Hasta La Gadget!

Do you know where your OBD port is on your car? All cars in the US (since 1996) and EU (since 2004) are required to have On-Board Diagnostics port enabling the car to point you or your mechanic in the right direction when something is awry. Maybe it will identify a Transmission problem or maybe an emissions issue or something else. Some smart people finally realized that with today’s mobile technology and this OBD port your iPhone can now help communicate car problems – and more

Automatic Labs, Inc. are producing Automatic Link, a device for your car to communicate with you via your smartphone. Plug the gadget into your OBD port and download the Automatic App to your phone. Between the link and its low energy Bluetooth® connection, the app, your phone and its GPS you will enable a number of activities. First, if something goes wrong with your engine and the ‘check engine’ light comes on Automatic will tell you via push notifications. The app even shows diagnostic codes which will help when calling your mechanic. If the issue is minor you can even clear the light. If the Automatic Link accelerometer detects a crash it will contact 911 (where accessible) with your whereabouts and name. It will also text 3 people of your choosing. Automatic Link and App also help you drive. How? It helps you track your mpg and identify things that may help improve it like rough braking, speeding and rapid acceleration.  This friend is tapped in to local gas prices to show what you are spending too. And of course if you can’t find your car Automatic Link and App will guide you. Link units in multi-driver cars can support each person, but each car needs its own device. You can place a pre-order for Automatic Link on their website for $69.95 – a bargain considering what some onboard systems cost to do the same thing. Initially launching in the US, iPhone 4S and 5 versions ship in May with Android options shipping this Fall. Perfect timing as a thoughtful gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays or Christmas or just to treat yourself.
[ Let Your Car Talk To Your Phone copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

Arduino microcontrollers are beloved by students and hobbyists because they’re affordable, small and versatile. Those are the same exact traits that the RFduino microcontroller possesses. In addition, it has one thing that other Arduino boards don’t have: built-in Bluetooth connectivity.

The RFduino was developed by Open Source RF, an electronics shop that makes Arduino-compatible peripherals and modules. The shop’s tiny invention makes it possible for people to make small gadgets and sensors that can be controlled or monitored wirelessly using a smartphone. You’ll have to buy and then fit a separate wireless shield to an Arduino board to achieve the same functionality.

Speaking of shields, the RFduino also has compatible shields that extend its functionality, including one with a USB-port and another with a coin cell battery slot. It also runs code written in the Arduino programming language, which should really make it an enticing platform for Arduino users. Check out the video below to see how the RFduino can be used:

They should have called it the Fleaduino – a small board with mad reach. Build a Pledge-Bot and pay at least $19 (USD) on the RFduino Kickstarter by April 4, 2013 to reserve your own unit.

Sony today announced in Europe two new Xperia smartphone models to join its 2013 line up – the Xperia SP and Xperia L. The Xperia SP delivers 4G LTE performance and an exceptional viewing experience, with a razor sharp HD screen housed in a beautiful design. The Xperia L provides class leading camera technology with HDR for both photos and videos complemented by a high quality screen.

Xperia SP – High Definition brilliance in a premium design
The Xperia SP utilises expertise from Sony’s BRAVIA …

There exists a constant war on the roads between cyclists and drivers. Riders deserve their space on the road, yet some hot headed drivers apparently missed that day in driver’s education class. The challenge becomes understanding what actions bikers may take. Sure they teach us the hand signals at an early age but face it, not all cyclers use them. And then there is the fun of blind spots, awkward intersections and other cars which can hinder a driver’s view of a biker, even if you are trying to be really polite. This exact conundrum served as perfect reason to create the DORA Bicycle Helmet.

Designed by Hungarian student, Balazs Filczer, this is a helmet of modern technology. Run via a rechargeable battery conveniently clipped in as part of the helmet – DORA contains exactly what a biker needs: a headlight, a tail light and left/right blinkers. Lights are controlled on a handle bar attachment which communicates with the helmet via Bluetooth. DORA is so logical it elicits one of those “why hasn’t that been done by now” responses. Apparently that is what voters at the International Bicycle Design Competition recently thought as it won the top award in the clothing & accessories category. A possible drawback may be additional weight added to the cyclist’s head. But I would think a smart company that jumps on this innovative product could come up with materials to lessen the added mass. So yes, DORA is just a concept as of now. But I would not be surprised to see it on the market in the future and hopefully help drivers and bikers communicate more clearly.

YAMAHA will release 2 new AV receiver models “RX-V475″ and “RX-V575″ with improved ability to handle smart devices in late April.
“RX-V475/V575″ can play max. 192kHz/24bit of network audio and lists of songs in your smart device by using the dedicated app “AV CONTROLLER”. It’s compatible with Airplay and vTuner that enables you to access internet radio stations around the world easily, and has a built-in HDMI terminal that responds to MHL …