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Smart Car Vending Machine

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Transportation,

In a kind of belated April Fool’s joke, a vending machine was constructed in Japan that holds a full-size Smart Car. Located in the Smart Vendor in Shibuya station, you get to choose between a Coupe and Cabrio and deposit your $20,000.00 in the slot. While we realize this probably an incredible effective marketing ploy, we were thinking that we might go for the real thing since it wouldn’t involve smarmy automobile salespeople looking for commission.

TelePhone Car Goes on Tour

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Smartphones, Design, Transportation,

Would you buy a phone from this man? Howard Davis wanted a way to promote Datel Communications, his telephone company. Built on a 1975 Volkswagen Beetle chassis, his Telephone Phone car has an aluminum body and tinted windshield. The horn is a telephone ringer, of course. Davis is currently in the midst of a world tour that will include such locations as Texas, Arkansas, San Francisco, and the Burning Man Festival in Nevada in August. Check his site if you want to catch one of his appearances.

Drivemocion Rear Window LED Sign

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Transportation, Videos,

Next time someone cuts you off on the highway, show them how you really feel with Drivemocion. The LED sign uses emoticons and animated messages to let others know what you are thinking. Stick it on your rear window with a suction cup and control it by remote up front. Powered by 4 AA batteries, the company claims they will last up to 4 months, unless you have a lot of road rage. There are 6 different types available for £24.99 to 29.99 (~$60.00, ) including one that uses words and another that uses a certain digit as the ultimate display of anger.

Cirbin Features Flashy Trike

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Transportation,

We don’t see many vehicles that run on three wheels and impress us. Cirbin’s V13R has the same 1250cc v-twin found on Harleys. Made of a fiberglass body outside a tubular steel chassis, it has a complete lighting system and control from its bucket seats. At a size of 139 x 78.5-inches, it has removable roll bars and comes in black, red, or silver with a price of $39,995.00. We figure if you are going to pay that much for a trike, why not go whole hog? Check out Cirbin’s site as the V13R will be touring this summer.

Make Sandwiches While You Drive

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Transportation,

This must have been designed for cab drivers, security guards, soccer moms/dads, and those that want fast food without the grease. The Road Pro 12 Volt Sandwich Maker plugs into your cigarette lighter socket and runs on 5 amps. It has a power-on indicator light, is non-stick, and has a 5 ft. power cord in case someone in the back has the munchies, too. The Sandwich Maker carries a 90 day warranty and a price of $19.50, not much more than a Crave Case of White Castle Burgers.

CES 2008 Video: Microsoft SYNC Car Recognition

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Full Episodes, Gizmatic, Cell Phones, CES, CES 2008, Features, Microsoft, Podcasts, Transportation, Videocasts,

We learned all about Microsoft Sync at CES, and have lots to share. Sync is integrated software that’s factory-installed in certain Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars. It allows you to control your cell phone and music player via voice recognition. Once your cell phone is “synced” with the software and your contacts are transferred, just press the button on the steering wheel and speak your command, such as “Call Mom.” Mom is immediately dialed, and you can talk to her without ever touching your phone. What’s also cool is that you can control your entire music library via voice as well, just by saying the name of the artist, song, album or even playlist. Just sync up your iPod (except the Shuffle), iPhone, MP3 player or even a thumb drive, and you’re good to go.

NAIAS 2008: China Left Outside Main Hall

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Design, Transportation,

We headed for the NAIAS in Cobo Hall in downtown Detroit yesterday and were surprised at how little was going on, but greatful because we showed up on an industry “crowd” day so there wasn’t a lot of hype. Even before you get in the main floor, you notice that the Chinese cars weren’t allowed in with the American cars, so we wandered over to a couple of them before going inside. One of these is the TX4, created here as a taxi. This is what LTI refers to as a “multifunctional classic business car.” Included in its advantages is u-turns without 3-point turning, ABS for anti-lock, and basic comfort for passengers.

Cops Can’t Resist the Anti-Ticket Donut

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Misc. Tech, Toys, Transportation,

We have all made some of those traffic errors and gotten tickets that might have been ignored with the proper bribery. The Anti-Ticket Donut is designed for those occasions. When the police officer asks you to produce your registration and license, reach right into your glove compartment and offer him/her the chocolate ($8.75) or sprinkled ($9.95) treat-in-a-tin. Of course, the donut is made of plastic, but we figure you can always stop at Krispy Kreme for the real thing if you are heading towards a known speed trap. Besides, it would make a great gift for your uncle, Chief Wiggum.

Four Cams Are Better Than One When Parking

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Cameras, Design, Transportation,

Matsushita Cam System Parking should get a wee bit easier now that Matsushita has designed an omni-directional camera system that displays the vehicle as if it was shot from above your car. Four previously available Panasonic 250,000-pixel rear view cams were placed on the front, rear, left, and right sides, while their images can be seen on an ECU navigational screen inside and synthesized to look like it is one image.

Previewed as a prototype at this year’s CEATEC 2007 in Japan, the company plans on releasing their device within the next year or so. We figure it will be useful around those pesky deer that try to grab our parking spaces when we go camping.

Rideamigos Saves Time and Money

Posted by Sheila Franklin Categories: Internet, Transportation,

Worried about a possible NYC tie-up with all the taxi problems of late? Rideamigos helps you carpool when in the big city once or 3 times a week, or for special occasions such as sporting events, airport transportation, or concerts. Pick your time and place online, then search for your amigo/amiga to share the ride. You can save time, money and reduce pollution at the same time. The service is also available in San Francisco, Chicago and LA.

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