Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[McDonalds to offer ChargePoint electric vehicle charging stations]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/06/mcdonalds-to-offer-chargepoint-electric-vehicle-charging-statio/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/06/mcdonalds-to-offer-chargepoint-electric-vehicle-charging-statio/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/06/mcdonalds-to-offer-chargepoint-electric-vehicle-charging-statio/#comments Mind you, we're talking just one of the 30,000 or so McDonalds around the world. Nevertheless, the first "green" version of the ubiquitous US "restaurant" will offer NovaCharge ChargePoint electric vehicle charging stations when it opens in Cary, North Carolina on July 14th. The idea is to recharge your plug-in Electric Vehicle while "enjoying your meal." Unfortunately, the current generation of EV batteries won't likely benefit from the 10 minutes or so it takes to gulp down a value meal. However, Mickey D's might be on to something should drivers choose to stay for the additional 2-hours of regret that follows.

[Via RedFerret]

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McDonalds to offer ChargePoint electric vehicle charging stations originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 07:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobilechargepointcharging stationChargingStationelectric vehicleElectricVehicleevmcdonaldsnovachargepluginMon, 06 Jul 2009 07:03:00 EST<![CDATA[BMW kicking Garmin's zumo 660 up a notch with the Motorrad Navigator IV]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/06/bmw-kicking-garmins-zumo-660-up-a-notch-with-the-motorrad-navig/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/06/bmw-kicking-garmins-zumo-660-up-a-notch-with-the-motorrad-navig/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/06/bmw-kicking-garmins-zumo-660-up-a-notch-with-the-motorrad-navig/#comments Sure, Garmin's zumo 660 was designed with the biker in mind, but BMW's taking it one step further with the latest in its branded Motorrad series, the Navigator IV. Based on Garmin's GPS ditty, it's got the same 4.3-inch "glove friendly" touchscreen, voice control, and A2DP support. It can withstand heavy vibration, fuel sprays, UV rays, is waterproof and most importantly, can play your favorite adrenaline-pumping tunes for when those other precautions are being handily tested. Additionally, we've got a four-button motorcycle mount and it comes pre-loaded with a database of BMW dealers, just in case you ever need one in a jiff. Coming third quarter to US and Europe, there's no word on price yet, but as a basis for comparison, the cost of the zumo 660 is about $700.

[Via NaviGadget]

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BMW kicking Garmin's zumo 660 up a notch with the Motorrad Navigator IV originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bikebmwbmw motorradbmw motorrad navigatorbmw motorrad navigator ivbmw navigatorbmw navigator ivBmwMotorradBmwMotorradNavigatorBmwMotorradNavigatorIvBmwNavigatorBmwNavigatorIvgarmingarmin zmo 660garmin zumo 660GarminZmo660GarminZumo660motor bikemotor cycleMotorBikeMotorCyclemotorradmotorrad navigatormotorrad navigator ivMotorradNavigatorMotorradNavigatorIvnavigatornavigator ivNavigatorIvzmo 660Zmo660zumo 660Zumo660Mon, 06 Jul 2009 03:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain Piccard unveils Solar Impulse HB-SIA solar-powered plane]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/03/captain-piccard-unveils-solar-impulse-hb-sia-solar-powered-plane/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/03/captain-piccard-unveils-solar-impulse-hb-sia-solar-powered-plane/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/03/captain-piccard-unveils-solar-impulse-hb-sia-solar-powered-plane/#comments
You might have seen solar-powered planes before, but few of them come with as much world-changing ambition as the Solar Impulse. Launched in 2003, the project aims to demonstrate the viability of renewable energy sources by being the first to perform a manned flight around the globe using only solar power. The technology is nothing to scoff at, as the 200-foot wingspan features 12,000 photovoltaic solar cells bringing power to four electric motors. Captain Bertrand Piccard, one of the key men behind this project, is best known as one half of the first team to circumnavigate the world in a balloon in 1999. He hopes, together with partner André Borschberg, to repeat that achievement in Solar Impulse's next iteration, the HB-SIB, in 2012. Make it so, guys.

[Via Gizmag]

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Captain Piccard unveils Solar Impulse HB-SIA solar-powered plane originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aircraftandre borschbergAndreBorschbergbertrand piccardBertrandPiccardflightgliderhb siahb-siaHbSiajetphotovoltaicplanerenewable energyRenewableEnergySolar impulsesolar impulse hb siasolar impulse hb-siasolar powersolar-poweredSolarImpulseSolarImpulseHb-siaSolarImpulseHbSiaSolarPowerFri, 03 Jul 2009 22:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan considers adding noise pollution to hybrids]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/03/japan-considers-adding-noise-pollution-to-hybrids/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/03/japan-considers-adding-noise-pollution-to-hybrids/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/03/japan-considers-adding-noise-pollution-to-hybrids/#comments Any big city bicyclist knows that being small and silent on the street is a deadly combination. Drivers of 2-ton cages are simply immune to anything but the sights and sounds of combustion engines riding four on the floor. This issue affects silent-running hybrids and compact electrics too, something Japan's government is taking seriously in a new government review that could result in a mandate for the inclusion of "a sound making function" in their future eco-rides. Safety aside, we presume Japanese manufacturers would choose a sound that's as tasteful and unassuming as their locally brewed hybrids. Imagine if GM was to make a similar decision... oh, right.

