Motoring News » Gadgets

The Stig and Clarkson on TomTom Top Gear satnav

Alan — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 20:43:50 +0000

The Stig and Clarkson on TomTom Top Gear satnav

This month we see TomTom launch a special edition of their navigational systems. The TomTom Top Gear edition has special features based around the popular television show. These include directions read by Jeremy Clarkson as well as a special ‘Stig Mode’ – which silences the device. Programmed into the device are also special points of interest based around motoring, such as raceway and racetrack locations which have been featured on the television series.

The device features the same technologies that are in the other devices offered by the manufacturer. This includes the traffic technology which will help drivers avoid traffic jams. The device also features special shutdown and start-up screens related to the TV series.

Corinne Vigreux is the managing director of the company and she has commented, “this is a limited edition satnav and it’s going to be a great driving companion for fans of the show.”

At £179.99, the TomTom GO LIVE Top Gear edition includes one year of TomTom’s LIVE Services for free. The flagship service is TomTom HD Traffic, which delivers dynamic routing and accurate traffic information every two minutes. HD Traffic gives drivers detailed incident reports, length of delays and reason for them, accurate travel and arrival times and alternative route proposals.

The LIVE Services bundle also includes the Speed Cameras service, providing mobile and fixed speed camera alerts, while TomTom Places local search helps to pinpoint shops and businesses in the area. QuickGPSfix gets you navigating in seconds and TomTom Weather gives local and five-day forecasts.

Available from today in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the US, this special edition also features richer, more detailed maps, hands-free calling (via Bluetooth®) plus voice command and control for entering addresses and more.

Available exclusively at Halfords in the UK, more information on the TomTom GO LIVE Top Gear edition at http://www.tomtom.com/topgear

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Finding light at the edge of the road

Alan — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 11:45:31 +0000

When having to stop on the side of the road while traveling, one of the main problems that you usually face a shortage of is light. Along with the lack of light also comes a lack of electricity, which can make traveling or camping quite difficult in a world that is dependent on electronics. However, the Baylis BA7035 Mini Magic Torch can cover both these bases in one simple tool that is smaller than your palm.

Measuring only 135 x 50mm, the Magic Torch boasts a .3w long life LED torch that will offer 25 minutes of ultra bright light after just one minute of hand winding. Even better, if you need to charge your mobile device, you can wind a little longer and quickly charge up your mobile long enough to complete a phone call. Thus, whether you simply need to find something in the boot or call for help, the Magic Torch has you covered.

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Jason Plato video guide to using Karcher High Pressure Washer to clean your car

admin — Fri, 21 May 2010 11:23:31 +0000

To most men, the car takes pride of place when it comes to their possessions. New research even goes as far to state a third of British men view their motors as a part of their personality.

So hitting the road in a dirty, grimy thing won’t land you much street cred when cruising down the high street.

But rather than risk a scratch or two at a carwash, or get out the mundane bucket and sponge – TV’s Jason Plato, a British touring car racer and former champion has a smarter solution.

The Fifth Gear presenter testifies that keeping his wheels clean is a must (especially as his is a swanky Porsche). In this video, Jason gives us an exclusive backstage peek with his championship racing team Chevrolet…. then proceeds to give us a step by step blast to freshening up his motor.

So if you’re out to impress your mates you won’t want to miss this sure fire way to washing your car with Karcher’s High Pressure Washer. Here, Jason Plato gives his advice in an exclusive look behind the scenes.

For more information, visit www.karcher.com

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iPhone GPS applications from Navmii for just 3.99 euros per country

admin — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 19:21:08 +0000

Navmii has launched its GPS Navigation application for iPhone available for a fraction of the cost of other GPS applications, thanks to a new deal with digital map provider Automotive Navigation Data (AND).

Navmii GPS Live is a fully functioning suite of GPS Navigation applications for the iPhone. Navmii GPS Live applications for Germany, Spain and The Netherlands are available now for only €3.99 per country from the iTunes store. France will be available from early next week.

