That unassuming iPod dock that was launched at the new York Auto Show for Chrysler GEM’s Peapod prototype. Turns out it’s got a pretty interesting little trick, allowing your iPhone / iPod double as the ignition key. According to the EV’s brochure, the company’s got an app that makes all the magic work, and if you wish to start your car in an old-school manner, keys are still a viable option. Sure, it’s not the first example of car-phone integration we’ve come across, it’s a welcome addition to the oddly-shaped neighborhood whip that’s going beyond concept phase into production this October.
Tracy Jones-Harris Gadgets, Science & Design car-phone integration, Chrysler GEM, iphone, ipod, ipod dock, peapod
Apple just doubled the capacity of its iPod shuffle to 4GB while ditching the control wheel entirely. The new design keeps the clip and adds VoiceOver — a new feature that gets around the lack of display by telling you which song is playing and who performs it at the touch of a button on the earbud cable. It’ll also call out your playlists and let you navigate to others.
Only downside is it will cost you more to use non apple earbuds as an adapter is necessary.
Tracy Jones-Harris Gadgets Apple, ipod, shuffle, voice over
The absurdly titled Game Wheel Speed-X is evidently geared to work with Apple’s latest iPod touch, though an iPhone 3G should slide right in without too much effort. Clearly, this aims to be a Wii Wheel for your favorite Apple handheld, though we have to wonder how many individuals plan on carrying this ridiculously large piece of plastic around with their touch. Check out the demo of Engadget playing around with it.
Tracy Jones-Harris Gaming Apple, ipod, ipone, racing wheel, touch