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Japan considers adding noise pollution to hybrids originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automobileecarecoeco careco-friendlyEcoCarelectricelectric carElectricCarhybridsilentsoundsound effectsound effectsSoundEffectSoundEffectsFri, 03 Jul 2009 08:01:00 EST<![CDATA[T3 Motion goes third wheelin' with its CT3 personal commuter EV ]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/t3-motion-goes-third-wheelin-with-its-ct3-personal-commuter-ev/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/t3-motion-goes-third-wheelin-with-its-ct3-personal-commuter-ev/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/02/t3-motion-goes-third-wheelin-with-its-ct3-personal-commuter-ev/#comments Don't get too excited, the above picture's only a render, but T3 Motion -- the company that brought you the security-focused electric stand-up vehicle -- is planning to bring this whip to life as the CT3 personal commuter / EV. As Autoblog points out, the lack of a fourth wheel should help this get classified as a motorcycle, meaning it won't be relegated to zipping around the neighborhood but still will be kept to a 45MPH top speed. However, a 80MPH CT-S version is in the works and will be entered into the Auto X Prize that'll get an envious 100 miles per gallon. Hit up the read link for the full presser.

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T3 Motion goes third wheelin' with its CT3 personal commuter EV originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 02:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ct3electric vehicleElectricVehicleevt3t3 motiont3 motion incT3MotionT3MotionInctricycleThu, 02 Jul 2009 02:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Stronger airline seats with airbags might just save your life, even on a business trip]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/stronger-airline-seats-with-airbags-might-just-save-your-life-e/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/stronger-airline-seats-with-airbags-might-just-save-your-life-e/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/01/stronger-airline-seats-with-airbags-might-just-save-your-life-e/#commentsStronger airline seats with airbags might just save your life, even on a business trip If you're a product recall specialist hoping for your relatives to bank it big on an airline disaster-related life insurance claim, this post isn't for you. For everyone else who'd like a greater chance of walking away from a decidedly rough landing, here's your ticket. New airline safety regulations going into effect this fall require that all airline seats stay intact even under an impact of 16 times the force of gravity -- nearly double the old nine G requirement. As of now any aircraft model introduced after 1988 has the sturdier new seats, but starting October 27 all planes will. Additionally, a number of airlines are starting to have seats sporting airbags but, wouldn't you know it, they're largely found in first class. Ostensibly that's because the greater gaps between seats means in an impact your calm, blank face won't get restrained by the tray of the seat ahead, but you know the truth, don't you?

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Stronger airline seats with airbags might just save your life, even on a business trip originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We won't bother detailing just how sophisticated the system is that's powering the wild whip you're peering at above. We won't bother mentioning just how many A123Systems batteries are installed, nor how intelligent the creator is. We won't bother wearing our jealously on our sleeves. What we will do, however, is point you after the break in order to have a look at just how exhilarating a ride in the LOLrio Cart (otherwise known as an electric go-kart) is. Harris Teeter, you getting all this?

[Via AutoblogGreen]

Continue reading Video: Grocery cart morphs into electric go-kart, insanity ensues

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Video: Grocery cart morphs into electric go-kart, insanity ensues originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 09:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It might look like your run-of-the-mill car seat, but Dorel's Air Protect comes with an extra dose of parental paranoia, or as they call it, side impact protection. Sure, you could protect your child by not driving like a reckless maniac, but where's the techno-loving fun in that? You're far better off strapping junior into a pre-inflated airbag, while disregarding the fact your giant SUV is killing the world he is supposed to grow, live and love in. Now that we've guilt-tripped you into recycling your soda cans, how about a self-serving video of the crash test after the break?

Continue reading Video: Dorel Air Protect keeps your blow-up children safe

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Video: Dorel Air Protect keeps your blow-up children safe originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 05:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[Via Switched]

Continue reading Toyota's mind-controlled wheelchair boast fastest brainwave analysis yet, most stylish EEG cap

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Toyota's mind-controlled wheelchair boast fastest brainwave analysis yet, most stylish EEG cap originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 03:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Following in the footsteps of its bigger brother, the AIRPod is a zero-emissions vehicle capable of reaching 50mph and requiring only air and your dignity for its fuel. Makers MDI are set to begin production by the end of the year, while Air France and KLM have already signed up to use the quirky-looking cars for airport shuttle duty. Nick Kurczewski of Inside Line got to test out a prototype and came away with mixed feelings, liking the 90 mile cruising range and "penny per mile" running costs, but finding the ride a bit bumpy. For his full impressions, as well as likely pricing and availability, hit the read link below.

