that it's struck a deal with MapQuest that'll see the two services linked up. Under the new arrangement, OnStar users will be able to plan out their trip on the MapQuest website and then follow along in their vehicle using OnStar's turn-by-turn audio navigation service, with them still able to call up the help of a live advisor if they really fall off course. Not everyone will be getting the expanded service to start with though, with a pilot program encompassing some 3,000 users planned for this summer, followed by a full roll-out later this year or next once they've gotten all the kinks worked out.
Questionable report claims Hummer is greener than Prius
You won't have to look too hard in order to find a report or two claiming that hybrid vehicles aren't as miraculous as they are oftentimes portrayed, but when a recent article declared that Toyota's flagship hybrid was more taxing on the environment than a Hummer, you've got to wonder what's going on. Incredibly, the questionable findings from CNW Marketing stated that GM's gas guzzler only cost about $1.95 per mile to put on the road, while the Prius rang up $3.25 per mile in order to hit the pavement. Reportedly, these zany numbers include all production costs -- which supposedly run around 50-percent higher on the hybrid -- but the story started to smell fishy when we found that the per-mile statistics were based on a 100,000-mile Prius and a 300,000-mile Hummer, which seems to be a stretch in both directions. Currently, there seems to be a huge amount of skepticism surrounding the bold figures, and until the testers place both vehicles on a level playing field from the start, we doubt those discrepancies will fade anytime soon.[Via Slashdot]
GM prepping Chevy Sequel fuel cell vehicle for 2010
After fifty or so years of waiting for electric cars to hit the mainstream "in the next few years or so," it's kind of crazy to actually have working and practical electronic cars among us. So naturally, now we're required to start pinning our hopes on the so-far-elusive dream of fuel cell vehicles, and GM is helping our future lust along with its new Chevy Sequel fuel cell prototype, which was heretofore a loosely defined "GM Sequel" concept. Slated for production in 2010, the Sequel shares traits aplenty with GM's Chevy Volt, specifically the shared electric motor for the front wheels, with in-hub motors for both rear wheels. The Sequel also uses lithium-ion batteries, regenerative braking and a third-gen GM fuel cell. Two running Sequels already exist, and GM will be building 100 fuel cell-powered Chevy Equinoxes for large scale trials of the technology this year.
WoW Moviewatch: Behold, the power of a GM
Digg is linking to this blog post (who knows how long it will last) about "the Top 10 WoW Exploits of All Time." Like most Digg stuff, it's a few things you've probably seen before, compiled and hyped up to be much cooler than it is. But of the exploits-- Old Ironforge, falling under Stormwind, the airport, and the top of Ogrimmar-- the last one is the most interesting (and not really an exploit). It's video of someone setting up a private server and showing off just how much control a GM has over the game. The comments in Digg point out that these "commands" are probably not what the actual Blizzard GMs use to control the game-- they're placeholder commands created by whoever hacked the server code. And while all of this stuff is pretty cool, we're guessing that if you're actually a GM, the chance to use it is rare-- usually you're fixing tickets, not spawning legendary weapons or Rag in the middle of Stormwind. Still, it's a fun little watch.
GM's plug-in hybrid concept: the Chevy Volt
Rumors have been swilling about an upcoming plug-in hybrid from GM, and it just hit the wires in all its gas-budget-friendly wonderment. While the Chevy Volt concept car does kick it 20th century style with an internal combustion engine, the 71 hp, 1.0L three cylinder engine isn't directly hooked up to the wheels. Instead, GM's new E-Flex platform uses the engine to automatically keep a 40 mile li-ion battery charged, which in turn powers the car. With a full fuel tank, the Volt has a range of 640 miles, but the battery should do just fine for most commutes, with an overnight charge (6-6.5 hours) off of a standard 110V wall outlet to fill the juice. As for performance, the Volt can manage 0-60 in 8.5 seconds, which isn't terrible for a four door sedan that's saving you a bundle on gas money -- to the tune of roughly 500 gallons per year for the average commuter. Unfortunately, this one's just a concept for now, with no potential production plans in sight. The big holdup is the batteries, since powering a car solely on li-ion is still a bit of a risky proposition given the fact that nobody has brought one to market yet (we're all rooting for you, Tesla). GM's also vying for an actually financially viable solution: a total cost of ownership that bests current production cars. You'll hear no complaints from this side.
Hummer O2 concept brings shame to the nature-terrorizing brand
In a humiliating blow to the once proud, gas-guzzling Hummer SUV, engineers at GM have re-imagined the poster child for environmental apathy as a completely green vehicle that not only leaves a small "footprint" in its wake, but actually promises to give something back to nature as well. Called the Hummer O2 (like the H2, only less toxic), this concept -- which just won the L.A. Auto Show Design Challenge -- incorporates a number of innovative, futuristic features into its oddly-shaped chassis, not the least of which is a "phototropic" body shell that contains algae-filled panels. Yes, you read that right: this Hummer-branded vehicle, made of 100% post-consumer recycled materials, pulls double-duty as a mobile algae cultivation farm, whose photosynthetic waste provides oxygen for both the O2 itself and the surrounding environment; what's more, used algae are employed as biomass to provide partial power. The main power sources, though, are the fuel cells built directly into each wheel (wrapped in adaptable Active Tread tires, naturally), which drive independent hydraulic motors when fed hydrogen from a central holding tank. Unfortunately for all those SUV-loving environmentalists out there (a huge demographic, we're sure), the Hummer O2 is slated to remain little more than a set of drawings for the time being, and we hear that California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is already pushing to ban the production of these vehicles for "sullying the reputation that Hummer has worked so hard to earn." Keep reading for a few more pictures...
