6 posts and columns on automobile

News Byte

Google Puts the "Auto" in Automobile

in News on October 10, 2010 at 1:03 pm PT

Google is all about searching, and among the many things it’s searching for are ways to improve car safety and traffic problems. And to that end, the company has been testing a remarkable bit of technology–automated autos capable of driving in traffic. The Goomobiles have been cruising around California, guided by a combination of video, radar, laser rangefinder and detailed maps (and occupied by by a driver and software engineer for backup). Google figures such technology can cut accidents, boost car sharing, reduce traffic and free up more productive time for the occupants of such vehicles, once they learn to relax.

Ford Drives Digital Dashboards to Next Level

in Personal Technology on October 6, 2010 at 6:03 pm PT

Walt finds Ford’s new touch-screen dashboard, MyFord Touch, to have clear, logical displays and a good voice-command system. But the interface has so many options it presents a challenging learning curve.

Ford Launches Voice Control of Apps in Car: No More Phone-Fiddling While Driving?

in News on April 20, 2010 at 4:15 am PT

Ford, which has been trying to fast-forward its automobiles in the digital space, announced today that its 2011 Fiesta model will be the first vehicle in which smartphone apps can be voice-controlled via its in-car synching software. One issue: Initially, Ford’s SYNC AppLink, downloadable as an upgrade, will work only with Google Android and Research in Motion BlackBerry devices. Still, anything that stops dodos from fiddling with a smartphone while driving can’t be bad.

CES: How Skype and Cars Are Alike

in News on January 11, 2010 at 5:00 am PT

In an industry leadership dinner at the Consumer Electronics Show, Skype CEO Josh Silverman made a plea to policy makers to be forward-thinking and embrace “disruptive innovations” like his Internet phone business.