[Via AutoblogGreen]

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AIRPod looks dorky, makes friends easily originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airAir CarAIR Podair poweredAirCarAIRPodAirPoweredcompressed air carCompressedAirCarecologicalenvironmentflowAIRinside lineInsideLineMDIzero emissionsZeroEmissionsMon, 29 Jun 2009 08:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt's first pre-production model now on the road, in testing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/26/chevy-volts-first-pre-production-model-now-on-the-road-in-test/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/26/chevy-volts-first-pre-production-model-now-on-the-road-in-test/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/26/chevy-volts-first-pre-production-model-now-on-the-road-in-test/#comments And with that, the first bona fide pre-production Chevy Volt -- its own parts and all -- has hit the pavement. General Motor's storied EV will be taken through the ropes to see what needs to be tweaked / modified before it finally goes into full production, which is expected to be at a rate of about ten a week as of mid-July -- and if you happen to live near Warren, Michigan, you might just spot one of these early models out on the road. Hard to believe Volt's defied more than a few odds, but so far, it looks promising. Good on ya, GM.

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Chevy Volt's first pre-production model now on the road, in testing originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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High five, Tesla fans -- everyone's favorite incredibly controversial electric car company has just been granted $465m in loans from the Department of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing program. The bulk of the money will go towards that postponed Model S factory, while the remaining $100m will be used to fund an electric powertrain manufacturing facility that will sell parts like motors and battery packs to other carmakers. Tesla wasn't the DOE's only big winner: Nissan received $1.6b (billion!) to build batteries and EVs in Tennessee and Ford received an undisclosed amount to build two upcoming electric cars, but since those companies have largely drama-free upper management that isn't constantly involved in lawsuits, it feels a little more routine. Still, it's an exciting time -- let's hope all these tax dollars turn into affordable, convenient electric transportation sooner rather than later.

Update: A "congressional source" has told the AP that Ford's getting $5.9 billion, so yeah, the Oval's still the big dog.

Read - Tesla
Read - Ford
Read - Nissan

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Tesla, Ford, Nissan all receive electric car development loans from US government originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Let's face it: no one digs long security lines at airports. But if you reckoned a healthy amount of folks would be willing to pay $128 per year in order to bypass said lines at only a few airports in the world, you'd be wrong. After launching with high hopes back in 2005, Clear has quietly folded after failing to "negotiate an agreement with its senior creditor to continue operations." There's no word on what'll happen to existing paying customers, but we get the feeling they'll be directed towards a somewhat unpleasant creek sans a paddle. Or, you know, that poorly staffed lane to the left with 384 (give or take) cantankerous, shoeless travelers.

[Image courtesy of Airliners]

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Clear shuffles through its last upstanding citizen, tells the rest to fall in line originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airplaneairportclearclear securityClearSecurityflyfly clearFlyClearflyingsecuritytransportationTue, 23 Jun 2009 09:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Autonet Mobile in-car WiFi router goes national with Amazon availability]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/autonet-mobile-in-car-wifi-router-goes-national-with-amazon-avai/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/autonet-mobile-in-car-wifi-router-goes-national-with-amazon-avai/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/autonet-mobile-in-car-wifi-router-goes-national-with-amazon-avai/#commentsSo, what does a company do when the two major outfits hired on to install its wares go belly-up? Why, put the power in the hands of the people, of course! After spending entirely too much time with Chrysler and General Motors, Autonet Mobile has decided to give consumers another option for having an in-car WiFi router installed: Amazon. Starting now, those interested in shoving a hotspot in their vehicle can purchase the router for $299.99 after rebate and handle the install themselves, but none of this makes that $29 monthly charge any easier to swallow.

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Autonet Mobile in-car WiFi router goes national with Amazon availability originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 09:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonAutonet MobileAutonetMobilehotspotin-carin-car wifiIn-carWifiinterneton saleOnSaleroutertravelwifiWLANTue, 23 Jun 2009 09:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Pioneer uses WiMAX to buffer content into your commute]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/pioneer-uses-wimax-to-buffer-content-into-your-commute/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/pioneer-uses-wimax-to-buffer-content-into-your-commute/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/23/pioneer-uses-wimax-to-buffer-content-into-your-commute/#commentsPioneer uses WiMAX to buffer content into your commute What the world needs now is another distraction to keep a driver's eyes off the road, and Pioneer is ensuring wheelmen of the future will have something other than the asphalt to focus on with what it's calling the Network AV playback system. It relies on WiMAX to send your entire backlog of Knight Rider episodes straight to your Trans Am, and could stream every track from the Ronin Original Motion Picture Soundtrack too. Pioneer also envisions its technology beaming data to your backyard and anywhere else you can get a WiMAX connection -- which, right now, isn't too many places. But, hey, at least with this tech you can drive somewhere that does. Optimistic video after the break.

