Latest Gear Live Videos
BMW looking to use smart fabric to bring deep user customization to cars
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Science, Transportation,
As automotive technology is advancing, things that we found novel are becoming a thing of the past. Remember when the first iPhone came out? People flocked to the phone like moths to a light initially. Now, iPhones are about as common as shoes, having lost their novel appeal.
Now apply the same analogy to automobiles. When automakers incorporated navigation systems into vehicles, everyone wanted one. Heck, even hip hop artists were rapping about it in their music. So the question remains to ask is ‘What technology will excite the new car buyer?’ BMW may have found the answer for the next big thing. Smart fabric is what they’re conceptually attempting to bring into cars. Not familiar with smart fabric? Let's break it down after the jump.
Click to continue reading BMW looking to use smart fabric to bring deep user customization to cars
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Toyota’s Window to the World brings touchscreens to passenger windows
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Design, Transportation,
Many of us have been on road trips. Growing up I loathed long, dreary, monotonous road trips. But now, as a driver, I love them. However, that does not mean that my passengers always do.
Toyota is aiming to solve some of these issues of boredom on road trips. Though the technology is aimed at a younger audience, it’s something that can be enjoyed by any creative mind.
Engineered and designed by Toyota Motor Europe and the Copenhagen Instituted of Interaction Design, Toyota offers the ‘Window to the World.’ Similar to all modern smartphones, it features touchscreen technology embedded right into the passenger car window.
The Window to the World is still in the concept stage, but the video below shows what can be expected to come.
Click to continue reading Toyota’s Window to the World brings touchscreens to passenger windows
Read More | Autoblog
The Peel P50 headed back into production as the world’s smallest car
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Transportation, Videos,
In a world where bigger and better sells, a group of businessmen from England beg to differ. Though I wouldn’t mind a larger plasma TV or even a better car, these three dudes have a taste for nostalgia. They wanna Peel back the layers of time and undo the myth of bigger and better, well at least in personal transportation.
Quite sometime ago, a mythical vehicle existed among the drivers across the pond. No, not the Mini Cooper or Reliant Robin (see the video after the jump for the scoop on that one), we're talking about the Peel P50. The Peel P50 is about the size of a shopping cart car you might see at your local grocery store. I’m sure the seating was spacious for a family of Smurfs, but a full-grown man? Not so much. But nevertheless, these three blokes insist that there is a market for such a 'car.'
For only a mere $10,772, along with a $1,546 deposit, the Peel P50 features include (or, are limited to) one seat, (yes - one seat), a 49cc motor, one gear, three wheels, your basic steering apparatus, and an exterior shell with some lights to protect you from the elements. However, upon purchase of the P50 drivers are subject to pranks (such as seen in the video below), laughter and humiliation from being passed by a Prius (that includes the Franken-Prius-Camper too.)
Click to continue reading The Peel P50 headed back into production as the world’s smallest car
Read More | Autoblog
Top 10 technologies that will change the automotive game
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Science, Transportation,
The internal combustion engine saved the horse in the 1900s, and hybrid cars were supposed to save the automobile in the 2000s (nice try, Prius.) Now there’s a new savior in town--well, actually, there are a few.
Though the hybrid was a great start, it was only a gateway drug of an idea for gear-heads everywhere. We’ve all walked out into our driveway ready to get doing, only to stumble upon a flat tire. You can kiss that problem goodbye thanks to Goodyear. Thinking that your engine isn’t as efficient as it should be? You’re probably right, but technology mirroring NASA will solve that worry for you. Oh, and forget about getting a bigger motor, because you should instead be focusing on the 1-liter powerhouses. As technology improves, our automotive life will too. To get the full story, click on through to get a look at Car and Driver's 10 Most Promising Auto Technologies of the Future.
The future of commuting: Toyota Fun-Vii
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Science, Transportation,
We’re all attached to our vehicles one way or another. They’re an extension of ourselves. With all that said, would you be willing to give up driving?
Now, we're not talking about giving up your car and relying on public transportation. Rather, we're talking about the general act of driving, controlling the speed of your vehicle, changing directions with a gripped steering wheel and the like. For many this might sound sci-fi-ish, but for manufactures like Toyota, it’s a concept for the near-distant future.
The Toyota Fun-Vii is a vehicle like no other. It allows the user to completely customize the vehicle to their choosing, be it to match their shoes or personality. The Fun-Vii concept allows the driver to place the vehicle into auto-drive, following a set route to preplanned destination. While the vehicle is in motion, passengers are immersed a fully customizable multimedia experience. Furthermore, the vehicle acts like a social hub. It can be used as a racing simulator or as a concert back drop for DJs.
