Join Photo Identification Ignition Interlock device
Smart Start, Inc. from Irving has recently rolled out the new Photo Identification Ignition Interlock device that could potentially help save lives on the road. What does it do exactly? Well, this device uses patented technology which remembers photographs of the interlock user and associating it with an ignition interlock device. This device is smart enough to know who is actually taking the breath test, and is almost 100% foolproof since it works on each and every test, including attempted tests. Just to get a better idea of how secure and effective it is, Texas Judges have required 250 offenders to install the Photo-ID interlock device as an additional sanction on the SSI 20/20 Interlock device since September 1st this year.
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Toshiba introduces new 80GB SATA automotive-grade hard drive
Toshiba also does storage devices just in case you didn’t notice, and this time round they have rolled out the first 80GB SATA automotive-grade hard drive to keep company its existing line of ruggedized and temperature-enhanced storage solutions that are specially meant for in-car navigation and infotainment applications. This will be the seventh generation automotive-grade hard drive also known by its more obscure model number MK8057GSC. Toshiba also scores a first with its release, since it is the debut of a SATA interface storage device to complement their current line of PATA products that are available in 40GB, 60GB and 80GB capacities. With SATA interface, it is a snap to migrate to the latest automotive systems with its ability to reduce signal-line complexity, simultaneously supporting faster top-end data transfer rates versus Parallel-ATA (PATA) based HDDs.
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BMW Works On Smart Key Prototype
BMW is always at the forefront of vehicle technology, and this time round they are at the top of their game once again. BMW Group Research and Technology and NXP Semiconductors have teamed up to release a prototype of the world’s first multifunctional car key. This prototype comes with contactless payment, personalized access control, and advanced functionalities such as public transport e-ticketing. All these features are meant to deliver an enhanced mobility experience – as if traveling around in a BMW isn’t already an enhanced experience by itself. Guess the car key is no longer a tool to start your vehicle, but enables one to perform quick, secure and convenient electronic payments with a car key.
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BioBot makes fighting high gas prices a green affair
One of the bright lights in a flagging economy is the fact that gas prices are starting to drop like a stone. Already, oil has reached under $70 a barrel and that means prices for gas will continue to drop since wintertime means less driving than during summer months. But don’t look for those sub $2.00 a gallon prices to arrive anytime soon. Demand for gas will continue to cause everyone to look for alternative means to fuel their cars. So options like BioDiesel are still going to be very important. And BIOBOT will help the average green minded driver process the diesel fuel they need.
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Update on the Terrafigura Transition: Not yet the flying car we all want
About one year ago, we covered a driveable airplane called the Terrafugia Transition. I believe that back then we said they would be available “sometime before 2012”, however, a source has told me that the company hopes to have them out before the end of 2009.
Just think! One more year until we actually have flying cars! Or at least the closest thing to them. The Terrafugia Transition may not be able to do Vertical Take-off Landings, or hover, but it can take off from a normal airplane runway.
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MyKey system from Ford helps make driving safer
Ford has a new MyKey system that aims to help teens drive much safer, considering the fact that those who have just received their new driving license tend to think they’re immortal or something along the lines, only to find out much later that a car has its limits and real world driving is totally different from video games, no matter how many laps you have done at home in Gran Turismo. The MyKey system from Ford enables parents to limit not only the speed of the vehicle, but the audio volume as well. That’s pretty nifty and interesting – after all, teens need to let out their angst through music, so a cap on volume level is most welcome to geezers like me.
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DARPA flexing it’s cool muscles again with flying sub
According to the Giz, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is looking for proposals to build a submersible aircraft which can fly up to 1000 nautical miles, cruise 200 nm on the surface, and 24 nm under water. It also needs to have the ability to be “submersible ready” as it loiters in a condition known as sea-state five, in theater for up to three days. In addition, it would have to be capable of carrying a payload of up to 2000 pounds and up to a crew of 8. It could be used for rescue operations, such as this automatic model, as well as ferrying personnel and materiel into sensitive areas. Then there’s the covert possibilities.
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Garmin announces GPSMAP 640 and 620
Garmin is a well established name when it comes to GPS navigation systems, and the latest in a long line of such devices is the GPSMAP 640. This device is an ultra portable and rugged touch screen navigator that helps you find your way thanks to a comprehensive set of street maps and marine charts that have already been pre-loaded onto the device. In addition to the GPSMAP 620, both devices will target markets outside the United States. More on these new Garmin releases right after the jump.
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