Intel GM has "religious experience," buys a Mac
Hexus has an interview with Pat Gelsinger, Intel's GM of their Digital Enterprise Group, in which he describes crossing "the religious boundary" by purchasing a Mac. Note how the interviewer reacts and grimaces around 1:41 when Pat drops the bomb, and how he has to interrupt Pat to announce his newfound "Mac fanboy" status. Pat also mentions he's buying a second for his wife, along with a copy of the upcoming Windows Vista and Parallels Desktop, of course.This is a really interesting statement to hear from someone so high up on a business ladder, especially since he's specifically spending the money to buy Parallels, instead of using Apple's free but workflow-intruding Boot Camp. Pat joins other business notables - like the recent CIO who picked Mac OS X after comparing to Linux and Windows for a month - in voicing their fondness for Apple's OS, even while the big fruit seems to be spending most (if not all) of their marketing on advertising to the home creative crowd.I'd link the actual interview, but it seems almost the entire Hexus site is done in Flash (grrrr). As of this writing, the interview is at the top of their list.[via Macworld UK]
OnStar could go black for millions of analog subscribers in '08
If you just so happened to pick up a 2004 (or earlier) year model GM vehicle will waiting for that oh-so-tempting self-driving edition to land in '08, and can't wait to take full advantage of the svelte built-in OnStar system, you better start now. When analog networks have the option to go silent in 2008, vehicles equipped with analog-only hardware will not be able to communicate with those friendly voices on the other end of the blue button, which could leave some (previously) loyal GM customers seeing red. All vehicles kitted prior to 2002 will unfortunately not sport the same sense of security it once did, while select vehicles from 2002 to 2004 can be upgraded with digital equipment. Verizon Wireless -- the current network of choice for OnStar -- "has not said how or when it will dismantle its analog network," but will likely pull plugs in stages. While the value of OnStar's service is certainly debatable, leaving a substantial amount of your four million customers without a resolution certainly doesn't bode well if you're looking to snag repeat buyers, but we suppose it's the price you pay for keepin' things fresh.[Via Autoblog]
GM announces feature-packed key fob
Looks like GM's got more than plug-in hybrid vehicles up its sleeve for 2007, announcing this fully-loaded key fob set to debut in April of next year. In addition to the mundane task of unlocking your doors, it'll display your car's tire pressure, odometer reading, and the amount of fuel in the tank, as well as let you change the radio station settings before you step outside (we're still trying to wrap our heads around that one), not to mention start the car if you get the remote start package along with it. GM also claims that the fob's two-way community will give it four to six times the range of competing units. Of course you'll have to pay a premium to get all that excitement at your fingertips: $150, and it won't be available on all GM models (at least to start with), just full-size SUVs, pickups, and crossover-utility vehicles. [Via Autoblog]
GM set to announce plug-in hybrid vehicle
GM looks to be dipping its toes back into EV1 territory, with Reuters reporting that the still-number-one automaker is set to unveil a prototype plug-in hybrid vehicle at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit this January. For its part, however, GM is keeping any details on the vehicle under wraps, no doubt content to let the inevitable hype machine run its natural course. The mystery ride would be the first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) from a major auto manufacturer, filling in the middle ground between the infamously-defunct all-electric car and the current enviro-friendly vehicles of choice: hybrids. Unlike a Prius or other hybrid, a PHEV can recharge its batteries from a regular household outlet -- yet unlike the EV1, it can fall back on a diesel or gasoline engine when the batts run dry. Those looking for fix in the shorter term, however, can of course already upgrade their hybrid to the plug-in variety, albeit for a hefty price.[Via Autoblog Green]
General Motor's integrated, retractable Flex-Fit bike rack
If you've been yearning for a long weekend on the campgrounds, and you've already made arrangements for a svelte hotel / tent hybrid to reside in, the only thing missing (besides the obligatory USB-powered lantern) is your bicycle. General Motors has developed a sleeker, more elegant method to hauling around your bike of choice than those awkward third-party apparatuses; its Flex-Fit system consists of an integrated bike rack that covertly hides within the rear bumper of your automobile, and at the presumed press of a button, the system pulls a stunt akin to those found in highly touted spy films. By sliding out from beneath the vehicle in order to holster the bike and expose a secondary license plate (in case the boys in blue need to check up on you), it removes the hassle of affixing a rack onto your ride, only to worry over its stability the entire trip. Once the bicycle has been removed, the mechanism slides conveniently back into the vehicle, leaving no trace of the SUV's carrying abilities. The system is only available on the (European) Opel Antara at the moment, and while we aren't sure if the Flex-Fit will ever find its way on to vehicles destined for America, having a bike onboard could be an excellent backup should you run out of fuel (or money to afford it).
