Car Hackers

Interesting article about auto enthusiasts hacking their car's electronics in different ways

Link - 
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/22/automobiles/autospecial2/22COMPUTERS.html?_r=1&ref=technology

xkcd....

Google Wave Invite Selling for $70 on eBay

Wave - the 'new' way to email is just being released tonight. People are already dying to get invites. The item has already attracted 19 bids, pushing the price up to $70 (there are two days left on the auction). [via Mashable]

ZipCar iPhone App allows you to honk and unlock your car

http://www.zipcar.com/iphone/

New LCD dashboard designs for 2011+ models

Photo credit: Audi


Audi e-tron

Befitting a concept, the cabin uses a futuristic design, such as cameras and screens instead of rearview mirrors. Because of its electric power train, the instrument cluster is simplified, with analog speedometer, analog power consumption, and a screen that can show a variety of information. The electronics are designed to communicate with external infrastructure to take into account traffic and stop lights when computing the most efficient routes.


Details....

Waze iPhone/Anaroid app provides real-time, crowdsourced traffic data

Very cool app on real-time traffic updates from the community of iPhone and Anaroid phone users. Read the article -
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-10305132-52.html?tag=newsLeadStoriesArea.1

See the photo gallery -
http://news.cnet.com/2300-13579_3-10001343-1.html?tag=mncol;txt

RepairPal

The number 4 iPhone app from the list in the previous blog entry was an app called RepairPal.

RepairPal.com is a really cool website that gives you estimates for car repairs and helps you find a good shop to visit to get your car fixed.

One of the neater features of their website is called MyCar (http://repairpal.com/my_car). You can register your car with the website to get email alerts about service reminders, safety alerts, and vehicle recalls.

That sounds a lot like what AutoPlug will enable car owners to do. Of course, AutoPlug should provide more accurate time estimates since it taps right into the sensors of your car, instead of basing its reminders on an average time to wait before servicing your vehicle.