TomTom, which you may be surprised to know is actually based out of Amsterdam, just recently announced its newest line of navigational hardware, the GO I-90.  It’s a double DIN navigation and radio tool that allows for easy, point to point directions between any two points most anywhere in the world, as long as they’re somehow connected via roadway.

Oh, but this isn’t just another navigational device, either–TomTom brass promises that the device offers  “full radio integration with the car speakers for high quality audio when using spoken instructions, or making hands-free phone calls.”

So not only does it get you from point to point, it also lets you call ahead to tell that point you’re arriving.  That’s actually pretty cool.

As if that weren’t good enough, users will be able to add annotations to the maps via TomTom HOME and Safety Alerts, telling other motorists about accidents, road construction, and those pesky speed traps.  You can also hook your MP3 player to it.

There’s a lot to like about this device, and its ninety nine dollar price tag is just icing on the cake.

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Acura has recently announced that they will be including three sets of technology in their entire line of 2010 models, namely Bluetooth, XM and USB.

Buyers of a 2010 Acura vehicle will be given a 3-month free trial to XM, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling (or anything else that uses Bluetooth) and a USB port that will support full integration with Apple’s iPod. However, the 2010 Acura MDX will not feature a USB port, instead only Bluetooth and XM.

KickingTires makes note that these features usually cost a premium of $200-$500 before they deemed as standard making this a very welcome addition.

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It seems that recent reports suggest that Dodge has increased the towing capacity of their 2010 Ram without actually making any hardware changes. The increase is from 9,100 pounds to 10,450 pounds and Dodge points to the coil-sprung sprung suspension for the added performance.

Autoblog says that Dodge merely underestimated the towing power of their latest Ram hence the out-of-nowhere increase. We now also know that the 2010 Ram will include 22-inch wheels, iPod integration, trailer-towing mirrors and an engine management upgrade giving the truck better gas mileage by cutting the fuel during deceleration.

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The use of remote controls to disarm alarms or offer car owners a keyless entry to access their car is a familiar site we see today. There are a lot of these modern day car remotes, generic and branded, offering added security and taking away the pain of using the usual car keys to open vehicles.

However, while some may not even care, here is one person who happens to open his car using a Nike+iPod device which he calls the iFOB.

The device was created by a hacker named Nate who hacked together a Nike+iPod device and key fob, with an Arduino Pro Mini.

(Source) Gadget Review

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Kenwood has not been active in the world of car audio as of late. One of the known brands in providing in-car entertainment, it has quietly preserved its market position.

However, with this announcement, they are bound to get back on track. Kenwood announced nine new in-dash DVD receivers for 2009, representing the most comprehensive line-up in the company’s history. Given the state of the economy, it comes as no surprise that the first model to hit the market is geared toward the value-conscious customer.

The DDX514 will sell for an MSRP of $799, and boasts a 6.1″ QVGA LCD touch-screen panel, a mini A/V input on the front for connecting a portable device, and a volume control knob.

The unit comes with the ability to play back DVDs, MP3/WMA audio files, CDs, and can connect with Bluetooth, iPod/iPhone, external mass storage devices, and satellite radio (in some cases, via optional accessories). The optional KNA-G510 ($800) also affords add-on GPS navigation.

(Source) Here’s How!

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Alpine Electronics of America has launched its brand new touch-screen graphical user interface model that works similar to the iPhone or the iPod. Most head units today need to put new interface features integrated in their head units since most people look for them in making car stereo choices. Alpine, known for being a pioneer on delivering car audios, seems to have come up with another great head unit.

Users also can connect USB memory devices and MTP-based MP3 players via the USB input. Any iPod with a 30-PIN dock connector is compatible with the iXA-W404.

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Alpine has always been known to be a specialist in mobile media entertainment systems. With the latest Alpine CDA-105Ri head unit, you can now enjoy the full integration of music including tunes stored on the popular iPhones and iPods.

When you search for music, you will notice that the interface is similar when you search for tunes on your iPod. This includes album, artist, song, play list, genre, audio book and composer providing great control over all your songs.

For the ultimate listening experience in your car, the CDA-105Ri can be plugged straight into Alpine’s PXA-H100 for full IMPRINT sound optimisation and Bass Engine Pro sound tuning. With IMPRINT, specifically designed software is used with a microphone to analyse the car’s inherit acoustical problems and automatically tunes the system for optimal sound processing.

The CDA-105Ri is available from all Alpine Electronics’ stockists at around £300.

(Source) Easier.com

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Feast your eyes on the future of motoring. Taking its name after the popular media gadget, the iPod, the iMo is a concept car that has been conceptualized by Anthony Jannarelly. This bubble car is a vision of the French designer which could hit the streets by 2024.

The fully electric vehicle, which can be charged wirelessly via electric induction or with a more conventional plug, seats three in a 2+1 configuration. But there’s no dashboard or driving controls – the iMo is fully autonomous. Its creator refers to it not as a car but as a robot, because of its ability to think for itself.

In short, feast your eyes of an iPod on wheels!

(Source) Auto Express

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Always wanted a 16Gb iPod, but never really needed it or didn’t have a good enough reason to get one? Well, here’s a thought! Picture this: You have a whole day and nothing to do, just happen to be in Italy and feel like buying something nice. If it would all also, like I said, just happen to be today, you could buy this small jewel.

It’s a Ferrari, the brand new drop-top Ferrari. The Scuderia revealed it today as a celebration of their recent victory at the Formula 1 Constructor’s World Title. At a first glance there’s apparently no difference between this model and the Coupe Model, well, yeah except for the drop-top roof.

But I tell you this is the cherry on the top of the cake, providing a V8 engine, getting you in 3.7 seconds from 0 to 100 kph and offering an amazing top speed of 315 kph. And a 16Gb iPod is waiting for you in the central dock, in front of the dashboard, making the car ride worthwhile.

ferrariworld

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You might already be familiar with iSimple and its iPod and portable media integration solution which is available for over 69 million cars in the USA. If you drive one of the following: Acura, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hummer, Isuzu, Lexus, Lincoln, Mercury, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Saturn, Scion, Toyota and Volkswagen vehicles, then you can get your iSimple system.

Starting today, iSimple’s products are available now for Nissan and Hyundai. You will find them at Best Buy, Circuit City, Crutchfield, and other locations. You will be able to connect your iPod, or any other portable audio source, to your car’s sound system. The default iSimple kit can be upgraded with the iSimple HD Radio tuner, so you will have even more music options.

Check iSimple out and talk to your Nissan and Hyundai dealers about compatibility issues. Your music deserves it!

via Press

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