Tag: reality

Video: LiveMap develops augmented reality motorcycle helmet

Filed under: Safety, Technology, Russia

LiveMap Helmet

While mobile navigation for cars has evolved into a staple, in-cabin feature, motorcyclists have been stuck with paper maps and aftermarket solutions for years. A new Russian company is out to change that with a helmet that boasts integrated nav. LiveMap uses a microphone, light sensor, ear phone and micro display to convey pertinent travel information in full color that the rider can control using voice commands. The system works just like the heads up display found in modern fighter jets.

The system projects directions in the center of the rider’s visor rather than in the upper right hand corner as with Google Glass. The team behind the development says this actually safer since the light sensor keeps the directions transparent no matter what the time of day. It also allows the rider to stay focused on what’s ahead of the bike. An integrated gyroscope and digital compass keeps the projection oriented correctly even as the user tilts his head or leans the bike. Very cool.

The LiveMap helmet is supposed to offer up to a day’s worth of use thanks to a pair of lithium-ion batteries, though a USB charge plug can provide extra juice when necessary. Right now, LiveMap is sourcing funding through Indiegogo. The company is looking to raise $150,000 to create a working prototype. After that, production models could cost around $2,000. That’s steep, but hopefully the cost could come down over additional generations. Check out the introductory video below for more information.

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LiveMap develops augmented reality motorcycle helmet originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pioneer debuts first augmented reality navigation system

Filed under: Aftermarket, Japan, Technology

Pioneer AVIC-VH09CS

Pioneer’s AVIC-VH09CS has all the techie trappings you’d expect from an in-dash navigation system: A seven-inch LCD, DVD and CD player, USB and SD card slots, and Bluetooth connectivity. But what sets it apart is the addition of the Augmented Reality (AR) Scouter Mode.

The double-din head-unit wirelessly connects to a camera installed on the windshield, streaming video and layering the sat-nav information over the image. The system integrates with the road, highlighting lanes, identifying stores and creating 3D representations of destinations so you know exactly where you’re going. It even allows you to “augment” the vehicle in front of you, so if that minivan is too staid for your tastes, the system will superimpose something sexier (think Ferrari) on top.

The AVIC-VH09CS is due to go on sale later this month. The bad news: It’s only available in Japan and comes in at $3,700.

[Source: Pioneer via CrunchGear]

Pioneer debuts first augmented reality navigation system originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 May 2011 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: Repo Games reality show gives debtors chance to win their pink slips

Filed under: Videos

repo games trailer

Repo Games trailer – Click above to watch the video after the jump

We’ve never had a car repossessed, but we imagine it’s a painful ordeal. That doesn’t mean that it won’t make a great game show, however, as the producers of Jersey Shore have created Repo Games. The premise is simple; real repo guys are taking real cars, but with a twist. If a vehicle owner/contestant answers three out of five questions correctly, the vehicle isn’t towed, and the winner gets to keep the vehicle outright.

Spike TV, which will air the show, says that people from all walks of life sometimes have trouble making their car payments. Still, we’re guessing that many of the show’s contestants will be hard-luck types. Hit the jump to watch the three-minute promo video. Many of the questions from the clip appear to be absurdly simple, though the answers aren’t always that easy to come by.

[Source: EW via YouTube]

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Video: Repo Games reality show gives debtors chance to win their pink slips originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 24 Apr 2011 18:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volkswagen brings XL1 Concept a step closer to reality

Filed under: Concept Cars, Coupe, Hybrid, Technology, Volkswagen, Diesel

Volkswagen Formula XL1 Concept

Volkswagen Formula XL1 Concept – Click above for high-res image gallery

Volkswagen has taken another step towards making the one-liter car a reality, and this 200 mile-per-gallon dream could be on the roads within the next few years.

The Formula XL1 Concept combines a two cylinder TDI engine, electric motor, lithium-ion battery pack and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to achieve an astonishing 0.9L/100 km – just over 260 mpg to us Yanks. The included plug-in system, along with the XL1’s low drag and extensive use of lightweight materials has the potential to make the concept the most efficient vehicle to ever grace public roads.

The XL1 is making its debut at the Qatar Motor Show this week, and while it might look familiar to previous iterations, this latest version is more production read than its predecessors. Check it out from every angle in the gallery below and click past the jump for the full details.

Gallery: Volkswagen Formula XL1 Concept

[Source: Volkswagen]

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Volkswagen brings XL1 Concept a step closer to reality originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chevy Volt coming soon to a reality show near you; also, Transformers 3

Chevy Volt

Apparently, there isn’t enough yelling, screaming and drama surrounding the Chevrolet Volt. GM wants more. This time, though, the ruckus will be slightly staged and filmed for our entertainment. At least, that’s the plan if General Motors finds a partner in its quest to bring the Volt to a reality show. Public details are non-existent, but talks have apparently already begun for “a show under development,” Reuters reports. The car will also be promoted digitally when the third Transformers movie comes out this summer. Money well spent, GM, because who can forget the impact the Chevy Jolt had in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen?

GM told Reuters it is looking to increase its TV entertainment spending in the coming year, in part because of a “growing interest in reaching more women.” In 2009 and 2010, GM spent an estimated $185 million on sponsorships, down from around $230-250 million in 2006 to 2008.

[Source: Reuters | Source Image: Scott Gries/Picture Group]

Continue reading Chevy Volt coming soon to a reality show near you; also, Transformers 3

Chevy Volt coming soon to a reality show near you; also, Transformers 3 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 12:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ben Collins suggests ‘Who Wants to Be the Stig?’ reality tv show

Filed under: Etc., UK, Celebrities

Potential Stigs vie for new gig via reality show?

Another day, another Stig story. But this one’s a bit different. The now ex-white-suited BBC driver Ben Collins has suggested that Top Gear run an X-Factor style contest to find the next Stig. From his interview with the Telegraph:

“If I were working on the show I’d suggest they do a shoot out – a sort of Who Wants to Be the Stig? X Factor. People could turn up in balaclavas and they could all have a go.”

Collins goes on to say that the producers would be acting “childish” if they choose to go forward without a new faceless driver, which we couldn’t agree with more. But…

While Collins’ idea could certainly make for entertaining telly, two issues come to mind: 1) People go on reality shows to become known, with the hopes gaining fame and fortune. Yet Collins resigned from his spot exactly because he hadn’t received what he felt was his fair share. That’s not likely to change with the next Stig. And 2) The reason the idea of the Stig is so successful is exactly because we don’t know who he is. The masked man’s skills have never been called into question because he is the ultimate impartial and unbiased driver. If we know his (or her) identity, his resume and what backhanded schemes he pulled off to land the top spot in a reality show, are we going to trust him? Probably not.

[Source: Telegraph]

Ben Collins suggests ‘Who Wants to Be the Stig?’ reality tv show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 15:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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