Cars Bikes Boats

First GPS-Assisted FM Transmitter with iPhone Application Unveiled

by Justin Hubbell on Fri, 2009-06-05 10:10

Belkin just announced the TuneCast Auto Live FM transmitter and ClearScan Live software application. Together, you can use your iPhone or iPod as an FM transmitter and locate the best radio frequency, based on your GPS location, to play music in the car. This way, you will be able to find the clearest FM frequency based on your location.

Some of the features of the TuneCast Auto Live are:

Specifically compatible with iPhone OS 3.0
Also compatible with the iPod Classic and nano
ClearScan one-push station locator
PRO setting optimizes audio and boosts volume
Two programmable preset buttons
High-contrast backlit display
In-car charging

Since this device requires the iPhone OS 3.0, you can expect it to be available this Fall for a MSRP of $79.99. The ClearScan Live application will be a free download. Check out the full press release here.

Two German Engineers Want to Sell their Electric Bike Globally!

by Justin Hubbell on Thu, 2009-06-04 10:30

The Elmoto is a cross between a mountain bike and a motorcycle. It is powered by a 2KW engine that should last you up to 65km on a single battery charge. The aluminum frame only weighs 45kg, which should allow you to travel at a top speed of almost 45km/h.

Technically, the Elmoto is a "green" vehicle, because it doesn't emit any carbon dioxide. The developers are hoping to sell around 100 bikes before the end of this year. Then, they hope to increase their marketing and go global, to make 2010 a big year for sales.

The Elmoto costs $5,700 and is currently only available in Europe. So, would you buy something like this to help save on gas, or too be more "Green"?

Stream Music, Connect Multiple Phones on New Bluetooth Car Speakerphone

by jessica on Tue, 2009-06-02 12:50

The new BlueAnt S1 car speakerphone gives you a safe (and easy) way to use your mobile phone while driving. Want to answer a call? Simply say the word "Answer"… there is no need to take your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. If your phone has a voice dial feature, you can make calls using your voice too.

What makes the S1 stand out from their previous models is this - thanks to multipoint technology, two people can have their phones connected to the S1 at the same time. Both users can make calls through the S1, and if either phone rings the call automatically transfers to the speakerphone. Read more

Mio Announces Launch of Moov S-series

May 15, 2009–Announced at CES 2009, Mio's revolutionary navigation software, Mio Spirit, and the new Moov S-series navigation devices have been highly anticipated by consumers worldwide. Today, Mio proudly announces the global launch of the Mio Moov S-series and integrated Mio Spirit navigation software.

To introduce the new products, Mio are inviting consumers worldwide to visit the global launch website, which will be available from 5PM (GMT +8:00) 13th May to 5PM (GMT +8:00) 1st June, 2009 at www.mio.com/promotions. Visitors can view the exciting hardware features of the new models, Moov S300, S500,and S700 and feel the unique navigation experience powered by Mio Spirit.

The Mio Moov S-series offers models with screen sizes of 3.5" to 7" and the breakthrough Mio Spirit navigation software, which boasts an easy-to-use intuitive user interface, complete functions for exploring places and more useful features to help plan your trip in intelligent economical ways. With the interplay between hardware and software, the Moov S-series can truly help users save money, time and effort whilst bringing more fun, confidence and happy memories.Read more

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Mio Launches Slim Navigation Devices with New Mio Spirit Software

May 13, 2009– Mio, a leading maker of PNDs (Portable Navigation Devices), announced they are introducing two new S-series models for the U.S. market in June. Both the new arrivals, the Mio Moov S401 and S501, are fully-featured and will include the all new Mio Spirit navigation software.

The new Spirit software features bold and intuitive new menu screens, clear, uncluttered map views for easier reading on the go and enhanced search capabilities for fewer taps and clicks to find your destination. In addition, the newly designed screen navigation allows the user to conveniently dock POI searches and menus to the side of the viewing area to expose the real-time maps which can be returned to center screen with a tap. The new software also gives users a host of useful functions for more easily exploring their surroundings. Samuel Wang, President of Mio Technology Corp. said: "In the two years of research and development for Spirit, Mio found that users were looking for an easier way to interact with their GPS device and take advantage of its capabilities. Spirit is Mio's response providing a unique and improved overall user experience."Read more

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New Alpine KTP-445 Provides Cost-Effective Power Upgrade to Your Car Audio System

May 2009 – Consumers who desire better sound quality from their car audio system may not always want a full-blown system overhaul. Alpine Electronics of America, Inc., the industry-leading manufacturer of automotive mobile media solutions, answers this need with the KTP-445 Head Unit Power Pack, which is now available in stores.

