Accessory maker Belkin has just come out with what could be considered as the ultimate FM transmitter device built for iPhones called the TuneCast Auto Live. What makes it so special? Regular FM transmitters are simple accessories that allow you to transmit your iPod’s (or any other compatible porta-player) playlist wirelessly to an FM receiver, basically letting you tune in your car radio to an iPod playing in your pocket. The TuneCast Auto Live comes with a little bit more functions, along with an app that lets you control it using an iPhone’s screen.
Garmin has just announced the zūmo 220, a compact navigator designed specifically for bikers. What makes it biker-ready? It’s built with a 3.5-inch screen and a clip that allows it to mount on handlebars. It also features touchscreen controls that can be operated with gloves on for ease of use, although the thought of having bikers fiddle with a touchscreen makes us a bit uncomfortable.
Pioneer’s new navigation system, the AVIC-X920BT, comes with the usual (albeit high-end) features that include a touchscreen interface and speech recognition, plus a handful of entertainment features—like DVD playback and Internet Radio connectivity to make for a sweet, complete in-car kit.
Car pooling with your co-workers? Road-tripping with geeks? Do you need to check on your fantasy teams while in the parking lot? Do you own an Avalanche, Equinox, Express, Silverado, Suburban, Tahoe or Traverse? Chevrolet now offers an add-on that’ll turn your car into a Wi-fi hotspot with the Autonet Mobile WiFi In-Car Router. It’s basically a 3G-to-WiFi router that connects to 3G mobile networks that’ll allow you to spread some internet love in the car and 150 feet around it. The router will set you back $499 and Autonet’s mobile service costs $29 per month, but buyers who pick it up before the end of the year for a limited offer that brings the price down to $199 (thanks to a sale price of $399 plus a $200 mail-in rebate).
Garmin has just released a new 5-inch portable navigator, the nüvi 1450. Designed as a more basic device, it features the same screen as the earlier nüvi 1490T, but without Bluetooth connectivity and live updates to bring the price down.
