Communications

Chrysler is hoping that a technology offensive will lure customers back to its brand with the unveiling of a number of connectivity and safety features that it claims are industry firsts. Most notably, the company yesterday unveiled details of an in-vehicle wireless system, which will combine Wi-Fi and 4G connectivity to turn its vehicles into mobile hotspots. According to the company, the new wireless technology will be available in future model-year vehicles and as an aftermarket option through Mopar, Chrysler's service arm, by the end of this year.

Other technologies announced by Chrysler for its 2009 models include:

One can only imagine how much time and money went into the design and development of Ferrari's branded phones, whether it be a Razr offshoot or a vaunted Vertu. So it would be deliciously ironic if the best seller of all didn't come from a big-name handset maker at all--and resembled a toy.

The F1 really does look like one of the storied cars until it's turned over to reveal a 2.2-inch LCD touch screen, keypad, and Ferrari logo that probably wasn't officially sanctioned by its legendary namesake, according to Chip Chick. Then again, we … Read more

With less than three months to go before the State of California outlaws using a cell phone while driving, nearly half of California drivers are unaware of when the ban kicks in, according to a recent survey. Polling of 400 licensed drivers by Plantronics (a maker of Bluetooth headsets, as it happens) and market research firm TNS found that 44 percent did not know when the legislation comes into effect and that 72 percent did not have "strong familiarity" with what the ban encompasses.

To strengthen your familiarity, here is what to expect:

Hummer is coming out with the second version of its branded handset, but it somehow doesn't seem to live up to the reputation of its nameplate. The original version seen last year at least made an attempt with a camouflage design, but the latest model from ModeLabs Group bears hardly any indication that it's related to the Hummer at all, at least in appearance.

The "HT2" appears to take a candy-bar form (apologies to macho Hummer drivers for the reference) as opposed to the original slider, but there may be other versions. The mobile phone does … Read more

Motorola broke a few molds when it announced the Smart Rider at CTIA this week. Smart Rider is a cross between a phone and a portable GPS device, using a 2.8-inch high-resolution screen for map display and turn-by-turn directions. It also has voice command and Bluetooth hands-free calling features. Although the news release is a little short on details, it seems to say that you can pair your phone with the Smart Rider, and transfer contact information. However, Smart Rider also has its own GSM connection, so presumably it would have its own phone number, and its cellular connection … Read more

GM announced two new services for OnStar this week, one that involves a partnership with MapQuest, and one for people who can't program a DVR. With the MapQuest partnership, called OnStar eNav, users will be able to find destinations on the MapQuest Web site, then push a button to have the destination sent to their cars. This service should come in handy for people planning vacations or needing complex routes, and signals OnStar's foray into the Web-enabled world. To use eNav, you will need a vehicle equipped with OnStar turn-by-turn navigation. The second service, OnStar Destination Download, requires … Read more

As believers in the universal worship of gadgetry, we at Crave do our level best to tolerate products that are restricted to certain geographic regions even if they're outside the United States. But sometimes there are products that deserve to be shared equally--especially those that don't include us. Case in point: The Porsche phone.

We're not talking about one of those pimped-out Goldstriker numbers that just use Porsche leather, but the real thing in all its solid aluminum-block goodness. After all, our U.K. counterparts have already gotten their grubby continental mitts all over one, and they'… Read more

Skyhook Wireless' geopositioning can be useful, but rarely does it save you from a $400 speeding ticket. A start-up named Trapster is trying to change that.

The company has taken a creative spin on using geopositioning to help lead-footed drivers avoid known and newly discovered speed traps and other police dragnets. By installing the application on your mobile phone you'll get heads up on speed cameras, red-light cameras, hiding places, and live police while out and about. The application uses Skyhook Wireless' Wi-Fi and cell tower location positioning system to keep tabs on where you are while you're … Read more

Drivers may watch TV, browse the Web, or even make a sandwich while behind the wheel, but mobile phones have firmly retained their status as king of the road where distractions are concerned. Acknowledging that reality, the wireless "Bluetouch" system at least tries to lessen the dangers of dialing behind the wheel with a large touch screen that seems much easier (and therefore safer) to use than a handset keypad that requires you to avert your eyes.

And if the touch screen is still too difficult, according to Chip Chick, there's also a voice-recognition feature that controls … Read more