GM developing home-based hydrogen filling station
If you're tired of waiting for your neighborhood gas station to bust out a hydrogen pump for filling up your fuel cell vehicle that you bought on the black market, have no fear. GM is prepping a hydrogen refueling station that can be set up in your home, and is powered off of electricity or sunlight. The expectation is that early adopters will be able to fill up their own vehicles at home while they wait for the hydrogen infrastructure to be built out. Honda has had already built a similar system, and it looks like it'll be a long while until we can find that sweet, sweet hydrogen nectar at our corner pump, so this might be the best we're going to get for a while. GM also recently announced that they're prepping 100 fuel cell-based Chevrolet Equinox SUVs to be put in the hands of "consumers" (i.e. 100 highly visible, photogenic and PR-friendly people) across the US. As for a publicly available fuel cell vehicle, it looks like you'll have to wait until 2011 to have a legitimate excuse to pick up one of these refueling stations.[Via AutoblogGreen]
GuildWatch: Making You Happy in the Pants
Time once again for our weekly feature GuildWatch, in which we feature the latest, the greatest, and the happiest of guild news from around the servers. Fun stories of transfers gone wrong, GMs who reveal a little too much information, and goddess teaching recruiters are all ahead in this week's edition.And don't forget, if you want to submit something your guild has done, make sure to email it to us at wowguildwatch@gmail.com, and you'll see it here next week. Keep those screenshots and drama coming!
Apple iPod integration coming to Ford, GM, Mazda
While factory integration for Apple's iPod was already a commodity found on some vehicles, it has remained noticeably absent from many of the dashes of America's most financially-unstable automakers. Apple has now inked a deal with Ford, General Motors, and Mazda that could make iPod owners hold off just a bit longer before throwing down for those new wheels, though. Now the iPod will have integration in every single 2007 US Mazda and the "majority" of '07 Ford and GM vehicles as well. While less-than-ideal options have long been available for getting your iPod to function within the confines of your ride, the ability to pump tunes directly from the 'Pod to the speakers without hissy FM transmitters or elaborate wiring schemes is certainly a fresh alternative. According to the statistics, this move will ensure that "70 percent of US automobiles" have factory iPod integration right off the showroom floor. Apple hasn't been in danger of losing its grip on the digital media player market (although a certain corporation has other plans), and giving Ford, GM, and Mazda drivers this functionality should do nothing but good things for those quarterly sales figures. Nevertheless, Steve can't bask for too long in the glory of this deal, for he has a lot of explaining to do come Monday -- starting with all the wondrous possibilities that are already being envisioned due to that damned banner.
In-game Petition System Unavailable?
If you've logged in to the game this afternoon (US realms), you've probably seen the regular messages showing up in your chat window explaining that the in-game petition system will be unavailable between 10:30AM and 1:30PM PDT. In case you managed to miss those, a message box also pops up whenever you zone in or out of an instance saying "GM Help Tickets are currently unavailable" and requiring you to click OK to make it go away. I do wonder what sort of issue would require them to take the in-game customer support system offline, but at least it's not during peak hours. If you're having problems before the system reappears, the customer service forum usually has a fairly good turnaround time.
Delphi hits up GM SUV owners with high-end navigation system
Despite their troubles, Delphi is still kicking it with their auto add-on business, now pushing a premium navigation system designed for most 2003-2006 GM light trucks and SUVs, including the Chevy Tahoe, Suburban, Trailblazer, GMC Envoy, Yukon, and Cadillac Escalade, among others. The Delphi TNR800 (Touch Screen Navigation Radio) combines DVD-based GPS navigation with AM/FM/CD capabilities in a package sporting a fairly largish 6.5-inch touchscreen that blends in neatly with your vehicle's console. What's more, the system is able to interact with other pre-installed GM options like XM, On-Star, DVD systems, and CD changers, as well as the vehicle's computer system itself, picking up speed information and no doubt telling you how good or bad a driver you are. All this comes at a price, of course -- $1,999 when it drops before the end of the month.
Get more mileage from that Hummer
Nothing, we mean nothing, says success like rollin' in a big fat Hummer eh sparky? Only thing is, you can't stand the thought of those accusatory stares from your fellow highwaymen as you lumber along sucking-up fuel. Well, we guess you never heard of the Mileage Maximizer then? Don't sweat it, 'cause two friendly Detroit, rock city Hummer dealerships have, and they'll happily sell you the $190 wonder mod while touting its 30% increase in fuel efficiency. The promotion has been so successful at selling new Hummers in fact, that these boys are now considering expanding the modification to more stores and vehicles. Sure, GM and Hummer officials don't endorse the application of the "Vortex Valve" to the vehicle's intake manifold and may not even honor warranties. And just you never mind that no one will stand by those unofficial claims of increased efficiency or that tampering with the emission controls on EPA certified vehicles is, ehem, illegal. You go right on feeling better about yourself... after all, you tried, right?
