Hasta La Gadget!

The redesigned 2010 Hyundai Tucson represents a big step up for this small crossover utility vehicle (CUV). It looks better, the cockpit feels nicer, road noise is reduced, and a USB music adapter and satellite radio come standard. But Hyundai took a step backward with other technology options. You need to spend $3,700 to get navigation on the entry model GLS. Bluetooth is standard only on the higher-end Limited. The ride is stiff. Hyundai’s advantages over the competition aren’t quite as clear-cut with the Tucson compared to other Hyundai models.

Toyota is a Japanese car and it’s a German word that comes to mind, schadenfreude: taking glee in the misfortunes of others. In this case, take glee if you want, but also take advantage of their misfortunes if you’re in the market for a car. Toyota’s reputation is horrible this month. Whatever ails the cars is relatively minor (I believe) but prices will depressed and dealers will be cutting prices to build showroom traffic. If you’re thinking of buying, now’s the time. Some tips after the jump, plus how to deal with a sticking throttle.

The impending robot takeover gets closer: NASA and GM have developed and built Robonaut 2, a second generation humanoid robot that is faster, more dexterous, and more technologically advanced than before. Both companies said that the new robot can use its hands to do work, and even work safely alongside people. OR SO THEY SAY.

“This cutting-edge robotics technology holds great promise, not only for NASA, but also for the nation,” said Doug Cooke, associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, in a statement. “I’m very excited about the new opportunities for human and robotic exploration these versatile robots provide across a wide range of applications.”

NASA and GM hope their robotics partnership–through a Space Act Agreement at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston–will lead to advanced safety systems for future vehicles, improved safety and efficiency in manufacturing plants, and in space, the ability to aid astronauts during hazardous missions. I’m not scared at all.

Insurance industry researchers say they’re not sure that the use of cell phones leads to more car accidents. While conventional wisdom has been that holding a cellphone and talking while driving is hazardous, crash data doesn’t  clearly show it.  What’s more amazing, the conclusion comes from the Highway Loss Data Institute, an arm of the insurance industry that generally finds most every aspect of driving to be dangerous to motorists and by coincidence to insurance industry loss reserves.