[Via DigInfo]

Continue reading Pioneer uses WiMAX to buffer content into your commute

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Pioneer uses WiMAX to buffer content into your commute originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Smug about your 65 mpg Prius potential? Don't be. A little car from up-start Riversimple looks set to deliver the equivalent of 300 mpg, running on hydrogen and utilizing a network of small fuel cells to power four motors, one per wheel. The recently unveiled prototype manages 240 miles on just 2.2 lbs of hydrogen, has a top speed of 50 mph, seats two (reasonably) comfortably, and looks a little like a smiling, new-age Citroen 2CV -- but will hopefully be a more enjoyable to drive. That considerable range means that the relative lack of hydrogen distribution stations is less of a problem (until you can get one for your garage), and an estimated monthly lease price of just £200 (about $330) makes it potentially affordable. The only question now is availability of the cars themselves, and since nobody's talking about that you needn't worry about delaying that appointment with your local Toyota dealer.

[Via TG Daily]

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Hydrogen-powered Riversimple Urban Car unveiled, makes your hybrid green with envy originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 16 Jun 2009 07:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember that piezoelectric road prototype we saw late last year? Looks like someone (besides us) thought it was a good idea. According to The Daily Mail, a Sainsbury's supermarket in Gloucester, UK (you've never been there), has installed kinetic plates in the parking lot that use the weight of shopper's cars to pump a series of hydraulic pipes, which in turn drive a generator. The system is said to generate up to 30kw of energy an hour -- or enough to power the store's checkouts. And if that weren't enough, the store is also harvesting rainwater and heating it (during the summer, at least) with solar panels. The next in this store's "eco-friendly evolution?" Might we suggest Soylent in the deli? We hear the "green" stuff is particularly good.

[Via Green Launches, Thanks Deepa]

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Supermarket generates piezoelectric power in parking lot originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Jun 2009 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eco-friendlyelectricityenergygreenhighwayparking lotpiezoelectricpiezoelectricspowerroadsoylent greenSoylentGreentranspoUKMon, 15 Jun 2009 10:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Tesla founder sues Tesla, Elon Musk]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/11/tesla-founder-sues-tesla-elon-musk/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/11/tesla-founder-sues-tesla-elon-musk/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/11/tesla-founder-sues-tesla-elon-musk/#comments
Tesla's done a good job keeping itself out of the courtroom recently, but the good times don't last forever -- founder Martin Eberhard has just sued the company and CEO Elon Musk for libel, slander, and breach of contract. Eberhard claims that after he and Mark Tapenning founded Tesla, he was summarily pushed out of the company by Musk, wrongfully denied his severance package, and then disparaged both publicly and within the company -- and on top of it all, Musk sent the second Roadster produced out for "endurance testing" where it was wrecked instead being sold to Eberhard as promised. Ouch. Interestingly, the core of the lawsuit directly mirrors the suit filed former PR director David Vespremi over the same series of events, so it seems like there's a pattern here, but we'll see how much of this is true when Tesla and Eberhard face off in the courtroom -- our friends at Autoblog Green just received this statement from legendarily-prickly Tesla PR spokesperson Rachel Konrad:
This lawsuit is a fictionalized, inaccurate account of Tesla's early years -- it's twisted and wrong, and we welcome the opportunity to set the record straight. Incidentally, Tesla will also be filing counterclaims and in the process present an accurate account of the company's history.
Yeah, we'd say there are some fireworks brewing. Stay tuned.

Read - Autoblog Green
Read - Wired
Read - Eberhard's complaint [Warning: PDF]

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Tesla founder sues Tesla, Elon Musk originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While Aircell's high-speed in-flight internet service and other similar options are quickly becoming commonplace on commercial airlines, folks on private jets have so far had nothing to do but sit in their plush leather seats and drown their sorrows in a selection from the on-board wine cabinet. That dire situation now looks to be changing, however, as Cessna has just announced a partnership with Aircell that'll see the 3G-based in-flight WiFi service available as a factory option on its Citation XLS+, Citation Sovereign and Citation X business jets. As if that wasn't enough, it seems that the upgrade may even be eligible for bonus tax depreciation under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, so really, you might as well just get that new plane. It practically pays for itself.

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Cessna to offer Aircell high-speed internet on Citation private jets originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 01:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Apparently not content to simply build a hybrid vehicle that's both energy-efficient and luxurious, Mercedes has now gone the extra mile with its new 2009 S-Class ESF concept, which packs more than a dozen different safety features including airbags inside and out. That latter outside-the-car airbag is actually a giant braking bag that deploys under the car when it "senses an imminent crash," which not only creates some added friction to slow the car down, but lifts the front of the car up about 80mm to compensate for brake dive. Other uncommon safety features include curtain airbags between the seats, airbags in the seatbelts, reflective tires, and "inflatable metal structures" throughout the vehicle, which apparently both saves space and increases crash protection. Unfortunately, there's no word on any further improvements to the hybrid side of things, but Mercedes' existing S400 Hybrid isn't exactly too shabby of a place to begin with.

