Posts from the Gadgets Category at Autoblog UK

GoPro Hero can make you (look like) one

Posted Nov 16th 2008 5:08AM by Andrew Hopkins
Filed under: Gadgets, Tech, Toys, Trends

The GoPro Hero digital videocamera is like creating SpeedTV for the masses... without the non-stop NASCAR coverage. The three-megapixel Hero is the world's smallest on-board camera, and it sticks to anything without fuss. It has 16 MB of internal storage, but you can blow that out to 2 GB, good for about 56 minutes. It's got a self-timer, a USB and RCA cable included, works on PC and Mac, and because of its nifty plastic case, you can use it in the rain. And unlike a SpeedTV production, the Hero will only cost you $180. Can we get an "amen!"?

BMW wants to help develop open-source in-vehicle platform

Posted Nov 2nd 2008 4:57AM by Andrew Hopkins
Filed under: Gadgets, Tech, BMW

Automakers have been adding electronic gizmos to vehicles for decades, and operating systems have been developed to allow each system communicate with one another. The OSs are different from one brand to the next, but BMW wants to help develop a system using an open-source Linux platform it's helping to create along with Google and Wind River Systems.

Using Linux as a base would allow anyone with a background in coding to make changes to the system to suit each manufacturer's needs. Plus, a single platform would make it easier for third-party vendors to create hardware or an application and be sure that it would work correctly in any vehicle using the OS. Automakers such as General Motors and Chrysler sound interested in the idea, while Ford and Honda, which already use a Microsoft OS in their cars, have a few more questions that need answering before they are ready to jump on the open-source bandwagon. In any case, in-car gadgetry's not going anywhere and it will take years for any one system to made standard.

OVERDESIGNED?

Posted Oct 14th 2008 2:33PM by Pete Mait
Filed under: Paris Motorshow, Acura, Alfa Romeo , Aston Martin, Geneva Motor Show, Paris Motorcycle Show, Tokyo Motor Show, Economy, Gadgets, Green, Humour, Trends, Maybach, Peugeot, Galleries

If you thought the design of the Peugeot 307 was a bit too aggressive, then you'll be gobsmacked by the enormous radiator grille of its direct successor, the 308.
Whereas its predecessor had a certain cohesion (the 307 was an all-round success), the 308 gives the impression that they have now pushed the concept just a little too far. The term that springs to mind is 'overdesigned'.

The bonnet with its deep-set headlights, pronounced nose and enormous radiator grille sporting a graceless integrated bumper, makes a ragged and disjointed impression.
If you stand behind and slightly to one side of the vehicle, you are struck by
the unfinished appearance of the prow with its prominent nose and wheel arches.
Even the area on the front wing that has been kept black to optically lengthen the side window-line looks out of proportion, just as in the Mercedes Benz B-Class.

Gallery: Peugeot 308

The tail is broken up by lots of beading and gratuitous lines.
These comments should not be taken to imply that I feel that the more conservative the design, the more beautiful is the car. It is always a question of personal taste. But it certainly leaves us wondering what direction Peugeot will take with the next generation of the 308. Perhaps back to simplicity without being boring? This is after all where the skill lies in car design.

By contrast, the interior gives the impression of quality and success, especially with the optional leather dash.
Its flat A-pillars and the van-like quality of the cabin create an airy feeling of space.
At least no-one could accuse the 308 of being boring. And for that reason alone it should certainly attract a reasonable fan base.