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Earlier this month, some whizz-kids at the University of Washington and the University of California in San Diego produced a report into the future of car technology which got us interested. According to Karl Koscher and his 10-strong research team, soon our cars will no longer be "mere mechanical devices" but will also contain "a myriad of computers". Whether you think this is good or bad news will likely depend on your attitude to technology, but rest assured - it's likely to be some time before the world is overtaken by Transformers.
We've all become used to managing a wide range of gadgets all in one go, many of which we couldn't possibly imagine living without. So here are our favourites...
1. SatNav
Probably the greatest aid to drivers since the invention of the A to Z, the Satnav is now a must for many of us. Yes, they're irritating. Yes, the voices might give you nightmares - even (or especially) if it's Bob Dylan - but once you've got one, you won't be able to imagine your life without it. Promise.
2. In-car security
If your car's broken into, an in-car safe will keep your most treasured possessions safe and prevent making a bad situation even worse. Of course it may be a better idea not to leave valuables there in the first place.
3. Hands-free parking
Many of us hate parallel parking, although perhaps not as many as you might think. In fact, an ex-girlfriend of mine enjoyed it so much she used to go out and practice in her spare time. At least that's what she told me she was doing.
Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that Lexus' RX400h and the super-green Toyota Prius both do it all for you, no hands required. Pointless? Probably. Cool? Most definitely.
4. Hands-free talking
It's good to talk, apparently. I don't see the attraction myself, but it's certainly much safer and far less irritating for everyone else on the road when you chat with a hands-free kit. Plus it's not illegal.
Research suggests that you're four times more likely to have a crash when using a handheld phone, so it's not just a claim on your car insurance you could be saving by going hands-free.
5. Music
Ok, it isn't a gadget per se, but stay with us on this one. Steaming down the M1 wouldn't be the same without your stereo pounding to the sound of Susan Boyle... er, I mean Bruce Springsteen. So congrats are in order to the inventors of the in-car radio *woop!*, cassette player *hooray!*, CD player *yippee* and, now, the iPod cradle *O joyous day!* - all of which have allowed us to jig away behind the wheel to our heart's content. In an entirely safe and appropriate manner, of course.
6. Voice-recognition technology
Now featured in motors such as the Microsoft-controlled Fiat 500, voice activation could well be a big part of the future of motoring. But be warned: many voice-controlled cars will also read your text messages out loud, which could make things interesting if your parents are in the car.
7. Run your car on cooking oil
A gadget to run outside of your car, which could save you huge amounts if you have the ambition and the energy to get to grips with it. It's all a bit beyond my skill set, but if you want to try, take a look at what kit you need to run your engine on vegetable oil.
8. A green gadget
Continuing the green theme, the PLX Kiwi will track your driving and offer a scoring system with tips to help you save petrol and, in turn, save the environment. It promises an average 20 per cent improvement in miles per gallon "within days".
9. Portable tyre compressor
Don't let tyre problems stop you from getting where you need to be - take this reasonably priced digital tyre compressor around with you and you'll be back on the road in no time. -- * Compare car insurance with Confused.com - between January and June 2010, 10 per cent of car insurance customers that gave a best alternative price saved over £188.85 by the confused.com website. Source: http://www.articletrader.comdiv dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
We've all become used to managing a wide range of gadgets all in one go, many of which we couldn't possibly imagine living without. So here are our favourites...
1. SatNav
Probably the greatest aid to drivers since the invention of the A to Z, the Satnav is now a must for many of us. Yes, they're irritating. Yes, the voices might give you nightmares - even (or especially) if it's Bob Dylan - but once you've got one, you won't be able to imagine your life without it. Promise.
2. In-car security
If your car's broken into, an in-car safe will keep your most treasured possessions safe and prevent making a bad situation even worse. Of course it may be a better idea not to leave valuables there in the first place.
3. Hands-free parking
Many of us hate parallel parking, although perhaps not as many as you might think. In fact, an ex-girlfriend of mine enjoyed it so much she used to go out and practice in her spare time. At least that's what she told me she was doing.
Anyway, the point I'm trying to make is that Lexus' RX400h and the super-green Toyota Prius both do it all for you, no hands required. Pointless? Probably. Cool? Most definitely.
4. Hands-free talking
It's good to talk, apparently. I don't see the attraction myself, but it's certainly much safer and far less irritating for everyone else on the road when you chat with a hands-free kit. Plus it's not illegal.
Research suggests that you're four times more likely to have a crash when using a handheld phone, so it's not just a claim on your car insurance you could be saving by going hands-free.
5. Music
Ok, it isn't a gadget per se, but stay with us on this one. Steaming down the M1 wouldn't be the same without your stereo pounding to the sound of Susan Boyle... er, I mean Bruce Springsteen. So congrats are in order to the inventors of the in-car radio *woop!*, cassette player *hooray!*, CD player *yippee* and, now, the iPod cradle *O joyous day!* - all of which have allowed us to jig away behind the wheel to our heart's content. In an entirely safe and appropriate manner, of course.
6. Voice-recognition technology
Now featured in motors such as the Microsoft-controlled Fiat 500, voice activation could well be a big part of the future of motoring. But be warned: many voice-controlled cars will also read your text messages out loud, which could make things interesting if your parents are in the car.
7. Run your car on cooking oil
A gadget to run outside of your car, which could save you huge amounts if you have the ambition and the energy to get to grips with it. It's all a bit beyond my skill set, but if you want to try, take a look at what kit you need to run your engine on vegetable oil.
8. A green gadget
Continuing the green theme, the PLX Kiwi will track your driving and offer a scoring system with tips to help you save petrol and, in turn, save the environment. It promises an average 20 per cent improvement in miles per gallon "within days".
9. Portable tyre compressor
Don't let tyre problems stop you from getting where you need to be - take this reasonably priced digital tyre compressor around with you and you'll be back on the road in no time. -- * Compare car insurance with Confused.com - between January and June 2010, 10 per cent of car insurance customers that gave a best alternative price saved over £188.85 by the confused.com website. Source: http://www.articletrader.comdiv dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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