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New Delphi Tech Ensures No More Dead Keyfob Batteries
Delphi, makers of all kinds of vehicle electronic gadgetry, will become the first manufacturer to use what is being called "segmented display cell." SDC is a type of e-ink used in electronics and will soon be implemented into a wireless bi-directional keyfob. SDC will make integrating displays into keyfobs a little more reasonable. SDC also looks a hell of a lot better than the third-party jobbers with displays that look like those handheld videogames from the 1990s. This technology isn't just about looks, either. More »
auto branding adventures
Ferrari-Branded Motorola V9 Coming
Motorola isn't one to shy away from shilling for Ferrari and this latest cellphone-sports car mash-up is further proof. Motorola has taken its previously boring RAZR 2 V9 cellphone and slapped Ferrari branding on it therefore increasing the sexiness level 10-fold. Normally in our Auto Branding Adventures, we're not one to easily give in to these types of products, but the Ferrari'd version of the V9 is mighty pretty. The checkered metallic patterns and red-everything is a tad drool-worthy for the gadget-fiends out there.More »
gadgets
Blow Up Traffic Cone Ensures Roadside Safety
Your beater of a vehicle may have broken down again, but that doesn't mean you have to risk life and limb trying to repair that flat tire or radiator hose. Carrying around full size traffic cones is just a pain in the ass, so the blow up variety is a bit more convenient. Not only do these cones not take up a lot of space, you can get out all of your frustrations and angers about owning a junker while blowing up the cone rather than kicking the tires like most folks. Believe it or not, these traffic cones are even more effective than traditional cones. More »
gadgets
NanoBreeze Brings Ionic Air Purifying To The Car
Still scrubbing to get that smell of hooker's spit out of your car? Have no fear—it's time to ditch the scented cardboard tree in favor of something a little more high tech and a lot more successful in eliminating life's unfortunate odors. Rather than masking odors in cars, the NanoBreeze oxidizes all of the airborne baddies making your vehicle stink worse than a high school cafeteria. Air oxidization is the same type of technology that Sharper Image sells like hotcakes, but now it's available in a miniature version that can hook right up to an air vent. The one downside is that it requires power via the 12V DC power outlet, which is never required by cardboard tree cutouts or circular gel discs. The larger model is available for $66 and the mini (pictured) goes for $26. [Nanobreeze via GadgetGrid]
news
Microsoft Shills Its SYNC To Hyundai, Kia
Microsoft is again shilling its technology out to the masses, but this time offering up its car infotainment system, better known as SYNC, to the Hyundai-Kia Auto Group. The 2010 models will be the first to include the Microsoft entertainment system that still remains nameless as Ford has the name SYNC locked down by the balls. For the time being, the system used by Hyundai and Kia will be similar to that offered by Ford, FIAT and most recently with Suzuki (who decided on the Suzuki TRIP name), but the group is looking at new capabilities that could be added like navigation and emergency call services. Press release below the jump. More »
gadgets
Water-Cooled T-Shirt Makes Air Conditioning Obsolete
We're well aware of water cooling in engines, and hell, even in computers, but a water-cooled t-shirt isn't such a common idea. The Club System 24 is a t-shirt that is wrapped with eight feet of double insulated hose that flows cool water around the body keeping you nice and relaxed in that sweltering-hot car. The Club System 24 is designed with the endurance racer in mind who can withstand a little extra weight and space to, you know, stay alive during those long races where air conditioning is non-existent. A small cooler holds the cold water and a pump. Other options include fire-retardant shirts, SFI-approved FireWear, drain kits and emergency pull-release connectors. The entire system will set you back $300. [Club System 24 via AMG]
gadgets
Lincoln Navigator Gets Sync Option, Ford Focus Not Included
For all those fans of the Microsoft Sync system not willing to strap into a Ford Focus to get it, rejoice and be glad, for now you can get it dealer installed in your new Lincoln Navigator. The announcement came today from the glass house that the luxo-barge will get the hand free all-in-one communication and entertainment system as a kit available for 2008 and forward models. Expect to see soccer moms without cell phone glued to ear but appearing to talk to themselves in no time. More »
safety
Captain Obvious Of The Day: Teens Think They're Good Drivers, Like Loud Music
A recent study by Erie Insurance points out a lot of factors that anyone under the age of 60 probably already knows. The insurance company conducted a study surveying 2,127 licensed teenage drivers and came to the shocking conclusion that teens like to talk on the phone, text message and listen to loud music while driving. More »
gadgets
French Fry Holder Holds Your Fries, Fatty
