The German Volkswagen website describes a joint project with Microsoft that revolves around placing Microsoft Media Center, GPS, and a bunch of LCD screens into their cars (one in the console in the front, and two touch screen monitors in the headrests). The setup will supposedly have full PC functionality, DVD playback, and internet access. From the picture, it appears that any kid sitting in the back seat can have complete control over the navigation system. That's great because no matter how many times you try to get away, you'll always end up right back at Chuck E. Cheese. That's pizza and a show.
Grundig Electronics, easily the most recognizable name in the electronics today, has updated their webpage for their recently announced X5000 phone. This phone packs in a 6MP camera with 22 shooting modes, video capability, MP3 player, TV-out, a Mini SD card slot, and a 1" external color display. With such a high quality camera on this phone, I guess its pretty obvious that it will be years before it makes it into the welcoming arms of an American carrier. After all, Americans are more than happy with the .3MP VGA cameras on their phones, right? Right?
A-Data Technology and Micro-Star International are planning to release USB flash drives with a solar-powered LCD displays. Since the display only shows the remaining capacity of the drive, it really doesn't need that much power as it is. I know what the you're thinking. "Wow, I'll totally be able to use those solar flash drives in some MacGyver-like situations when I'm on that remote island filled with supermodels and extravagant speedboat races." Well... Good luck with that. Also, tell your cubicle-mate Larry that I said hello.
Some guy decided to answer the question "is the Volkswagen Beetle still a girly car even if it has a giant phallic rocket sticking out the back?" Yes it is, and quite a powerful one at that. This car still has its factory engine installed, which allows the driver to have a functional and street legal car. When the driver wants to jump Snake River Canyon or get the kids to soccer practice in record time, he simply fires up the rocket, which adds approximately 1350 HP. Let's just hope that he starts making regular appearances on televised high speed police chases.
Sanyo has announced the release of a weatherproof 32" LCD television. The television has a high contrast, high brightness flat panel screen with a wide 176 degree viewing angle. I think this is a good start, and it will look very nice on the wall near the average jacuzzi. Not mentioned was the release date for a gold-plated LCD television targeted at the more discriminating television watchers who own solid gold jacuzzis and solid gold... cats. Like that old cat lady who spends her time screaming at you from her window. Except she's rich. And sexy.
Sony has revealed another network-enabled stereo system, this time with an 80GB hard drive and CD, MiniDisc, and Memory Stick support. This set will also allow you to download music through Sony and JVC's ANYMUSIC service or stream it off PCs on the network. 80GB is a lot of storage, a lot of storage that is far away from the prying eyes of your girlfriend. No one would know if you used it to hide some of your more personal files for a while. That's right. I'm talking about all of your recipes and crochet patterns.