Lost Password? No account yet? Register
  • Narrow screen resolution
  • Wide screen resolution
  • Auto width resolution
  • Increase font size
  • Decrease font size
  • Default font size
  • default color
  • red color
  • green color

Gadget Gurus

Wednesday
Jan 07th
Home arrow "Best Of" Lists arrow 2008 Telematics Demo Car
2008 Telematics Demo Car Print E-mail
Written by Martin Scott   

One of the "hot topics" at CES for the past couple of years has been the ever-evolving field of "telematics," which is basically the ability to all systems components to communicate with each other and with external systems.  In 2008, we will be creating a GADGET GURUS TELEMATICS SHOWCASE CAR, which includes features and systems that we believe are the state-of-the-art in intelligent automotive technologies.

Our poject car is a 2006 Pontiac Solstice, chosen mostly because it is a cool little roadster (plus we picked a 2006 because we wanted it to already be out of the 36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty).

At the heart of our Telematics Solstice will be a 2GHz PC that features an AM/FM Radio, XM Satellite Radio, GPS Navigation, and will allow hands free cell phone operation. Full infotainment capabilities such as on the go e-mail, TV, DVD playback, MP3/MP4, and close to 900gb of media storage, all controlled by a 7-inch touch screen display.  This system was created by integrating the following components:

Stay tuned to this list as it will change throughout 2008.  After we install and test each component, we will be writing an article about each one (and creating a link to it above).

 
< Prev   Next >
[ Back ]

TECH2 LAKE HOUSE to be Completed Spring 2009

techhouse-1208.jpg

DEC 2008 UPDATE - Ron Rosberg's current project home, the Technology Lake House, is currently under construction on the shores of Clearlake in Northern California.  The new high-tech dock is complete, and the roofline is beginning to take shape.  So far, more than a dozen technology vendors have stepped up to sponsor this project, which has been simmering in Ron's head since he attended the first CES show in New York in 1967.  The 7,500 square foot project (plus two existing rustic cabin guest houses) is being built on a six-acre Honeymoon Cove resort with 500 feet of beach directly across from Konocti Harbor Resort.  This summer retreat will host two technology gatherings annually, inviting Western states home builders, contractors, and technology consultants for a live open house.  There is room to park up to twelve boats in the main dock and the guest dock, so plan on coming up for some lake fun after the project is complete.  For more info, send email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , or call 650-342-5642.  To see the latest photos, visit Ron's Flickr gallery.

We are currently looking for products to evaluate in these areas:

  • Home automation: lighting, security, HVAC and entertainment
  • A/V technology for the 500 SF home theater media demo room
  • Remote video (needed ASAP for monitoring construction live)
Hot News on Cool New Features: The ENTIRE front of the home will be made of sliding NanaWall glass panels that fold into the walls, opening the entire home up to the lake during demo days.

Who are the Gadget Gurus?

peopleatsign.jpg Gadget Gurus technology reviews are heard and read by millions of people across the United States, including more than a dozen print publications, dozens of tier-one radio stations, on third-party websites, and more than ever, online at our own website.

NEWS: In 2009, you will see a number of exciting announcements from Gadget Gurus, including podcasts, our syndicated "Gadgets-in-a-Minute" broadcasts, and our ever-expanding "Best Of" lists.   Also, you will be seeing our portfolio of magazine "gadget pages" growing into a number of vertical markets.