[Via Autoblog]

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Mercedes debuts airbag-laden S-Class ESF hybrid concept originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009 s-class esf2009S-classEsfairbagshybridmercedesmercedes s-classmercedes s-class esfmercedes s-class hybridmercedes s400mercedes s400 hybridMercedesS-classMercedesS-classEsfMercedesS-classHybridMercedesS400MercedesS400Hybrids-class esfS-classEsfs400s400 hybridS400HybridTue, 09 Jun 2009 18:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Zero MX all-electric motorcycle takes on the trails]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/zero-mx-all-electric-motorcycle-takes-on-the-trails/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/zero-mx-all-electric-motorcycle-takes-on-the-trails/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/zero-mx-all-electric-motorcycle-takes-on-the-trails/#comments
Not one to rest on its ultra-quiet laurels, Zero Motorcycles has just introduced its newest zero-emissions bike: the Zero MX. Hitting the scene just a month and change after we test drove the Zero S, this whip is engineered specifically for track riding and motocross, with the fork, shocks, wheels and tires being all new for this model. In fact, we're told that the MX will enable riders to jump higher and land softer, with a beefier front-end and a "custom rear shock that gives riders a fully adjustable spring preload and easily tuned damping." Better still, it's available as we speak for the not-at-all-reasonable price of $8,250, though at least we're heading in the right direction -- the aforesaid Zero S rang up at nearly ten large (while that Brammo bike we tested today starts at twelve grand). Live action video is after the break.

Continue reading Zero MX all-electric motorcycle takes on the trails

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Zero MX all-electric motorcycle takes on the trails originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 17:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-electricbikeeco-friendlyelectric motorcycleElectricMotorcyclegreenmotorcyclezeroZero MotorcyclesZero MXZeroMotorcyclesZeroMxTue, 09 Jun 2009 17:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget cruises with the Brammo Enertia electric motorcycle (with videos!)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/engadget-cruises-with-the-brammo-enertia-electric-motorcycle-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/engadget-cruises-with-the-brammo-enertia-electric-motorcycle-wi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/09/engadget-cruises-with-the-brammo-enertia-electric-motorcycle-wi/#commentsEngadget cruises with the Brammo Enertia electric motorcycle (with video!) Little more than a month after getting our sweaty, gloveless mitts on the Zero Motorcycles Zero S we received an offer to ride yet another high-tech wunderbike: the Brammo Enertia. Naturally our first reaction was excitement -- excitement only slightly dampened by news that we'd again be using the gridlocked NYC streets as our test track. But, we risked life, limb, and the ire of many a taxi driver to get some impressions of the latest electric motorcycle to hit the streets, and grabbed some video action of it all too. Read on for the lot.

Gallery: Brammo enertia test-ride

Continue reading Engadget cruises with the Brammo Enertia electric motorcycle (with videos!)

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Engadget cruises with the Brammo Enertia electric motorcycle (with videos!) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best buyBestBuybrammobrammo enertiaBrammoEnertiaelectirc motorcycleElectircMotorcycleelectricenertiafeaturefeaturedfeaturesgeek squadGeekSquadlithium phosphatelithium polymerLithiumPhosphateLithiumPolymermotorcyclereviewtest rideTestRideTue, 09 Jun 2009 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[AutoLinQ initiative taps Android for new connected car initiative]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/autolinq-initiative-taps-android-for-new-connected-car-initiativ/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/autolinq-initiative-taps-android-for-new-connected-car-initiativ/http://www.engadget.com/2009/06/08/autolinq-initiative-taps-android-for-new-connected-car-initiativ/#comments

This is a bit of a wild one: some very disparate companies are (apparently) teaming up to conquer the car, Microsoft Sync style. Details are a bit slim at the moment, but Continental Auto Group has announced plans to build what they're calling "the connected car." The new hardware and software system "leverages" the Android Marketplace, and encompasses car-friendly APIs, car-specific in-vehicle apps and a touchscreen interface plugged into a system designed to pull data from the web and control internal car systems. On a sketchier front, Phandroid has done some mucking around, and seems to think Google, BMW, T-Mobile, Wind River and SVOX are all on the short list for involvement. It's hard to say exactly how likely that might be, but we're happy to dream electric dreams of an OHA-style Sync killer along with them. Another shot is after the break.

[Via Phandroid]

Continue reading AutoLinQ initiative taps Android for new connected car initiative

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AutoLinQ initiative taps Android for new connected car initiative originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 16:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While it may seem as if BMW and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in Germany just hate seniors, we kind of doubt that's the prevailing mentality behind the admittedly brilliant Emergency Stop Assistant. Said technology is being testing as part of the Smart Senior project, and in theory, it will be able to detect medical emergencies, activate hazard lights and autonomously pull the car over safely if the driver cannot. Of course, we're still anxiously awaiting details on how the system plans on detecting said calamities and figuring out how to pull over without crashing, but one thing's for sure: OnStar just got a lot more outdated.

