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The normally stuffy suits at IBM must've raided the ex-Xerox PARC labs for their latest project, as it's a bit out of left field. IBM is working on a steering wheel that has the ability to read a driver's lips and also serve as a drum machine. It does have some practical uses, as well — as if anything could be more practical than a lip-reading in-car drum machine. More »
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BMW's unholy technological tour-de-force iDrive continues to get additional impressive features. This time around, iDrive is going super-customizable with unique screensavers, backgrounds, sound effects. Of particular interest, via iDrive users will now be able to make performance tweaks like adjusting engine boost levels and transmission shift points. So, how does it work? That's where the fun lies. More »
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Mazda is very proud to announce its Dockable Entertainment System that will be optional in the 2008 Mazda CX-9. Any kind of an entertainment system with a dock is awesome, except in this case when the docking gadget is the Gameboy Advance. Yes, the Gameboy Advance—technically four generations old—is now supported by the 2008 Mazda CX-9. The press release is quick to call it the "world's most popular video game platform," which may be a bit of a fabrication. Regardless, the idea of being able to dock a portable gaming system in an in-car entertainment system is a great. But it's a shame that Mazda dropped the ball and didn't look into which Gameboy is the current standard. Either that, or Mazda's PR team needs to get some facts straight. The Dockable Entertainment System with Game Boy Advance is available in the Moonroof and Bose packages in the CX-9 for $1,400. Click through to see the full release for yourself. More »
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If you know me, you know that I preach the gospel of good design quite a bit, especially in regards to an entertainment and infotainment center. The design and functionality of a interface is just as—if not more—important than the features and options included. CNET took a look at 17 interfaces of some of the bigger name manufacturers. Something to note, manufacturers: tabbing systems work, period. Regardless of the experience with high-end electronic equipment, anyone and everyone can figure out tabbing systems. It just makes it easier to navigate. More »
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The highly precise folks at Audi have been selling the Audi A6L, the long-wheelbase verion of the A6, in China since 2005. But only now are they using that big ol' backseat for something really special. Today at the Shanghai show, they've announced they'll be unveiling "an innovative entertainment system" that includes two big ol' 10.2" LCD monitors attached to a DVD player integrated in the rear seat center armrest. That armrest is like a central processing center for all sorts of multimedia goodness including game consoles, an iPod and even your digital camera. And did we mention it'll also include a TV tuner? Yup, now you can listen to your state-owned television stations in style. Full press release after the jump. – Ray Wert More »
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During this past year's Gumball 3000 rally, "Jackass" alum, "Viva La Bam" namesake and famous person well into his 16th minute, Bam Margera, had to drop out after his Lamborghini Gallardo suffered a catastrophic tranny meltdown. Bam said the car had been damaged by one of the rally crew (see video after the jump), who allegedly took the Lambo for a doughnut run on the tarmac after unloading it from a cargo jet. In retribution, the excitable, wool-capped one, along with cohort Steve-O, splashed paint on the guy's Peugeot 306 GTi-6 and broke a few of its windows. Now, the 1997 Peugeot will be a promotional totem and lens bait for 12-year-olds' digicams, just like Bam's soul. [Thanks to Mikael for the tip.] – Mike Spinelli More »
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Maybe he's just gittin' all up in our ears with that raspy shit, but on his latest CD, "In My Mind" rapper Pharrell (aka Pharrell Williams) says he's ordered a Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe. Either that means Rolls is building a production version of the 101ex concept it showed off in Geneva this year, or our grasp on what's real and what's rap fiction is slipping even further afield. No one ever lost on betting the latter, though. [Thanks to Ovander for the tip.] More »
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