Though it will be interesting seeing this vehicle on the road, there is no set date yet; other than the project release date of 20XX. So, you know, sometime in the next 89 years.
Mercedes-Benz introduces DICE concept for in-vehicle gesture controls
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: CES, CES 2012, Transportation, Videos,
By now you're all familiar with Kinect for Xbox 360. Kinect allows users to interact with the video game using hand and body gestures, as well as through voice commands. Though it’s still a relatively new concept, the same technology is slowly migrating into vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz debuted its gesture controls, known as Dynamic and Intuitive Control Experience or DICE, at CES 2012. DICE functions by using proximity sensors located within the interior of a vehicle, allowing the user to scroll and select a variety of functions. A highlight of DICE is the ability to select locations on the map instead of searching for them by name. DICE also always users to connect with friends, find information on local business around you, read text messages and control all your basic functions from car temperature to rocking beats.
The main issue with the system, as seen in the video, is the location of the driver. Though there are proximity sensors in the car, there is no set location of where the driver needs to be; often this creates issues for the system recognizing your gesture. Furthermore, there is an issue with safety. Driving is not a controlled environment—yet. There are too many ‘eyes on the road’ scenarios using DICE, often distracting drivers from focusing on the task at hand. Though this is only a concept idea, Mercedes-Benz says it’ll be another 20 years before the production version hits the streets, giving Mercedes-Benz plenty of time to work out the kinks.
Read More | Autoblog
Toyota Prius camper conversion
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Mods / Hacks, Transportation,
The Toyota Prius has become an icon in the hybrid world. From celebrities praising the second generation Prius, to Toyota growing a single car into a family of vehicles, the Prius has come a long way. Though, for some, it hasn’t come far enough. The Japanese conversion company Campinn has decided to take the Prius down the Frankenstein route.
The Prius Camper debuted at the Tokyo Auto Salon, consisting of one part Toyota Prius hatchback and one part truck camper. Made of fiber-reinforced plastic that extends the car’s length to 196 inches and its height to about 82 inches, it makes the Prius look as if it has a cancerous lump growing on it. The interior amenities are limited to a skylight, a sleeping area up top, and a convertible sofa bed on the bottom. Though I’m not sure how useful and versatile this thing is, people will now have the option of camping in a hybrid. However, the most convenient feature of the Prius camper is its back door, allowing the owner an escape while people laugh at the monstrosity.
Read More | Autoblog
5 reasons you should buy the Escort Passport 8500 X50
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Accessories, Features, Transportation,
Yesterday we hit you with our Escort Passport 8500 X50 review, and today we're back to give you our top five reasons why you should purchose this radar and laser detector. This list will cover things like price and sensitivity of the device, but also gives a nod to the smart features that make owning it a joy, like Escort Live social integration and the functionality of the smart cord. Click on through for our full list, and if your convinced, you can pick one up on Amazon.
Click to continue reading 5 reasons you should buy the Escort Passport 8500 X50
Video: Motorcycle vs. Car drift battle shot with RC car-mounted cameras
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Cameras, Transportation, Videos,
Where else but on YouTube will you see a high-speed case that’s not VGA dash-cam quality, featuring shots taken using a Traxxas Slash VXL Ultimate R/C car-mounted GoPro Hero, a Canon 5D MKII, strapped to a helicopter, a Panasonic AF100, and a hacked Panasonic GH1? This video features something for all likes, but will definitely be appreciated by those who like a little speed, creative shots, and a little humor. Take a look at what the folks from Icon Motosports have been up to on their spare time.
Escort Passport 8500 X50 review
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Accessories, Product Reviews, Transportation,
With the Detroit Auto Show buzzing with new models, many faster, leaner and meaner than their predecessors it’s only a matter of time before the new vehichles hit the road.
There are two types of drivers in this world—those that ride in their cars and those that drive their cars. In many cases, those that drive their cars tend to have a heavier right foot. Like rain on a sunny day, blue and red lights can ruin anyone’s drive.
Over Labor Day weekend, I went on a road trip to California. Knowing that I’d be spending nearly 26+ hours on the road (Seattle to Sacramento and back), it was inevitable that I’d run into the boys in blue. Not wanting to ruin my weekend trip, I decided to invest in a radar detector.
In the world of radar detectors, promises of a ticket free trip are a dime a dozen. Being a natural born skeptic, I dug around and did some research before buying. I looked for a company that had a proven track record of producing products that worked and stood behind its gear. After searching and reading various reviews and websites, I landed on purchasing the Escort Passport 8500 X50 (Black). Read on for our full review of the radar detector.
Click to continue reading Escort Passport 8500 X50 review