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BMW's Emergency Stop Assistant halts your vehicle if you can't originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've certainly seen Apple's iPhone act as an integral part of a vehicle before, but we've yet to see one front and center on a motorbike. Hailed as the planet's first "digital superbike," the MotoCzysz E1pc packs some pretty sick technology from end-to-end. Aside from being a zero-emissions, all-electric motorcycle, it reportedly relies on Apple's darling for its instrumentation. Sadly, details about what exactly the iPhone handles are few and far between, but hopefully we'll hear more after its upcoming run in the TTXGP on June 12th. Two more looks after the break.

[Via Hell For Leather]

Continue reading MotoCzysz E1pc electric superbike packs iPhone in the dash

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MotoCzysz E1pc electric superbike packs iPhone in the dash originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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So, we know you're as giddy as a child on Christmas morn' every time one of your flights turns out to have WiFi. But what if we told you that those puny 900+kbps transfers could soon be dwarfed by download rates as high as 45Mbps? This is Wi-SKY's claim, made during a presentation at the Immarsat Aeronautical Conference. According to Electronista, the technology relies on a series of radio towers that are each capable of broadcasting a distance of up to 54 miles. The company has yet to announce any airline partnerships or a timeline for deployment, so don't expect to do any bandwidth-intensive tech blogging from the skies over Laramie any time soon. But we do have an octane-fueled, high-adrenaline video for you. Peep it after the break.

Continue reading Video: Wi-SKY promises in-flight 45Mbps downloads, does nothing for your troubled conscience

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Video: Wi-SKY promises in-flight 45Mbps downloads, does nothing for your troubled conscience originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 16:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Remember that Miles Electric sedan we heard about last month? Yeah, well it's coming to California's shores next year. An all new car company, doing business under the name of Coda Automotive, has just been formed in order to bring said vehicle into production. The all-electric, four-door Coda won't break down any walls in the design department, but the $45,000 (mid-$30,000s after a $7,500 Federal tax credit and additional state incentives) whip sure sounds promising as an eco-friendly daily driver. Reportedly, it'll cruise for around 90 to 120 miles without needing a recharge, and the batteries within can be charged enough for a 40-mile commute in two hours. It'll also ship with a navigation system, Bluetooth, iPod support and power everything as standard, but sadly, there's no telling when it'll be sold outside of the The Golden State. Video promo is after the break.

Gallery: Coda Automotive launches Miles Electric sedan

Continue reading Video: Coda Automotive bringing Miles Electric's sedan to California in 2010

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Video: Coda Automotive bringing Miles Electric's sedan to California in 2010 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 11:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This, folks, is the definition of oxymoron. Intel's Atom processors are just barely quick enough to serve our lowly needs; would anything other than a Core i7 975 Extreme Edition really be fitting here? Ah well, at least it's not playing back copies of pirated material while out on the show floor.

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Full-fledged Atom PC finds home in toy Ferrari originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 09:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As General Motors finally caved this morning, waved the white flag and filed for bankruptcy, those following electric cars immediately wondered what this all would mean for the long-awaited Volt. For years now, GM has steadfastly affirmed that it was moving forward with production regardless of what else was going on within the company and the economy at large. According to Technology Review, a GM spokesperson confirmed again this morning that "the filing will have no impact on the company's plans to start selling the Volt at the end of next year." That said, we have to wonder how much such a statement really means; reports have stated that the US government may up holding as much as 60 percent of the company, and if the primary goal is to bring the outfit back to profitability as soon as possible, Obama and Company may not feel that pouring even more into the high-priced Volt is a good idea. In related news, we hear Tesla is still taking orders...

Update: GM has pushed out an official statement that (in a few words) also suggests that the Volt is still on track.

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GM says bankruptcy won't affect the Volt, but how much say does it have? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Jun 2009 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've finally got the details on that Ford SYNC refresh we recently warned you about. According to the company, current owners of 2010 vehicles with the device now can download and install the latest TDI (Traffic, Directions and Information) app for free. As mentioned before, the app connects a customer's Bluetooth-enabled cell phone to Ford's Service Delivery Network voice portal for turn-by-turn driving directions, real-time traffic, business searches, news, sports and weather. This bad boy will be available on all 2010 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury vehicles equipped with SYNC, $395. The sale price includes service for the first three years. Ready to SYNC your ride? Do you find the phrase "SYNC my ride" as amusing as we do? Hit that read link.