An easy, cost-effective upgrade, the Head Unit Power Pack enables consumers to upgrade the power of their system and improve the sound performance of their head unit. It measures a slim 6 inches x 2 inches x 1.125 inches and is designed to fit neatly behind the dash in most vehicles. Its direct plug-and-play application does not need additional wiring or tuning. The KTP-445 connects to any 2005 and newer Alpine head unit that has a black power harness.

The KTP-445 boosts the original power from a head unit's typical built-in amplifier and increases it to a 45W RMS x 4 output at CEA-2006 Power Ratings. Its advanced digital design delivers extremely clean power, making the bass tighter and highs clearer. The unit's high efficiency digital technology keeps it running cool in even the most exertive conditions and minimizes drain on the vehicle's battery. A high/low gain switch allows for proper gain settings, whether or not a subwoofer is part of the system.Read more

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Panasonic Takes Blu-ray on the Road

by jessica on Mon, 2009-04-27 11:47

Okay, so I've seen a few reports on the new in-car Blu-ray player from Panasonic. Cnet is talking about it, as well as GadgetVenue and a few others. Supposedly the Panasonic CN-HX900D is the "world's first" portable Blu-ray player. Let me take that back…it is the first in-car Blu-ray player. I told you about the first portable Blu-ray in January at the 2009 CES trade show- the DMP-B15 (also from Panasonic).

Details on the CN-HX900D are kind of sketchy, but this is what I've read: It is Windows powered with GPS, and is a CD / DVD player with 5 channel amplifier. It also has Bluetooth, a 7-inch LCD screen, a 40 GB hard drive and is iPhone / iPod compatible. You do need to hook it up to the optional CY-BB1000D Blu-ray player. My question is this: if the optional CY-BB1000D is required, why doesn't this come bundled into one unit (or maybe they will prior to launch?). Only time will tell, I guess.

Pricing and availability have not been officially announced, but most are saying it will be available fall 2009.

Drive Like Dale Earnhardt, Jr. (not really)

by jessica on Thu, 2009-04-23 00:30

This one is for the all the NASCAR fans out there. There is a new GPS in town that brings the voice of Dale Earnhardt, Jr. into your vehicle - the Spotter GPS Navigator, Dale Jr. Edition.

The Spotter has all the features you would expect in a GPS, but this one was designed specifically for NASCAR fans. It comes pre-loaded with points of interest unique to NASCAR, including NASCAR tracks, NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race shops and other NASCAR attractions. Turn-by-turn directions are in Dale Jr.'s voice and he'll even tell you to "Hang a left", "Park it. Weere here" and "You drive, I'll ride shotgun". You can even select the vehicle for the GPS pointer, including Dale Jr.s' Amp Energy car, National Guard car or Team Hauler.

The Spotter also includes street name turn-by-turn guidance; a 4.3" LCD screen; SiRF Atlas III GPS Module with Windows CE 5.0 Operating System; pre-loaded maps of the United States from Navteq (Q4 2008 map data); plus a video player, music player, photo viewing and E-book capabilities.

The Spotter GPS Navigator will be available on May 15th at retail locations, but can be bought via pre-sale on Amazon.com, Best Buy.com, the NASCAR.COM Superstore, among others. Find out more information at www.rightwaygps.com.

Apple on the Go: Belkin Ensures no Lack of Battery Power

by John Lentz Jr. on Wed, 2009-04-22 10:16

We've all done it: left for a day away from the house or office with our favorite iPod or iPhone, only to discover the dreaded battery symbol is only one third filled, or worse, flashing. While this would have been little more than a nuisance in the past, in today's ever-connected world, not being available can be far more costly.

Fortunately, thanks to Belkin's Dual Auto Charger, you won't have to suffer, or even decide which product is more important. With its two USB ports, both your iPhone and iPod can find a home before their day-long adventures. Fortunately for the user in a hurry, it works under quick-charge and won't delay your adventure. Tell your friends not to worry – the USB ports are compatible with many kinds of technology, not just Apple.

At thirty dollars, people on the road for long periods of time may well find the Dual Auto Charger to be a boon.

Zoombak Launches New Customer Referral Program

April 21, 2009--Zoombak today announced the launch of its new Customer Referral Program to reward customers for word-of-mouth marketing and to drive sales of its first-of-its-kind GPS locator technology. The company will send $25 in cash to customers who refer new Zoombak users, and $15 in cash to new users referred through the program who purchase a Zoombak device.

"Our Customer Referral Program gives both existing and new users a cash reward for new Zoombak purchases," said John Cullen, Director of Marketing for Zoombak. "Whether they are keeping track of their kids, tracking a teen driver's safe arrival or keeping tabs on a valuable item, customers often tell us about the peace of mind they receive from Zoombak. This referral program rewards customers for sharing their Zoombak experience with their friends and family." Read more