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The Pebble Flow is an all-electric trailer for the EV age
At CES 2024, the Pebble Flow is showing how you can really optimize an RV to work in the age of electric vehicles.
Airstream's concept electric camping trailer propels itself
Airstream has unveiled an electric camper concept that propels itself, lightening the load on your towing vehicle.
Airstream’s Nest is a cozy, futuristic trailer
Even if you've never thought about splurging on a travel trailer, you've probably lusted after an Airstream. The aluminum homes away from home glisten as they are towed down highways and backroads, and you can't help yourself. You want one.
Airstream brings app-based smart controls to its Classic RV
Airstream is bringing smart controls to its 2019 Classic RVs, giving users the ability to adjust lights, temperature levels and the awning, monitor battery and propane tank levels and even find their RV if they've wandered too far from it. Controls are easy to access via the new Smart Control app through which Airstream customer service, roadside assistance and the owner's manual are accessible as well. "Digital technology has improved almost every aspect of our lives," Airstream CEO Bob Wheeler said in a statement. "Shouldn't it make camping better, too? We think so. That's why, in keeping with our commitment to innovation, we're leading the way with our new Smart Control Technology and connectivity solution, starting with our Airstream Classic travel trailers."
ICYMI: Mind-controlled mice kill on command
try{document.getElementById("aol-cms-player-1").style.display="none";}catch(e){}Today on In Case You Missed It: You might have thought things couldn't get any worse, but you'd be wrong. A recent study published in Nature showed that first, mice could be bred so that the neurons in their brains respond to laser lights. Then, the adult mice were hooked up to laser light helmets and when turned on, the hunt and kill area of the brain was triggered so that mice instantly attacked crickets in their cages. I have one thing to say: You can watch the 2009 movie, Gamer, if you want a prophecy of our future lives.
The 2015 Winnebago Brave's retro flair makes for one stylish roadtripper
At some point, you've likely encountered the iconic stylings of a Winnebago from the '60s and '70s. For the 2015 fleet, the company is looking to pay homage to those motorhomes by bringing back the "eyebrow" on the Brave. In addition to the classic look of the camper's exterior, the inside is loaded with tech. There's a pair HDTVs (28- and 32-inch displays), digital TV antenna system and LED lighting throughout. In the event you find yourself with extra house, er... RV guests, a StudioLoft bunk bed and its powered lift can accommodate, and the vehicle's GPS/rearview mirror display slides across the dash so the co-pilot can dial in destinations. If you're looking to hit the road, you may need to empty that piggy bank as the base model starts at $95,199.
Magellan announces RoadMate RV9145 GPS device, offers campground navigation for $350
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.
Dish shows off new three tuner DVRs, multiroom boxes, promises 3D this summer at Team Summit meeting
Over at SatelliteGuys there's a lot of information from last week's Dish Network Team Summit, where it talked about some of the recent developments and made some new product announcements. Some of the new initiatives will let new Dish customers get a free Sling Adapter, 3 months of Blockbuster service free (both go into effect May 18th) while Blockbuster flicks will also be viewable on Dish receivers this summer. Other new developments on the way include 3D channels, with linear channels due this summer and two new set-top boxes in the three tuner XiP 813 and the XiP 110 multiroom extender that streams video from it. If you like to get your satellite on the go, it also showed off a new box called The Tailgater, which is apparently based on King Controls VuCube satellite setup for mobile homes, with will be priced at $349. Check out the post for all the details including hints on the Google TV app stuff that was announced earlier at I/O. [Thanks, J David]
Korean researchers demonstrate LTE-Advanced in a custom RV, score 600Mbps downloads
We're just giddy like kids on the way to Disney World at the prospect of LTE and WiMAX sweeping like wildfire across the country, yet someone always has to come along and be a downer by showing off something even cooler. Those kids are the players at Korea's Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, the same folks who brought us a Body Area Network back in 2006 and this creepy looking koala. Now they're working on LTE-Advanced, the real true 4G that delivers 600Mbps downloads. That's six times what you can ever hope to expect from LTE and 40 times faster than 3G -- enough to download a 700MB file in 9.3 seconds or stream 3D HD footage on the go, a feat those crazy cats did in their rolling man cave shown above. Sadly we have no pictures of the thing on the outside, but we're seeing antennas. Lots of antennas. [Thanks, Andy]
NHL 2K11 riding in an RV across the US this summer
Ah, the July 4th weekend. The perfect time for grilling hot dogs, setting off fireworks, jumping in the pool, and ... hockey? That's what 2K Games wants you to think about -- it's sending an NHL 2K11 recreational vehicle on the road this summer, giving you a chance to play the new game in a town near you. The RV started at E3 a few weeks ago in LA, and after a quick stop in Santa Monica next week, it's off to the wild roads of the United States and Canada (the full schedule is after the break). Ryan Kesler has a tour of the vehicle over on 2K's website, and it looks like a fine conveyance. For now, anyway. Sorry, Philly and New York -- after a couple of months on the road, that shower might not be quite so pristine.
Toshiba expands the Regza family with RV, XV series 1080p LCDs
IFA's apparently given Toshiba just the opportunity necessary to refresh its line of Regza LCDs, for those without the Resolution+ itch with a few new sizes and features. The existing entry-level XV line of 1080p LCDs gets 46- and 52-inch models, plus a gloss black design that helps it fit in at the Regza family reunion. The brand new RV line of 1080p LCDs bring similar features to the ZF Series, sans Resolution+ technology and one HDMI port, but with Active Vision M100 HD 100/120Hz 5:5 pulldown image processing intact. 37-, 42- and 46-inch sizes are confirmed for the October Euro launch, prices and U.S. availability for both TBD.