If the world needed any more proof that Americans are some fattie mcfatties, we present the French-Fry Holder. This $10 device fits in cup holders and holds a standard cardboard container of french fries. It even has a small holder for ketchup, for those fattersons that need to add a little more flavor (and sodium) to their deep-fried potato sticks. A no-slip grip secures the device in any cup-holder to prevent any wasted fries. Weren't French fries designed to be the perfect food while driving? Sure, we're all about driving safety, which this device addresses, but we wonder if the morbid-nature of this product outweighs its positives. [Product Page via Likecool]
gadgets
DIY G-Force Meter: Let The Pissing Contest Begin
Perfect for hoons, Youtubers and road racers with looking for bragging rights is this do-it-yourself G-force meter. The little box can measure acceleration and tilt on one axis. Attach it to your windshield and see what kind of acceleration and braking forces you can get with your car or turn it sideways and see how good your car is in a corner. We would hope whatever you drive would be able to do a little better than this techno-fiend of a creator in his Honda Civic. Follow the link to see the build process and spend about nine seconds deciding its easier to just buy one off the shelf. [PyroElectro via Gizmodo]
gadgets
Suzuki SX4 First American Car Under $16K With Standard Nav, Take That SYNC
Ford has been able to move a lot of their crappy Focus coupes and sedans with their Ford SYNC powered by Microsoft entertainment system, which does everything but let you forget you're driving a Focus. But, as we mentioned, Microsoft and Garmin have teamed up to provide systems for other automakers. The first car to get this treatment standard is the FWD Suzuki SX4 sport/crossover, which clocks in at under $16K (the AWD version is slightly higher than $16K). The new system, called TRIP, will offer Microsoft Network features such as real-time traffic, weather, local event listings, bluetooth integration, audible text messaging and up-to-date cheap gas finding. Our favorite available feature is the community website that will let all users input their own destinations, routes and POI and share them with others. An early picture of the system above, press release below. More »
gadgets
My Pee Pee Bottle Is A Horrific Way To Avoid Pit Stops
Admit it, you've peed in a bottle or at least thought about it on a road trip. It's only inevitable to want to relieve yourself in the car to avoid losing precious time, but this new product takes that idea a couple steps too far. The My Pee Pee Bottle is essentially a Nalgene-style bottle (in blue for boys or pink for girls) which lets your child relieve him or herself without having to stop the car. The worst part about this product is the bottles are translucent — at least make it opaque so you don't have to watch the whizz sloshing around for the length of the road trip. Everyone already knows the wide-mouth Gatorade bottles accomplish this just fine, so $10 for the My Pee Pee Bottle is a bit of a pisser. [My Pee Pee Bottle via Motherproof]
gadgets
Revive The Cassette With New-Fangled MP3 Technology!
Admit it, more than a few of you still own a car with a cassette deck. Despite the plethora of audio options currently available in new models, you shouldn't feel ashamed in any way for your retro coolness. Because not only are cassette decks still worthy, with this Car Cassette MP3 Player, it'll be like you've revitalized and refurbed that deck with the latest in 90's audio technology. And it's a two-for-one, because this isn't just an MP3 player shaped like an old-school cassette, it also operates as cassette adapter with auxiliary input. More »
beijing motor show
Chinese Automaker Reveals Keyless Entry Wristwatch For When It's Time To Drive
Leave it to the clever scientists at BYD Auto, who came up with the ferrous battery hybrid and the in-show test drive, to invent a new solution to keyless entry. Tired of carrying a clunky key fob everywhere you go? Try a sharp-looking watch that includes locking functions as well as wireless startup so you can start your car from your watch, just like Inspector Gadget! The watch is also kinetic, so you never run out of batteries. And that's not all BYD has up/on its sleeve. More »
gadgets
Paint Thickness Tester Can Bust Shady Craigslisters
We all know that Craiglist posters can be some of the most trustworthy individuals on this planet, but for those few occasions when you need to double check their honesty there is this great invention: the paint thickness tester. It's a keychain-sized device that can determine if a car has had any body work needing repainting. It works by setting a reference value at a designated spot on the car and then comparing all other spots to that value. For example, you make the reference value a spot on the hood that you're pretty sure hasn't been repainted. Then you go to the common areas for damage like fenders and the bumper to check if the same value exists. The paint thickness tester is available for $20 and could save you thousands. Unless, of course, the paint tester itself is a scam. [Product Page via TRFJ]
gadgets
[via Gizmodo]
Exhaust Air Jack, Perfect For Lazy Weaklings
Feeling too lazy to use a manual jack? Next time you find youreslf stuck on the side of the road with a flat and no desire to use that emergency scissor jack in your trunk, you could consider using one of these. It's called the Exhaust Air Jack, and it does just what you think. Simply attach the hose to you tailpipe, sit back, and watch as exhuast gasses are rerouted into a bright orange bladder which inflates to jack your car up. Had too much of this world? Put the bag inside the car and use your knife to punch a few holes in the bag.[via Gizmodo]
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