#GPS

GPS darts created by StarChase are already helping prevent dangerous high-speed chases.

How’s this for a driving distraction – a GPS-enable rearview mirror that features a 4-inch touchscrren, Bluetooth and games.

The latest characters to join TomTom’s growing list of celebrity voices are Sesame Street’s Bert and Ernie.

Developed with Sesame Workshop and Locutio Voice Technologies, the famous Muppet pair will get you to where you need to go. You and your kids will have blast hto any destination, as Bert and Ernie keep you amused with directions and banter, such as: U-turn ahead, Bert. Just me turn? All of us Bert.”

You can download Bert and Ernie for your TomTom device for $12.95. And be sure to watch the “making of” video after the jump.

Distracted driving isn’t just limited to texting and talking on your cell phone. Now, more than ever, there are so many things that can shift our attention from the road  like GPS units and MP3 players.

TomTom is launching a limited edition GO LIVE “Top Gear” edition satnav device, featuring the hit British motoring TV show’s star presenter, Jeremy Clarkson, as well as its resident driving extraordinaire, the Stig.

Your teenager just got their license and you’re a little worried about where they are going with your car. You can keep an eye on them – and your car – with iTeen365.

A GPS system that tracks your car and your teen, the iTeen365 needs to be professionally installed in your vehicle. Once that’s taken care of, you just set up a geofence online, and watch where your teen is going. You can watch your vehicle online at the iTeen365 website with your user account.

This account will save up to four months of detailed driving reports, including information regarding where your car has been and if your teen stayed within the speed limits. If you can’t be logged on to your account 24/7, you can get text or email alerts when your car leaves or enters specified zones.

If you’re worried about your teen messing around with the system, don’t be – the iTeen365 device is hard-wired into the vehicle’s ignition column and battery, and is mounted behind the dash. The system costs $289, plus an installation cost of about $65. If you want to get it removed, that will cost extra. On top of that, concerned parents have to pay a month cost, which ranges from $17.95 to $21.95 per month for services, depending on the length of the contract.

If you trust you teen, but are a little worried about all those late night meetings your husband or wife has been having, you can always go with the iSpouse365, which the company describes as being the cheaper alternative to hiring a private detective. The company has a range of products so you can keep track of all the drivers in your life – you can check them out on the iTeen365 website. And be sure to check out the promotional video after the jump.

What do you think? Are we treading to far into “Big Brother” zone or should we keep a close eye on our teens to make sure they aren’t getting into trouble? Leave us your thoughts in the comment section below.

[Source: Cnet]

It’s easy to panic when you’re stranded by the side of the road after your car breaks down or you’re late for an early morning meeting and it just won’t start. Helping you keep your cool and stay safe, AAA has some advice for stranded motorists.

Turn to the dark side… and then turn right… and you’re at your destination. Darth Vader will guide with step by step instructions to your destination – good or evil – as he’s the newest voice available for Garmin GPS.

Pioneer is living up to its name by being one of the first to specialize in a GPS units made specifically for electric vehicles. The company’s latest AVIC-ZH09-MEV head unit is set to launch in Japan later this month and is specifically designed for vehicles such as Nissan‘s Leaf and Chevrolet‘s Volt. To aid in maximizing an electric vehicle’s battery range, Pioneer employs their proprietary software in order to route drivers with the most battery-efficient route to their destinations.

Cadillac is getting ready to reveal a new infotainment system, and while details are tightly under wraps, the system is expected to be introduced in its 2013 models. Some sources have claimed that the luxury brands infotainment system is far more advanced then what BMW, Mercedes-Benz or Audi has to offer.

The Supreme Court will rule on whether or not law enforcement officers need a warrant in order to track a suspect’s vehicle with a GPS device.

Toyota will be adding a function to its onboard navigation systems that gives on-screen and voice alerts to wrong way drivers.

Hyundai is partnering with technology company NAVTEQ to offer drivers a “green” option for route guidance. The “green” choice will apparently yield a 6 percent bump in fuel economy, which should dovetail nicely with Hyundai’s new Sonata Hybrid and their Elantra, Veloster and Accent small cars, which are capable of 40 mpg on the highway.

Of course, driving in anger during a high traffic stop and go commute is the worst way to conserve fuel, but also the most common mode of driving for many people.

[Source: Translogic]

Hit the jump to read the press release