Modern rides are coming equipped with intelligent networking applications to make sure that today’s hyper-connected drivers don’t miss a beat. In fact, “infotainment” was perhaps the most frequently used term at this month’s 81st International Motor Show in Geneva. But will these new connected cars make the lives of avid multi-taskers more manageable…or more life-threatening?
ConnectedDrive: After the success of last year’s MINI Connected app, the cutting-edge carmakers at BMW have released ConnectedDrive, a concept that integrates online access for all cars made after March 2011. This next generation of iPhone-compatible vehicles will enable 50 high tech functions and voice-activated commands through its advanced iDrive system. For instance, it will allow drivers to post and receive Facebook and Twitter updates, and facilitate a PlugIn that makes Internet radio and iTunes’ Genius feature available on the road. BlackBerry and Android users need not fret, as BMW is working on making the app available for additional devices. For now, BlackBerry users may continue to enjoy having their emails read aloud to them in their mobile offices.
The green movement has altered industries like fashion, food and package design, but the usually staid sports industry is hardly seen as being eco-conscious. In fact, major sporting events and venues are notorious for being among the most efficient guzzlers of energy, and largest producers of waste and pollution, on the planet. However, from tracks to slopes, it seems that we’re on the brink of change when it comes to environmental responsibility in athletic disciplines.
Electric Vehicle Races: Race cars are known to produce plumes of exhaust fumes, but these ozone killers could soon be replaced by the hushed purr of electric vehicles. Launching its inaugural season this year, the EV Cup will race only zero-emission electric cars, becoming the world’s first “green” motor-racing series. Two principal race series boast distinct classes of vehicles—the City EV class, in which drivers will compete in carbon-free, race-prepared, THINK City cars; and the Sports EV class, which will feature teams racing 185-KPH Westfield iRacers. A third category, the Prototype EV class, will showcase the latest non-production electric vehicles in a time-trial format. One question remains: will the hot dogs served at the concession stand be made from grass-fed beef?
In the wake of last year’s auto industry bailout, anticipation for this year’s Detroit Auto Show was perhaps more charged than ever, since, hopefully, the vehicles introduced there would portend a much needed uptick in sales. From new features with the Gen Y consumer in mind to more stylish family rides, the following emergent auto trends may well compel consumers to take the plunge this year.
Electric Cars: Electric cars could soon become the norm if the auto industry continues to make them accessible. In fact, the electric car was so prominent in Detroit that an area was designated as “Electric Avenue.” (Unfortunately, Eddy Grant was not present.) Launching this year, the Ford Focus Electric has a range of 100 miles, and a compatible home charging station will be available at Best Buy. The electric movement is not confined to economy car buyers either, thanks to the Mercedes Benz A-Class E-Cell, which can go 125 miles on a fully charged battery. With the proliferation of public charging stations, this could be the year that consumers can really save on gas without having to resort to transportation modes of the two wheel variety.
We are constantly awed by the wizardry of technology. The fact that our mobile GPS can guide us through winding countryside back roads, or that Shazam can tell us what song is playing in our favorite boutique, continues to astound us. But phones aren’t the only products that can “learn” our wants, needs and desires. Indeed, smart technology is now being applied to everything from greenhouse gear to furniture. Heck, someday soon the whole idea of “pillow talk” may take on a whole new meaning.
Tulipe Pot: Though our BlackBerry’s Tasks app is useful for generating to-do lists, we still have lapses in memory for the most basic chores, like watering house plants. Even Post-It notes prove less than effective for this simple task. (Indeed, our office terrarium is looking a little wilted these days.) There may be a solution, however, thanks to a highly creative Brit named Natalie King, now a designer for Chanel. For her final university project, King created a plant pot that lights up to alert its owners when the plant inside requires some TLC. The Tulipe pot is not commercially available yet – any angel investors out there? – but the prototype has sensors that detect temperature, light and moisture levels. Of course, that’s all fine and good for when we’re home to water it, but what about when we’re away? We’re envisioning a version that enables users to react remotely, so that when we return from one of those extended vacations, our plants will be there to greet us, alive and well.