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Ford offers SYNC TDI update free for 2010 model owners originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 May 2009 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 ford2010 sync update2010Ford2010SyncUpdateford syncFordSyncmicrosoft syncMicrosoftSyncsyncFri, 29 May 2009 13:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Chevy Volt coasts closer to reality, first bona fide model now in production]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/27/chevy-volt-coasts-closer-to-reality-first-bona-fide-model-now-i/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/27/chevy-volt-coasts-closer-to-reality-first-bona-fide-model-now-i/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/27/chevy-volt-coasts-closer-to-reality-first-bona-fide-model-now-i/#comments General Motors has just cut the ribbon, metaphorically at least, on the production of the first genuine Chevy Volt integration vehicle. Unlike previous versions, which have been "developments mules" made using parts from the Malibu / Cruze lines, this will look (and hopefully feel) 100 percent like what the company plans to start pimping out this November. The pre-production model will be put through the paces in case the design needs to be refined and tweaked before going full steam ahead. GM is sticking pretty close to its original plan of building at a rate of ten a week by mid-July, with "several hundred more" going into production early next year, and with any luck, it'll be packing some standardized EV plug by then.

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Chevy Volt coasts closer to reality, first bona fide model now in production originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 May 2009 22:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chevroletchevrolet voltChevroletVoltchevychevy voltChevyVoltdevelopment muleDevelopmentMuleecelectricelectric carelectric vehicleElectricCarElectricVehicleevgeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmintegration vehicleIntegrationVehiclemulepre productionpre-productionPreProductionproductionvoltWed, 27 May 2009 22:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Eco Watercraft electric waverunner makes no sound, burns no fuel, zaps no fish]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/eco-watercraft-electric-waverunner-makes-no-sound-burns-no-fuel/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/eco-watercraft-electric-waverunner-makes-no-sound-burns-no-fuel/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/26/eco-watercraft-electric-waverunner-makes-no-sound-burns-no-fuel/#commentsEco Watercraft electric waverunner makes no sound, burns no fuel, zaps no fish Beware Big Oil executives: EVs aren't content to just take over the morning commute. They're targeting all motorized leisure activities, and while we've already seen how an electric motorcycle can be just as much fun as a petrol-powered version, electric waverunners look to be next. The company is Eco Watercraft, pledging to build its machines in a factory powered by renewable means, thus giving the vehicles twice the green cred. The model in the videos embedded below doesn't look like it could stand a chance of keeping up with some of the more powerful watercraft on the market today, like Yamaha's ridiculous FX Cruiser SHO and its supercharger, but it should be good enough to get your kicks whilst earning fewer dirty looks from birdwatching kayakers. Now if only we knew how much that privilege will cost you.

[Via TreeHugger]

Continue reading Eco Watercraft electric waverunner makes no sound, burns no fuel, zaps no fish

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Eco Watercraft electric waverunner makes no sound, burns no fuel, zaps no fish originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 May 2009 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sanyo was among the first to cram solid state storage into navigation systems when it did so back in May of last year. Nearly 12 months to the day after said introduction, the company is delivering its newest duo, which ups the ante by including "SSDs" (which is likely just a fancy title for flash storage) that are four times as capacious. The NVA-GS1409DT and NVA-GS1609FT systems, which are both in the AV Gorilla family, each boast a QVGA (480 x 240) display, 3D maps, an integrated DVD player, CD ripping functionality and even a digital TV tuner for catching OTA shows whilst parked in Tokyo traffic. There's also a 16GB slab of flash memory, half of which is already claimed by maps and POIs; still, that leaves 8GB of super-speedy storage for hosting your favorite playlists. Unfortunately, such a sweet solution demands quite the premium, with prices on the June-bound units starting at ¥135,000 ($1,423).

[Via Impress]

Gallery: Sanyo packs 16GB SSDs into new in-dash navigation systems

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Sanyo intros two new flash-based in-dash navigation systems originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 May 2009 02:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We've seen plenty of systems that rely on facial recognition for an interface, but they've so far been a decidedly rarer occurrence when it comes to in-car systems. Toshiba looks set to change that, however, with it now showing off a new system that'll not only let you control the A/C or radio with the glance of your eye, but alert you if you happen to take your eyes off the road for too long. That's done with the aid of a camera mounted above the steering wheel that's used to identify and map out the driver's face, letting the car (or desktop PC in this demonstration) detect everything from head movement and eye direction to eyelid blinks, which Toshiba says could eventually be used to alert drowsy drivers. Unfortunately, Toshiba doesn't have any immediate plans to commercialize the technology, although it apparently busily working to make it more suited for embedded CPUs.

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Toshiba shows off in-car facial recognition system originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 25 May 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotivefacial recognitionFacialRecognitionin-carin-car interfaceIn-carInterfacetoshibaMon, 25 May 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Schwinn Tailwind electric bike review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/22/schwinn-tailwind-electric-bike-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/22/schwinn-tailwind-electric-bike-review/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/22/schwinn-tailwind-electric-bike-review/#comments Schwinn's Tailwind electric bike -- which has been available for just a few months -- has been sitting in our apartment since post CES, waiting for the New York weather to shape up enough for us to give it a fair spin. Well, it's been beautiful recently, so the pedal-assist bike has been taken for several spins on our backyard BMX trail to see what kind of dust we could raise together. The bike is a retro, hulking, 58 pound package, with a Toshiba SCiB Quick Charge Plug n' Drive (SCiB) battery saddled onto the back for about 30 miles of assistance. It's an expensive (about $3,200) piece of eco-friendly transportation, to be sure. So the questions are thus: what do we think about Schwinn's latest foray into commuter cycles? Just who is this bike for? Will we ever get used to carrying it up and down our apartment stairs? Join us on the road after the break.

