Join GROM USB Car Interface
The GROM USB Car Interface from GROM Audio is an accessory that aims to simplify the playback of media files on an original car stereo.
GROM USB Car Adapter enables you to bring your favorite media collection in a car, easily access it, shuffle songs, skip between tracks, and adjust volume — all of this only with OEM car stereo head unit or multifunction steering wheel controls. An exclusive technology and best-in-class audio decoder brings up a new level of listening experience – clear sound not poisoned by long wires and media player line out drivers. Extended control capabilities allow managing thousands of songs limited only by USB device capacity. Just connect your USB memory stick to your car stereo system through GROM USB Car Interface and enjoy the ride!
Unfortunately at this point in time, the GROM USB MP3 Car Interface only supports Audi, BMW, and Volkswagen car stereos so those with other makes will just have to wait. There are plans to increase its compatibility to work with Acura, Chrysler, Honda, Mazda, Mercedes, Škoda, and Toyota as from September 2008.
Audi-O Concept
Now here’s a brilliant concept that plays on the word “audio”, merging the German auto manufacturer with sound. The concept vehicle itself is inspired by the iPod’s minimalist and clean design, and designer Ondrej Jirec has even taken this concept to greater heights by turning it into an impromptu, moving disco. It has a bad-ass audio system inside with on-the-go Internet connectivity (doesn’t explain how, probably via 3G), enabling the driver to download and stream audio onto its 650GB hard drive. Heck, you can even get a mate who owns the Audi-O car as well to hook both of them up. Each vehicle comes with a couple of DJ decks and a mixer. Unfortunately, we won’t be seeing this hit the streets (or showrooms) anytime soon.
PLX Kiwi helps you save gas
If you have a naturally heavy gas foot pressing against the pedal no matter what car you drive, chances are you’ve filled up your tank much more often than normal, law-abiding citizens do. The PLX Kiwi is here to help you save gas in this time of ever rising costs by displaying your current fuel consumption as you drive. In addition, there is a scorecard that lets you know whether you’re a responsible driver or not without putting the pedal to the metal unnecessarily. Priced at £299, I’m not too sure whether it will be worth it as constantly checking yourself and using some common sense will go a long way in helping you save on your mileage.
Product Page via TRFJ
NASA Papercraft
NASA has an awesome section on their website made for “kids”. I’d like to think that what they meant to say is “kids at heart”, just so I can justify why I love it so damn much. They have some really cool goodies and even some awesome modeling work for us gadgeteers.
When I came across these papercraft models of NASA spacecraft, I thought to myself “Where the heck have I been living, and why haven’t I given this a go yet?” These free papercraft models can be downloaded in PDF form and printed out right from home. The images on the NASA site lead us to believe that these models are actually pretty accurate.
Continue reading » NASA Papercraft
Heart FXPod: The Congestive Heart Failure Van of Love
This ain’t no shaggin’ wagon, fellas. In fact, after a ride on this baby, you might not be in the mood for a light romp for a few days. The 53-foot-long Heart FXPod tractor holds five separate simulators, each using a special chair, a set of foot pedals and a pneumatic vest in order to help doctors better understand the symptoms of congestive heart failure.
As the doctors are strapped into their seats they are asked to watch an interactive video of a CHF patient taking a walk through a park. While they watch, they’re also pedaling away, simulating the walking of the patient. As the CHF patient starts becoming winded, the simulation kicks in, showing doctors just how it feels to have congestive heart failure.
Continue reading » Heart FXPod: The Congestive Heart Failure Van of Love
Hov Pod for outdoor fun
Summer’s the time to spend as much waking hours as possible outdoors, and what better way than to do it in style with the Hov Pod?
The New Hov Pod SPX hovercraft design is unique; Hov Pods are far stronger, more buoyant than glass fibre hovercraft models; very rugged and strong so suitable for commercial, patrol and rescue hovercraft use. New tooling and manufacturing processes have been necessary to keep up with growing demand for the Hov Pod; we now probably ship more small hovercraft than any other supplier; drive one and discover why. Customers literally get blown away by the Hov Pod! Great for family outings, hunting and fishing trips – experience the unique sensation of traveling on a cushion of air, over any flat surface at speeds up to 45 mph. Wow factor comes as standard, miles of smiles for folk of all ages.
I’m pretty sure these will cost you a bomb, no doubt about it. If you’re a working class citizen with very little extra income to spare each month, better start looking for cheaper summer fun alternatives.
Lamborghini leaves a carbon crater
We know all about fast, exotic cars like Ferraris and Lamborghinis, but this piece of news really irks me. In an age where most people are working together to preserve what’s left of the earth by minimizing our carbon footprint, along comes a sheikh who has more money than sense to fly his Lamborghini all the way fro Qatar to Britain – for an oil change. Of course, he had the help of Qatar Airways in shipping his Murcielago LP640 for approximately a 6,500 mile round trip that cost him around $39,000, but that obscene waste of money is the least of his concerns – what about the environmental crater he left behind? Ironically, the servicing cost a “mere” $7,030.47. I know this isn’t really tech-related, but the next time we go out and buy our next gadget, let’s try to make an environmentally positive choice, why don’t we?
Source: Wired
KNGT icom MK1 car computer
It goes without saying that having some sort of car-based computer these days is the in-thing, as in-dash DVD players don’t just make the cut any more. KNGT of Korea has just launched a new multimedia-capable car PC known as icom MK1, and this will be powered by Windows XP. It will come with a 6.95″ wide touch screen display (why can’t they just use a 7″ display instead beats me) at 800 x 480 resolution, an on-screen keyboard, and Wi-Fi connectivity that is able to stay connected via telecommunication service providers such as SK, KT and Nespot. You ought not to get lost with the icom MK1 since it boasts an Internet map for you to get around.
Source: AVing
