Latest Gear Live Videos
Bleeding Edge TV 420: OnStar API, FMV, RelayRides at CES
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Full Episodes, Gizmatic, CES, CES 2012, Features, Podcasts, Software, Transportation, Videocasts, Videos,
We chat with Vijay Iyer of OnStar to talk about how the OnStar FMV mirror add-on is performing at retail, as well as the new announcement of the OnStar API. The OnStar API allows third-party developers to write code and apps that tap into OnStar's cloud of user information. The first announced partner is RelayRides, which allows the average user to lend out his or her vehicle when they aren't using it, all controlled by a RelayRides app that taps into OnStar. We get a rundown of what OnStar users can expect from developers going forward. You can purchase the OnStar FMV from Amazon. This was recorded at CES 2012.
Big thank you to MozyPro and JackThreads for sponsoring the show - be sure to check them out! MozyPro provides simple, automatic, and secure data backup. As for JackThreads, we've got exclusive invite codes that give you $5 to use towards anything you'd like on the site.
Advertisement
JAC 4R3, the pirated Ford F-150, set to debut at Beijing Motor Show
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Transportation,
Last summer I finally had a chance to return to my motherland, Ukraine. I grew up hearing stories of the place, but never got to experience it for what it really was, despite being born there. Apart from that fact that most of the stories I heard growing up were true (such as the mob “security personnel” running everything) I was shocked at the counterfeits I saw everywhere.
Now I’m not talking about computer software, as that's inevitable. What surprised me most were the vehicle counterfeits. Yes, you’d have your legitimate Benz here and there, but the general public mostly drove knock-offs from China. I saw countless fake vehicles everywhere, Toyotas to Dodge vehicles each having a Chinese cousin.
Chinese manufacturer JAC will be debuting the 4R3 at the Beijing Motor Show. The 4R3 is essentially a Ford F-150 copy. JAC is aiming to release the 4R3 in South American and African markets as an inexpensive work vehicle. The truck is powered by a diesel propelled four-banger, set to generate a little over a 100 horsepower and 177 torques. Though we’re not sure on what Ford has to say about this, we've gotta assume that it’s only a matter of time before JAC hears from Ford legal!
Read More 
| Car News China
BMW 5 Series drives autonomous driving test hits the Autobahn
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Science, Transportation,
A few weeks ago we reported on autonomous driving as a feature in the Toyota Fun-Vii, but it looks like BMW might have beat Toyota to the punch line.
Last year BMW scored 2-minute laps at Luguna Seca with the click of a button. This year BMW is back with new and improved technologies. When BMW hot lapped their 3 series at Luguna, they relied on radars and cameras to get the car to do what they wanted it to do. That wasn’t good enough for BMW, so they pushed the enveloped to have an autonomously-run car on the Autobahn, a road that has no speed limit. In order to execute this feat, BMW relied on ultrasonic scanners and lasers to read the road, traffic, and lanes. The system executes the necessary tasks and keeps with the flow of traffic. You can see the 5 series in action after the jump!
Though it is too early to see if this system will make it into production anytime soon, the technology is something manufactures have been dreaming of since the 50s. For now, BMW will be equipping some vehicles with a new Traffic Jam Assist system, aimed at helping you deal with traffic more efficiently.
Click to continue reading BMW 5 Series drives autonomous driving test hits the Autobahn
Read More | Autoblog
Projection mapping is the future of showcasing
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Design, Transportation,
Though the technology is beyond me, the use of projection mapping in auto shows is clearly a win.
With the help of a Russian marketing team Radugadesign (Translation: RainbowDesign), Audi has incorporated projection mapping into its showcases. Though Audi’s showcase is far more complex than ‘The Lamborghini Project,’ which also used projection mapping, the man-hours behind the project look mindbaffling.
However, as slick as it looks, the point of the presentation is a bit over our heads, other than promoting individualism and Marlboro. Yes, the cigarette company. The relation between the two companies confuses us, but the two working together can sure produce a sick showcase.
Click to continue reading Projection mapping is the future of showcasing
Read More | Autoblog
Mercedes-Benz B-Class plug-in hybrid set for U.S. debut soon
Posted by Andrey Malskiy Categories: Corporate News, Transportation,
The U.S. segment for luxury automobiles is a cutthroat marketplace. The top two players, BMW and Mercedes-Benz, are in a constant battle for supremacy. Last year BMW led in sales by 2,715 vehicles.
Mercedes-Benz obviously hopes to take the lead. However, the road to success is that of trial-and-error. Mercedes-Benz plans on introducing a B-Class into its current line-up of vehicles for the States. The B-Class would be a plug-in hybrid aimed towards the U.S. buyer, says Joachim Schmidt, head of global sales for Mercedes-Benz.
Along with the B-Class, Mercedes-Benz plans on extending its hybrid line-up along with adding smaller class of vehicles—the A-Class. Though these are solid moves in attempting to overthrow BMW’s lead, only time, along with sales, will tell if Mercedes-Benz succeeds.
Read More | Autoblog
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
Read More | Autoblog
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.
Advertisement
© Gear Live Inc. {year} – User-posted content, unless source is quoted, is licensed under a Creative Commons Public Domain License. Gear Live graphics, logos, designs, page headers, button icons, videos, articles, blogs, forums, scripts and other service names are the trademarks of Gear Live Inc.