Top Speed

The new, true handfree BlueAnt S4

Alexander@topspeed.com(Alexander) — Thu, 20 May 2010 14:00:00 GMT

The advocates for eliminating cell phone usage in vehicles have reason to rejoice due to the newest product delivered by BlueAnt this past Monday. The new S4 allows the driver to operate their cell phone with only their voice. To activate the S4 the driver only needs to say, “BlueAnt speak to me”. Not the most original phrase, but easy to remember. To make a call, all the driver has to say is, “Phone Commands” and the S4’s will activate your phone’s voice dialing feature.

Receiving calls on the S4 is just as easy as making them. When the phone rings, the S4 will announce the name of the person calling or the phone number that is calling. The driver can easily answer or ignore the call by stating his choice. The S4 goes a step further by operating with the Vlingo Safereader installed on a Blackberry or Android to read out the text messages sent to your phone. The phone also works with the Microsoft BING 411 to connect the driver with stock quotes, movie times, directions, weather forecasts, sports results, news and traffic updates.

Full story after the jump.

The new, true handfree BlueAnt S4 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 20 May 2010 14:00 EST.

Jay Leno has a 3D printer that can replace old parts

Kirby@topspeed.com(Kirby) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 14:30:00 GMT

We all know that Jay Leno loves his cars. After all, he probably has enough cars – modern and vintage – to make his own showroom. But despite owning a fleet of some of the most expensive and prestigious vehicles in the world, we still don’t know as to how much of a car fanatic Jay Leno is. That’s until we found out that our favorite ex-late night talk show host has his own 3D scanner, which he uses to scan and print rare and irreplaceable car parts from his vintage classics. Now, that’s something you’ve never heard before.

Leno’s revolutionary gadget is a NextEngine 3D Scanner, which can scan a fully-functioning auto part in 20 minutes at 160,000 dots per inch resolution. After doing so, he takes his scanned image and prints it into a plastic 3D model using his Dimension 3D Printer. While the resulting part isn’t the final piece of the exercise – he takes the plastic, which can be scanned and printed in three hours, and uses it to make a mold that will eventually produce the metal, which he uses on the car.

We know a lot of car aficionados the world over that would go to great lengths to restore their precious vehicles, but we’ve never seen anyone that has an device that can actually make a 3D image of a vintage car part. But that’s why Jay Leno is who he is.

Jay Leno has a 3D printer that can replace old parts originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 14 July 2009 14:30 EST.

Remote License Plate Cover, the ultimate tool for speeding cameras

Panait@topspeed.com(Panait), Myles Kornblatt@topspeed.com(Myles Kornblatt) — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:55:00 GMT

Since most of us don’t have a muppet to take care of our speeding tickets, this little gadget may be useful for defeating speeding cameras. This RF license plate cover features motorized panels which can cover your license plates. Now with the push of a key fob button you can drive as fast as you want. So far we’ve only seen it for international style long plates, but for those who are interested it can be found here.

P.S. When the cops catch you, and they will, you didn’t get the idea from us.

Remote License Plate Cover, the ultimate tool for speeding cameras originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 29 October 2008 19:55 EST.

The remote rear window hand, the latest gadget for cars

Panait@topspeed.com(Panait), Myles Kornblatt@topspeed.com(Myles Kornblatt) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:10:00 GMT

Not since Calvin relieving himself on your least favorite car brand has been so easy for a driver to show his/her feelings. "The Hand" remote controller window sign is a funny and useful gadget that signs how you feel towards the other drivers. For $40, this electroluminescent gesturing hand will allow to focus your attention completely on the road.

Just make sure you always have some expression always on. To correctly fit all the different gestures, the blank hand has six fingers.

The remote rear window hand, the latest gadget for cars originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 22 October 2008 17:10 EST.

Carcade, the new in-car videogame concept

Panait@topspeed.com(Panait) — Thu, 9 Oct 2008 17:30:00 GMT

Have you ever seen your kids bored in your long family trips? Well, today we have the solution: Carcade, a concept for an in-car videogame designed for the passengers, which actually captures the landscape and uses it as a videogame environment. For example trees and houses on your window will be recognized by the incorporated camera connected to a laptop, and then it will enter your game. Also, when the car accelerates, the game will become more difficult (that’s got to be safe.)

The bad news is that for the moment the game is only a concept. But who knows, maybe in the future you will be able to play you’re own live version of Midnight Club!

Carcade, the new in-car videogame concept originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 9 October 2008 17:30 EST.

RDM presents the new Road Mice for muscle car fans

Panait@topspeed.com(Panait) — Wed, 8 Oct 2008 23:25:00 GMT

Some people don’t want to be away from their muscle cars, even if its buying more parts for them online. For people like this, “Road Mice” provides a wireless computer mouse in the shape of different models such as Ford Mustang, the new Chevy Camaro, Dodge Charger or Chevrolet Corvette.

The funny accessory is compatible with both PC and Mac and features the latest RF and optical technology with a high resolution of 800 dpi. The scroll button is placed on the hood while the 4-wheels mouse received also a pair of working headlights.

RDM presents the new Road Mice for muscle car fans originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 8 October 2008 23:25 EST.