Navmii GPS Live does everything you would expect from an in car GPS Navigation unit for a tiny fraction of the cost. Users can search for an address by city, street, house or postcode and are instantly routed there with voiced directions. Navmii will re-route if you take a wrong turn and provides information on the journey distance, estimated time of arrival, points of interest and live search for local facilities with integrated Microsoft Bing search.

Peter Atalla, CEO of Navmii said: “With the launch of Navmii GPS Live, we are radically changing the cost people have to pay for fully functioning GPS Navigation on the iPhone. Turn-by-turn navigation has been priced far too high. Navmii GPS Live gives consumers turn-by-turn navigation on their iPhone for less than the cost of a paper map. The iPhone is a brilliant device to use for turn-by-turn navigation but why should someone have to spend up to €69.99 for this from TomTom and others? Today you can buy Navmii GPS Live for France, Spain, Germany and The Netherlands for just €3.99 per country.”

Navmii GPS Live will be rolled out across all of continental Europe at a similar attractive low price. Once you buy and download Navmii GPS Live that’s it, no monthly charges, no data connection costs – just a great satellite /GPS navigation experience.”

More information is available at www.navmii.com.

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iPhone App to help find a ATA mechanic

admin — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 11:35:18 +0000

A new ATA (Automotive Technician Accreditation) iPhone app which helps drivers locate a skilled and fully-qualified technician has now been launched.

The free, easy-to-use app can be downloaded immediately to help drivers make sure their car is safe before driving off to visit relatives.

The Institute of the Motor Industry developed the programme, which helps locate a garage with ATA-registered technicians you know you can rely on.

Just search for “ATA Find A Mechanic” at the Apps Store on your iPhone. Or visit OKwithATA.com.

Don’t forget your car needs regular servicing – don’t just rely on a MOT – especially with the recent cold weather. The IMI also recomends getting your tyres and oil checked before embarking on a long journey this Christmas. And while you’re preparing for your Christmas road trip – a few other top tips from the ATA to help you on your way (other than to perfect your fake ‘It’s just what I’ve always wanted!’ smile):

1. Check if the garage employs ATA technicians and/or IMI members, who all possess a membership card to show they are suitably qualified. Alternatively ask if the business is registered with a Trading Standards scheme.

2. Ensure that the garage is familiar with your car’s make and model.

3. Prior to booking your car in, consider how it’s been running. Be honest – inform the service staff of any problems and/or any recent work carried out.

4. Check what is included within the service – ask to see a copy of the service schedule for your vehicle type.

5. Check the breakdown of costs, including all parts, consumables, labour and VAT – you should know exactly what you are paying for.

6. Insist that no additional work is undertaken without your express permission. If recommended, this should be quoted against, not estimated.

7 Ask for any replaced parts to be retained for your inspection upon collection.

8. Ensure that you receive a detailed itemised report with a verbal explanation of the work undertaken and/or recommended. Ask about the garage’s quality control checks and make sure your service book is stamped.

9. Ensure that the name of the technician that works on your car is detailed on your invoice. Ask to speak to him or her specifically, if you have any concerns or require necessary explanations.

10. Ensure that you receive a guarantee. Make sure you know what it covers, check the period of validity and identify the complaints procedure, should a query arise.

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Gadgets distract young drivers

Alan — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:44:25 +0000

New research from a study conducted by the RAC showed that young drivers are most likely to be distracted while driving by gadgets than any other group of drivers.

The study found that drivers in their teens up the age of 24 were the most likely to get distracted while driving by popular high tech gadgets such as satellite navigation devices, CD players, and mobile phones.

Out of those surveyed, an astounding 55% of the teens admitted that they had looked away from the road while driving to fiddle with gadgets narrowly avoiding trouble on the road.

It also showed that the two most distracting devices were often the radio or a CD player. After searching for a song on the radio or a CD player, the largest distraction was trying to use a mobile phone while driving or trying to operate the GPS system. Following close behind was distraction caused by warning lights on the dashboard or playing with the air conditioning/heating settings.

David Bizley, the director of the RAC, stated that those who are unable to safely operate car devices put not only themselves at risk on the road but also other motorists. He continued to warn that placing yourself in this situation can be disastrous if the wrong combination of events occurs.

