05/29, 1:07pm
Volvo, Euro government SARTRE project completes first public test
Swedish carmaker Volvo has successfully completed a 125-mile long highway drive in Spain that included three autonomous cars and one commercial truck. The vehicles were wirelessly linked and followed a lead vehicle driven by a professional driver. The first such public test was a success and Volvo believes it will let drivers relax during long commutes, partaking in activities such as working on notebook PCs or reading books.
more
03/24, 9:30pm
ATT brings gaming wheel idea to car GPS
AT&T Labs has been conducting experiments that would bring the haptic (vibration) feedback of steering wheels for video games to the real-world in a practical sense. The new method (not yet pictured) would communicate GPS driving directions through vibrating the wheel in patterns, such as clockwise or counterclockwise, to indicate when the driver should turn. A group of 20 individual motors ring the wheel, making it more advanced than the limited points of a wheel for a PS3 or Xbox 360 gamer.
more
02/21, 11:55am
Volvo to bring out smartphone app for V60 hybrid
Volvo will show off its upcoming V60 plug-in hybrid due out in 2012 at the Geneva show. The diesel-engined station wagon will also sport an electric motor in its so-called Electric Rear Axle Drive (ERAD). To help users manage recharging for the ERAD system, an iPhone app will be launched alongside the car.
more
02/11, 10:10am
Volvo XC70 to use Sprint Overdrive, 500GB drive
Volvo at the Chicago Auto show this morning said it would give its XC70 crossover wagon a unique rear seat entertainment system. The RSEi-500 will be a full-fledged touchscreen computer based on Windows XP but will have its own custom interface for media navigation, including cover art and details for music and DVDs. It should also have an always-on Internet connection and will uniquely run on a Sprint Overdrive that can share a 3G or WiMAX connection over to both the RSEi-500 and to other devices in the car through Wi-Fi.
more