Continue reading Schwinn Tailwind electric bike review

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Schwinn Tailwind electric bike review originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 May 2009 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bicyclesbikebikeselectricelectric bicycleelectric bikeElectricBicycleElectricBikefeaturefeaturedfeaturesreviewreviewsschwinnschwinn tailwindschwinn tailwind electric bikeSchwinnTailwindSchwinnTailwindElectricBiketransportationFri, 22 May 2009 17:16:00 EST<![CDATA[GM touts new crash severity-predicting OnStar technology]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/22/gm-touts-new-crash-severity-predicting-onstar-technology/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/22/gm-touts-new-crash-severity-predicting-onstar-technology/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/22/gm-touts-new-crash-severity-predicting-onstar-technology/#commentsOnStar has been working with the CDC for a few years now in an effort to deliver real-time crash information to first responders, and it looks like it has now finally come up with something that's ready to be put to use. That comes in the form of OnStar's new Injury Severity Prediction technology, which apparently takes some recent CDC findings into account, and uses a whole range of sensors in the vehicle (along with other crash data) to predict whether a crash is likely to have caused severe injury to the people in the vehicle. That information can then be relayed to first responders with a simple severity prediction of "normal" or "high," which OnStar says should be especially helpful in cases where crash victims cannot speak for themselves. While there's no exact date for a rollout just yet, OnStar says it should be available to OnStar advisors "early next year," and that it'll be available on all vehicles equipped with OnStar's Automatic Crash Response system.

[Via GM FastLane]

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GM touts new crash severity-predicting OnStar technology originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 22 May 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's a bit off its target pace, but it looks like AT&T is now finally starting to roll out its CruiseCast in-car satellite TV / radio service, however slowly. According to OrbitCast, AT&T is now working with "small groups" of car audio specialists and distributors to get the service into the hands of a "few dozen customers" in order to test the service in advance of the full roll-out, which is now somewhat ambitiously promised for early June. In case you missed the announcement back at CES, the service itself consists of 22 live TV channels and 20 radio stations, plus all the necessary, non-user-installable hardware, which will set you back $1,299 up front and $28 a month thereafter. That obviously doesn't pose much of a threat to basic satellite radio just yet although, as OrbitCast points out, it is actually more affordable than some of the current in-car satellite TV options out there, like KVH's $3,000 DirecTV-based system

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AT&T slowly begins rollout of CruiseCast in-car satellite TV service originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 May 2009 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen has been known to dabble in exotic places when it comes to in-dash entertainment, and while it's latest initiative isn't totally far-fetched, it's still worth a peek. The automaker has recently teamed up with Intel in order to develop a prototype head unit that's completely self-enclosed, meaning that there's no carputer hanging out in the trunk handling the dirty work. The touchscreen-based infotainment center shown in the video past the break is rocking Windows XP underneath and gladly accepts a number of gesture-based inputs. For example, motorists can swipe down to play or pause a track, while swiping left or right anywhere on the panel moves the playlist forward or back. The project manager doesn't bother to say when this stuff will actually hit the showroom floor, but CNET has it that you'll be waiting at least three years -- and that's if you're lucky.

[Via CNET]

Continue reading Video: Intel-backed Volkswagen infotainment system gets demonstrated

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Video: Intel-backed Volkswagen infotainment system gets demonstrated originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 May 2009 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hold up AirTran -- not so fast with those wild claims of in-flight WiFi superiority. If you'll recall, the aforesaid airline proclaimed that it would soon be the first to have its entire fleet doused with Gogo, but it looks like Virgin America has swept in to claim that title. We should point out just how unfair the challenge is, though: VA has 28 planes as of today, whereas AirTran has 136. At any rate, we're still thrilled to see airlines duking it out in order to get more WiFi to more fliers, and we fully anticipate that every new aircraft added to Virgin America's fleet will be lit from day one. Now, if only they'd allow Skype functionality for more than just an Oprah demonstration, we'd really be playing with fire.

[Via Gadling]

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Virgin America lights up entire fleet with in-flight WiFi originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 May 2009 17:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Update: As pointed out by commenter ericr34, it actually sounds like owners of earlier SYNC cars may not be able to get in on all this goodness. Here's to hoping that Ford enables pre-recession car buyers to experience the upgrade fun.

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The future of Ford's SYNC starts on May 26, future of US auto industry still uncertain originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 20 May 2009 08:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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