Parrot unveils new MKi Series

Panait@topspeed.com(Panait) — Fri, 3 Oct 2008 14:26:00 GMT

Posted on 10.3.2008 14:26 by Panait
Filed under: | technology | Cars | car accessories | Gadgets

In the never-ending quest to keep eyes on the road, Parrot, the well known manufacturer specialized in wireless mobile telephone accessories, launched its MKi Series. This is a range of iPhod-enabled control systems specially developed to be used in your car. The MKi series features two microphones incorporated with text to speech technology that interfaces with the iPod or iPhone. MKi series comes with three models, the MKi9000, MKi9100 and MKi9200, each fitted with a RF remote control.

The MKi9100 features a blue 2 lines OLED display while the 9200 comes with a 2.4 inch color TFT display. MKi displays information regarding phone status, phone book and a small playlist while the 9200 features some extra information such as caller picture id, full playlist and LP covers. The retail prices of the Parrot MKi system are as follows: MKi9000 for $231, MKi9100 for $266 and MKi9200 for $337.

Parrot unveils new MKi Series originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 3 October 2008 14:26 EST.

iPorsche, the new fashion phone from Porsche Design

Panait@topspeed.com(Panait) — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:11:00 GMT

Another interesting partnership is hitting today the high-tech segment with the release of the new P’9522, a product developed from the collaboration between Sagem, the French cellular producer and Porsche Design. Named iPorsche, the new cell phone has a very stylish looking and it features a large 2.8inch touch screen, 5 Megapixels digital camera, a GPS, a WiFi connector and a MicroSD fingerprint reader. There only one detail missing from the new jewelry, the 3G feature, but considering its equipment probably no one will give much of importance. The new cell is scheduled to hit the market by November with the first market aimed being France. Due to the Porsche signature the cost of the good looking accessory will be near €600.

iPorsche, the new fashion phone from Porsche Design originally appeared on topspeed.com on Tuesday, 30 September 2008 17:11 EST.

Nissan and Sharp present new smart-key phone

Panait@topspeed.com(Panait) — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:16:00 GMT

We have today the proof that big names in the automobiles industry are expanding their brands on other fields and products, becoming more popular brands or pocket products. This is the case of Nissan Motor which, in collaboration with Sharp Corporation, developed a new project, a special mobile phone which can be used as a smart key for cars. The combination cell phones and car technology was possible with the help of Docomo’s expertise in the marketability of cells and the help of Nissan technical support to adapt the device and assure its functioning.

Nissan and Sharp present new smart-key phone originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 25 September 2008 13:16 EST.

Having any trouble finding your car lately? Bushnell to the rescue

Panait@topspeed.com(Panait) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 17:52:00 GMT

Posted on 09.11.2008 17:52 by Panait
Filed under: | technology | Cars | car accessories | Gadgets

Ever found yourself in a crowded parking of a hypermarket and looked hours for your car because you forgot where you parked? Well, today we have your solution! A company named Bushnell released its BackTrack, a little GPS device that will help you find your car easily. So, let us tell you how it works: when you’re ready to leave your car in the parking place, mark your position on the device with a single button press and it will make all the work for you. And if you think that you will not be able to take care of the device, don’t worry, it is water resistant so it will not be a mess if you will drop it a little! More to know: the BackTrack uses 2 AAA batteries and features a high sensitivity SiRF Star III GPS receiver! It can be found here with a price tag of $59.99.

Having any trouble finding your car lately? Bushnell to the rescue originally appeared on topspeed.com on Thursday, 11 September 2008 17:52 EST.

GoPro Camera review

Philippe Daix@topspeed.com(Philippe Daix) — Wed, 19 Dec 2007 08:55:00 GMT

The GoPro camera is a light, compact and robust onboard digital camera designed specifically to capture extreme sports. Its compact design allow you to place it where regular camcorder would not fit, and its robust waterproof case should save it from your intrepid stunts, even in the rain or snow. Read our complete GoPro review, including onboard sample footage, after the jump.

GoPro Camera review originally appeared on topspeed.com on Wednesday, 19 December 2007 08:55 EST.

Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Type 370

Christina@topspeed.com( Christina) — Fri, 21 Sep 2007 14:30:00 GMT

Posted on 09.21.2007 14:30 by Christina
Filed under: Bugatti | car gift ideas | Cars | car accessories | Gadgets

Parmigiani Fleurier’s Bugatti Type 370 Collection is one of the most unique and expensive watches I have seen so far.

Parmigiani Fleurier Bugatti Type 370 originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 21 September 2007 14:30 EST.

Billet Pedals give your car a racing look

Christina@topspeed.com( Christina) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:44:00 GMT

There is nothing like racing style pedals! Having them in you car is not impossible.

Billet Pedals give your car a racing look originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 13 July 2007 14:44 EST.

Chrome up your car!

Christina@topspeed.com( Christina) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:06:00 GMT

Adding chrome accents to your car is very popular now in days. Everyone wants the “blinged” out look.

Chrome up your car! originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 13 July 2007 14:06 EST.

Rolls-Royce to Honda custom speaker boxes

Christina@topspeed.com( Christina) — Fri, 13 Jul 2007 13:41:00 GMT

If you are looking for design custom-fitted bass box enclosures Bassforms might be the right company for you.

Rolls-Royce to Honda custom speaker boxes originally appeared on topspeed.com on Friday, 13 July 2007 13:41 EST.