Hino Motors showcases light-controlling SPD-Smart windows
Think user-controlled Transitions lenses, but for automobiles. Got it? If so, then you've got a pretty decent idea of what makes Hino Motor's concept motorcoach -- which was being shown off at this year's Tokyo Motor Show -- unique. Developed by Research Frontiers, the SPD-Smart technology covering those expansive panels there on your right "allows vehicle occupants to instantly, precisely and uniformly control the amount of sunlight, glare and heat passing through the windows, sunroofs and other glazings." Additionally, it blocks over 99-percent of harmful UV radiation and can be darkened or lightened with the press of a button. Unfortunately, we've no idea when this tech will be headed to your everyday commuter car, but we can hear window tinters the world over grumbling in unison.[Via Gizmag]
KVH intros TracVision SlimLine satellite system: HDTV in your RV
Strapping a DirecTV antenna atop a moving vehicle is typically never a sound idea, but thanks to KVH's new lineup of TracVision SlimLine satellite systems, bringing HDTV to your RV just got a whole lot sleeker. The firm has launched four separate 12-inch systems that aim to bring "crystal-clear reception" into one's RV or camper, and those springing for the flagship R6 DX (pictured) will even receive a DirecTV H20 free of charge. Dubbed the "smallest and simplest" in the industry, these devices will actually come integrated into a number of 2008 RVs, but those looking to upgrade their current ride can look forward to "full support for standard and HD DirecTV programming," as well as access to Dish and ExpressVu. Now this is a quintessential aspect of a road trip done right.
Alterna-fuel RV takes family cross-country on $47 of diesel
Don't get us wrong, we enjoy burning up gobs of those precious fossil fuels just as much as the next guy, but a cross-country road trip in a hugemongous RV for a mere $47 of diesel fuel sounds like a bit too much fun to pass up. That's exactly the adventure the Adler family undertook this year, and while the $100k+ spent on the RV and waste vegetable oil conversion doesn't make the whole undertaking an exact steal, we've still got mad love for the project. With help from the crazies over at Frybrid, who specialize in diesel/vegetable oil engine conversions, Mr. MidLifeCrisis Adler was able to get his 21 ton, 40-foot luxury RV outfitted for sucking up waste vegetable oil from fast food joints, and converting that gunk into usable fuel on the fly as the Adler fam enjoyed the countryside. The whole trip, originally slotted for 3 weeks, ended up lasting 78 days and costing 6-year-old Julia her tooth fairy money to get through the final toll booth, but the story proves to be quite a bit more entertaining than Robin Williams' RV, and the alterna-fuel experiment is a notable one.[Via Slashdot]
GamerBUS provides mobile Xbox 360 LAN parties
If you're incensed about wasting your weekend (and part of last week) cruising around in futility trying to locate a Playstation 3 or Nintendo Wii, the GamerBUS can provide the ultimate painkiller -- provided you live around the Virginia Beach area, that is. If you've got 63 friends or so, and you're not claustrophobic, you can pack your posse into the 37-foot customized RV and get your game(s) on. Sporting a bevy of comfortable seating options, sixteen Xbox 360 "gamer stations" (pictured after the jump) with their own 23-inch Philips HDTV, and all the CAT5 cable / electricity you could ever need, this redefines the party on wheels. Essentially offering a mobile gaming LAN, the bus operators will gladly wire up a 16-person system-linked round of Halo 2 (or a variety of other titles) while you provide the Cheetos and air fresheners. Although weekday hours boast an understandable discount, weekend rates range from $125 to $150 per hour, depending on how long you occupy the vehicle. Notably, no connection has been drawn between this newfangled gaming service and the Va Beach entrepreneur trickster hitting it big on vulnerable ATMs.[Via Digg]
The RV with a slide-out roadster hold
Recreational vehicle enthusiasts love to be able to bring their favorite mod cons with them on their annual road trips, so German RV manufacturer Volkner Mobile's idea to develop a motor home capable of storing an entire car in its underbelly is sure to be popular with those that can afford the undoubtedly high pricetag. All it needs is a green paint job, a big number "2" on both sides and you've set up every Thunderbirds fan in the country for a month of restless nights: this pointlessly excessive system definitely makes it the Tracy family's day tripper of choice. The car storage system itself consists of a 5 meter long movable plate that sits between the front and rear wheels, and is short enough to cater for low, roadster type cars. The motor home will be on display at the International Caravan Fair in Dusseldorf, Germany for the next few days: if you're at the show, just look for a stressed out attendant surrounded by hundreds of kids screaming at him to do the car storage thing again.[Via Autoblog]
Sony: "Silent Hill" and "RV" coming to Blu-ray
Add two more titles to Blu-ray's growing library. Sony Studios is planning on releasing RV and Silent Hill in August. These titles are set to release on the same date as their normal DVD counterparts: August 15 for RV and August 22 for Silent Hill. This is what needs to happen in order to present the consumer with the option of high-def. Plus, there is good chance that these Blu-ray discs will be discounted the first week like normal DVDs.
