Audi has recently introduced a new concept car phone, cramming a ton of features into a tiny device. Called the Audi Mobile Phone, the handheld interface controls a number of systems on the car, while also serving as a phone, and video and audio player.
The Audi phone is part of the A1 Metroproject Quattro Concept, Audi´s latest urban car prototype. A hybrid, the A1 combines a 150 bhp 1.4-liter TFSI engine with power directed to the front wheels, and a 41 HP electric motor on the rear axle for extra torque. Operating only on electricity, the A1 can travel up to 62 miles, and can be recharged at a normal power outlet.
One of the most innovative parts of the A1 concept is the phone, acting as a remote version of the in-car Audi MMI interface, which can slide into a slot on the dash. Equipped with both Wi-Fi and 3G UMTS technology, the phone features a combination key fob, remote starting, and even allows drivers to control the heating system remotely, warming up the car on cold winter mornings.
And because everyone is going to want an Audi A1, the phone has anti-theft features, too. The phone teams up with an onboard camera, which snaps pictures when suspecting the entrance of an intruder, and then wirelessly sends the pictures to the phone. Then, acting like a LoJack, it switches on the car´s tracking device following the car´s location.
The Audi phone can also function as an MP3 player and a navigation unit. The interface, a touch-sensitive screen with only four main softkeys (like an iPhone), can recognize Latin and Japanese characters, and can also decipher handwriting. Perhaps the biggest concern about such a high-tech device is getting used to safely using it—or not using it—while driving.
via:
Motor Authority and
Jalopnik
Related stories:
Hands-free cell phone conversations add 5 m to drivers' braking distances
Research led by Psychology researchers at the University of Warwick reveals that cell phone conversations impair drivers' visual attention to such a degree that it can add over 5 metres to the braking distance of a car travelling at 60 miles and causes almost twice as many errors as drivers driving without the distraction of a hands free cell phone conversation.
Seven Things Missing From First Google Phone
The first Google phone, the G1, went on sale October 21, 2008. No one was camped out in front of the store and you can buy one today at your T-Mobile store or BestBuy for $179.
Drivers make more errors when talking on cell phone than to a passenger
Drivers make more mistakes when talking on a cell phone than when talking to passengers, new research shows.
Track your fitness, environmental impact with new cell phone applications
(PhysOrg.com) -- Planning on gobbling a few extra treats this holiday season? Soon, your cell phone may be able to help you maintain your exercise routine and keep the pounds off over winter months, without your having to lift a finger to keep track.
How did they pick Dirk Nowitzki to speak for Guitar Hero?
Dirk Nowitzki sure is a cool guy, but I'm not sure GameStop and the marketing experts behind the Guitar Hero franchise did enough research before picking the Dallas Mavericks star as their spokesman.
A Picture is Worth a Thousand Locksmiths, Computer Scientists Say
(PhysOrg.com) -- UC San Diego computer scientists have built a software program that can perform key duplication without having the key. Instead, the computer scientists only need a photograph of the key.
Australia plans electric vehicle network
A US firm Thursday unveiled plans to build a massive one-billion-dollar (667 million US) charging network to power electric cars in Australia as it seeks cleaner and cheaper options to petrol.
Polls may underestimate Obama's support by 3 to 4 percent, researchers say
(PhysOrg.com) -- Current polls of the presidential election may be underestimating Barack Obama's support by 3 to 4 percent nationally and possibly larger margins in the Southeast and some strongly Republican states, according to University of Washington researchers.
