Both Sony and TomTom have come together to roll out a couple of A/V navigation systems in the form of the XNV-770BT and XNV-660BT, where both companies hope that this partnership will result in some of the most advanced car audio, video and navigational technologies which are currently available in the current market. The Sony XNV-770BT will be a 7-inch widescreen display while the XNV-660BT is a 6.1-inch widescreen display, where both models will ship pre-loaded with TomTom’s extensive map database of both US and Canada roads, coupled with one free year of map upgrades which does not involve any incremental charge. Just to get an idea on how comprehensive TomTom’s maps in the US are, they feature more than 1 million more miles of roads than other GPS brands. Ain’t that comforting?

Apart from that, each system is capable of taking full advantage of several of TomTom’s advanced navigational technologies that you have already come to know and love. Shared features of both devices include a high quality WVGA display that are touted to be one of the brightest and highest contrast screens available at the moment. The XNV-770BT 7-inch display is fully capacitive touch sensitive, while the XNV-660BT will feature several hard keys such as volume and key menu buttons to complement its touchscreen display. There is a rear USB port located on both devices for simple hookup to iPod, iPhone and other digital music players, while full Bluetooth capability ensures you can hook up wirelessly to other compatible devices. Sony also threw in a stylish graphical user interface (GUI) that comprises of large, easy-touch buttons to make life easier for everyone. Audio-wise, you get multi-channel playback with Center Speaker Organizer (CSO), resulting in a virtual 5.1 channel surround sound throughout the car. As for the advanced sound engine (ASE), it will deliver a high-quality, digitally enhanced sound experience while letting you customize the in-car sound field in order to match your tastes. Expect the new XNV-770BT and XNV-660BT A/V navigation systems to be out this November for around $1,300 and $1,000, respectively.

Order Here – Sony XNV-770BT

TomTom has a couple of new GPS navigation systems for the masses in the form of the TomTom XL 350 and XXL 550 series, where these latest models will throw in the new TomTom EasyMenu as well as all the quality navigation features which have become synonymous with TomTom, where millions of customers worldwide have relied on their devices to help them get from point A to point B safe and sound in the fastest manner possible. All TomTom products that fall under the XL 350 and XXL 550 range sports sharp graphics and a simple touchscreen menu which offers speedy access to search tools, letting users get started on their journey to arrive at their destination a we bit faster – we’re talking about a few seconds shaved off here, probably. With the inclusion of TomTom’s proprietary IQ Routes Technology and TomTom Map Share, you will be able to enjoy the most efficient routing for any time of day or day of week as well as the ability to make map improvements on your device itself just while sharing these improvements with the rest of the TomTom community – without having to wait for a proper official update. There will be a handful of devices across the new range of XL 350 and XXL 550 devices that will come with Lifetime Maps and/or Lifetime Traffic Updates features that allow users to keep their maps fresh by downloading, every few months, the industry’s most accurate and up-to-date maps. The maps include one million more miles than competing maps and, in certified tests, rate highest in terms of quality and reliability. Because an average of 18% of road information changes each year, maps are continually refreshed to include improvements across the entire road network and updates to points of interest (POIs). With Lifetime Map Updates, consumers always have access to the best maps available. Other features include preloaded premium maps of the US, Canada and Mexico from Tele Atlas, MapShare on demand updates, IQ Routes, over 7 million points of interest, Advanced Lane Guidance and EasyMenu among others. The XL 350 4.3″ model and the XL 550 5.0″ model are also part of the new series, where the X50 range will hit the market later this May from $169 upwards for the 4.3″ model, while the 5″ model will start from $199 If you want to include Lifetime Maps and Lifetime Traffic Updates, those can be purchased by forking out another $30.

Order Here – TomTom XL 350TM 4.3-Inch Portable GPS Navigator (Lifetime Traffic and Maps Edition)

Motorola does not only make cellphones and smartphones just in case you were wondering and are new to the scene, as they have their fingers dipped in the world of communication devices as well. Their latest device would be the H17txt Bluetooth headset that will offer wireless mobility when communicating with your contacts over a Bluetooth-enabled cellphone. Thanks to MotoSpeak, this Bluetooth headset was specially designed to keep you connected and responsible regardless of whether you have two hands behind the wheel or not, where it was created to optimize the text-to-speech technology. Apart from that, when paired with an application, the H17txt will read text messages (SMS) into the headset in real time, helping you keep your eyes peeled on the road. Apart from that, you can also choose to customize an automated response and automatically enable text-to-speech whenever the headset is turned on. To take advantage of MotoSpeak, just download the text-to-speech application to their smartphone and you’re good to go. Of course, you need not search for those cracks and warez sites, as it is available from multiple application stores such as the App Store and the Android Market as long as you search for “MotoSpeak.” The application when enabled, will do the above mentioned by automatically enabling you to hear your text messages through your headset. Not only that, other features of the Motorola H17txt Bluetooth Headset include : Easy on: Text messages will automatically be played over your H17txt with MotoSpeak every time your headset is activated.; Incoming text message sender ID: Always be in the know about who in your phonebook is trying to text you without having to take your hands off the wheel with sender ID announcements; Auto-response message: Determine if you want to send an automated text message to callers informing them that you are driving and will call back when available or pick a more personalized message to send; Translates 150 text acronyms: Acronyms such as lol, btw and l8r are translated when the text message is read aloud, so you will never miss the meaning of a message.