Additional research also indicated that drivers should be looking at hazards on the road instead of depending on their cars to safely navigate the roads for them due to the advancement of GPS systems.

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New iPhone application for insurance claims

Alan — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 08:15:33 +0000

A new iPhone application is on the way from More Th>N that provides drivers with instant assistance if an accident happens. The new car claim app from More Th>N is the first UK car insurance company app to be introduced.

The tool’s launch is a response to a study commissioned by the car insurance group that showed that approximately 38% of all drivers do not get enough of the third party details after a car accident occurs. In order to make a proper claim this information is vital.

Managing director of More Th>N stated that since a car accident is traumatic by nature many people find themselves too frazzled to remember all of the information that they should from the scene of the accident.

He continued to say that with the current advancements in mobile technology the company is now able to provide instant help to customers at the scene of the accident to help the claim process proceed much more smoothly so that consumers can get back to their lives as quickly as possible.

According to a statement from the firm, the new application takes the driver through a step by step assistance program of safety precautions after an accident, and then prompts the user to record vital information from the scene such as accident information and witness accounts and details.

Users can also add pictures to their file as well as upload the exact location of the accident using GPS, which built into the application.

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Why are there so many bright lights on the road?

Alan — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 07:41:54 +0000

While some may have noticed that there are more bright lights on the road, the average driver has no idea why it seems as if everyone has their high beams on.

The answer is simple, because there is a slow transition in the car manufacturing world to LED lights instead of incandescent lights.

LED lights use electricity to glow when the current runs through them, instead of waiting for a filament to heat up. As a result, not only do the lights not need to heat up, so they are instantly able to light up, which means much brighter light over all.

The brighter side of this fact is that LED lights do not require as much energy from the car engine to work which means that the car gets a break and so does your wallet since less energy means less fuel consumption.

The other reason your bank balance may get a little less hammering, is due to the fact that LED lights have a longer lifespan than their incandescent counterparts with a lifespan that can last well over 11 years if manufactured correctly.

The downside is that LED lights are more expensive to make which is why you will see them on prestige cars for the time being, although they are slowly trickling down into more of the common brands as well.

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Novus Piccolo helps pinpoint speed cameras

Alan — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 06:31:39 +0000

This Christmas an innovative company has developed a gadget that will help speeders, er, cautious motorists, avoid a ticket with a gadget called the Novus Piccolo.

The small handheld gadget is barely larger than a set of keys but is able to detect almost all types of fixed cameras including both speed cameras and red light cameras.

The device also warns a motorist about accident black spots and mobile sites to make sure that each trip out on the motorway is the safest possible. It also helps keep motorists on track in badly lit areas where speed limits may not be legible by announcing the proper legal speed limit when a car is approaching a camera site.

In fact, the Novus Piccolo makes it hard to incur a traffic ticket unless you are aiming to get picked up by a speed camera, due to the fact that it countdowns to the speed camera on a large bright LED lit display, gives out timed warnings when approaching cameras, and issues a last minute over speed warning when your vehicle approaches the intersection where a speed camera is fixed.

For those who may be worried about the legalities of using such a device, the Novus Piccolo is a completely legal gadget that has a two year manufacturer’s warranty and automatic updates on a weekly basis so that you never travel unprotected while on the British roadways again.

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First airbag seatbelts from Ford

Alan — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 23:50:28 +0000

Ford is producing the motor industry’s first ever inflatable rear seat belts.

The new seatbelts combine the best of both traditional seat belts and air bags as the seat belt is set to deploy only 40ms after a crash, so that the impact of the crash is distributed across the body by more than five times more area.

This in turn reduces the chance of injury from a collision.

Airbags have been able to keep those in the front seat safe for a long time, but now Ford hopes to bring the same type of safety to back seat occupants who tend to be older passengers or children who have a higher chance of injury.

Although the new inflatable seat belts fit differently across the body Ford states that a good majority of their research class stated that the seat belts are as comfortable if not more comfortable than normal seat belts.

The new inflatable belts will premier next year on the Ford Explorer America SUV and will eventually be offered worldwide, although Ford did not offer a date.

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