When connected to any Bluetooth-compatible phone, it will also enable you to hear turn-by-turn directions, where obviously only the driver will be able to hear it, letting the rest of the folks in the car be less irritated by the voice used in turn-by-turn directions. Not only that, you will also be able to benefit from voice prompts that update you on battery level, mute status, and how to connect for the first time amongst others. Expect to see the H17txt with MotoSpeak hit the US from this month onwards from Verizon Wireless Communications stores. Looks like the only thing it won’t be able to do is order your dinner for you. Unless of course you put that as your automated text response, and there you go.

Get it here – Motorola H17txt Bluetooth Headset with Motospeak

Well if you have been in the market for a golf cart that has everything (because who hasn’t) then you will be quite tickled with what the Garia has to offer. Here you have a golf cart that was built with the man that loves gadgets in mind, as this is the only golf cart in the world that is specifically geared towards both design and luxury. This car is not just unique or innovative, it is one of those things that will have every man smile, no matter what the golf score actually is. Peek inside to find a built in refrigerator, hand stitched seating, and a program that is exclusively personalized just for the owner so that you can have your Garia painted to match all of your other cars.

FINALLY a golf car that aims to please, and this is quite easily the most coveted golf cart on the market. But it’s not just pretty and luxurious, it meets every standard and then some when it comes to automotive features, with its double wishbone front suspension that you will find in your favourite Formula 1 racer. Add the drive train built by the makers of Ducatie gearboxes, and aluminum profile that has been compared to the Jaguar, Volvo, and the Aston Martin.

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There are so many gadgets and devices on the market that are designed to make our lives easier, it can be overwhelming to choose which ones to go with. So Sanyo decided to make this a little bit easier by offering a system that is about as user friendly as it gets when it comes to GPS navigation systems. GPS systems are becoming an in-car standard, and not only because they are useful, but they are pretty cool. Many cell phones and SmartPhones are equipped with GPS capabilities, but the problem with a lot of them is that they are hard to use, and not very handy when you need them, you know, when you are behind the wheel. Sanyo’s GPS system is called Sanyo Easy Street and seems to be appropriately named with its easy to use touch screen interface. To make things even easier during your travels, the Easy Street is also fully Bluetooth enabled with the ability to Auto Answer your mobile phone, and is also text messaging supported. It’s pretty too with a super light thin-bezel design and comes with a 4.3” touch screen LCD.

You will get turn by turn directions with hot keys that are shortcuts to the Main Menu anytime you need them. Also featured on the Easy Street are POI Along Highway Search Option, Freeway Junction Alerts, Position Resetting, Final Destination Indicator, True Text to Speech, Voice Alert for Railroad Indicator, MP3 Player, and even a Photo or Video Player. The lithium battery will last for up to four hours of non-top use, but I am sure an in-car charger is available for this device. The Easy Street is on the market in Japan and will be coming to the US pretty soon for around $300bucks. A small price to pay for having a device that is almost more handy than an in-car co-pilot. And probably less annoying as well.

buy here:
Sanyo Easy Street Portable GPS Navigator

It’s gotten to the point now where cell phone use is so pervasive that it has actually interfered with driving time and driving skills. To the extent that many states, and countries even, have banned cell phone talk in the car without a hands free apparatus. Many people don’t really dig the Bluetooth thing, so this wristband is an alternative to Bluetooth technology. And it’s much cheaper with a price tag in the sub $10 range. Slip your phone into the wristband, and you will be free to communicate Dick Tracy style as you drive. If you are worried about compatibility, worry no more, as it is said to fit 99% of most cell phones, and about 75% of PDA devices, including the new Blackberry Pearl and the Blackberry Curve.

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God knows who would need one of these, but I want one. The Ford Alton F-650 is a freak of nature with its 7.2 Liter Diesel Caterpillar engine and 26,000 lbs of style. This truck is huge. Looks like no more Hummers and Escalades for the next blinged out wanna be rap stars… from here on out $200,000 and a commercial driver’s license gets them the Alton F-650!

Alton f-650 Video after the break
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Crave is reporting that the 2008 Detroit Auto Show has the Mach 5 on display. Apparently the 300mph 1000hp automobile will be racing May 9th, 2008. I believe you can see actual footage of the vehicle in action in this video.

Mach 5 Video After the Break

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At the upcoming auto show in Detroit there will be some pretty snazzy hybrids unleashed. CNET is reporting that Fisker Automotives’ new green car will go over 620 miles a tank. I wonder how many hippies have $80,000 to invest into this baby.

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Move over Corn…Cars can run on air!

A Frenchie designer has developed a car that can run on air. Pull up to a gas station with a “free air” and it could cost nothing to fill up. It is said to go up to 70 miles and hour and run 124 miles per tank. Starting price should be just over $5,000.

Check out these other green cars!