Author: Serkadis

Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful Nightmare), Single Ladies, and Halo has been on of the most popular female performer today.
Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful Nightmare), Single Ladies, and Halo has been on of the most popular female performer today.

Seeing from the Honda Tech Forums, the current trend says this hoax has been around for more than a year already. While on the Topix Forums, it says something like this:
What caused the death of troubled socialite and heiress Casey Johnson, who was discovered dead in her LA home yesterday? It’s too soon to say since toxicology results are pending, although at least one tabloid is suggesting prescription pills may have been involved. In a bizarre twist to the story, Johnson’s “fiancée,” reality TV star/fame addict Tila Tequila, tweeted last night that Johnson hadn’t actually died and was really in a coma, before backtracking a little while later and acknowledging what had already been confirmed by the police. Tequila’s also believed to be the last person to have seen the Johnson & Johnson heiress alive.
Singer Beyonce Knowles has been reported to be in serious condition and taken to Golden State Regional Hospital after a minor traffic accident that escalated into a physical altercation in Fullerton CA, a suburb 30 minutes south east of Los Angeles.

Witness reports indicate that Beyonce Knowles’s BMW struck a pick up truck towing landscaping equipment. Three men exited the truck and extracted her from the vehicle then began kicking and punching the singer before fleeing the scene.
She didn’t have a chance against these men who attacked her before she said a single word to them, replied a visibly shaken onlooker.

Beyonce Knowles was unresponsive upon the arrival of police officers and EMT’s, but appeared to be breathing according to eyewitness reports.

But seeing the news appeared August 10, 2009 and since then, the top news sites haven’t put anything about it, then it should be a hoax. And yes, she just performed during the Miss Universe 2009.

Related posts:

1. Beyonce Dies Photos Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful…
2. Is Beyonce Dead Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful…
3. Beyonce Death Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful…

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful Nightmare), Single Ladies, and Halo has been on of the most popular female performer today.

Seeing from the Honda Tech Forums, the current trend says this hoax has been around for more than a year already. While on the Topix Forums, it says something like this:
What caused the death of troubled socialite and heiress Casey Johnson, who was discovered dead in her LA home yesterday? It’s too soon to say since toxicology results are pending, although at least one tabloid is suggesting prescription pills may have been involved. In a bizarre twist to the story, Johnson’s “fiancée,” reality TV star/fame addict Tila Tequila, tweeted last night that Johnson hadn’t actually died and was really in a coma, before backtracking a little while later and acknowledging what had already been confirmed by the police. Tequila’s also believed to be the last person to have seen the Johnson & Johnson heiress alive.
Singer Beyonce Knowles has been reported to be in serious condition and taken to Golden State Regional Hospital after a minor traffic accident that escalated into a physical altercation in Fullerton CA, a suburb 30 minutes south east of Los Angeles.

Witness reports indicate that Beyonce Knowles’s BMW struck a pick up truck towing landscaping equipment. Three men exited the truck and extracted her from the vehicle then began kicking and punching the singer before fleeing the scene.
She didn’t have a chance against these men who attacked her before she said a single word to them, replied a visibly shaken onlooker.

Beyonce Knowles was unresponsive upon the arrival of police officers and EMT’s, but appeared to be breathing according to eyewitness reports.

But seeing the news appeared August 10, 2009 and since then, the top news sites haven’t put anything about it, then it should be a hoax. And yes, she just performed during the Miss Universe 2009.

Related posts:

1. Is Beyonce Dead Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful…
2. Beyonce Dies Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful…
3. Beyonce Dies Photos Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful…

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

If you find the title to this post a little awkward, it’s intentional.  It’s very much the way I felt after watching the Microsoft Keynote address at CES via their livestream.  Here’s some quick thoughts on the address:

MediaCenter

There was a nearly 15-20 minute long demo of Microsoft MediaCenter – this is of course good since MC has been mostly ignored by Microsoft in these sorts of public addresses lately.  The exciting Ceton quad-CableCard tuner was part of that demo and yes it looked pretty good.  But in my opinion the demo was very awkward and did a pretty poor job of highlighting HTPC’s and more specifically MediaCenter.  No sign of extenders, no peep about Windows Home Server as a MediaCenter server.  Pretty much nothing new beyond the Ceton product.  Perhaps more was planned since Steve Balmer mentioned that he wanted to show us the “big TV with the PC built in” but couldn’t because the power outage “blew the tube.”  I’m glad they spent the time on MediaCenter, but I’m pretty disappointed in how they did it and what they didn’t say.

MediaRoom

They did a quick demo of their IPTV MediaRoom product and announced MediaRoom 2.0 is available with AT&T Uverse compatibility.  I’m not a fan of MediaRoom, but that’s coming from a HTPC fan I guess. 

In my opinion the nice thing they announced about MediaRoom is that the IPTV MediaRoom content will be accessible from MediaCenter – sort of like a MediaCenter on-demand product without needing a tuner – nice!  View Press Release

Also demoed was he MediaRoom programming working on a mobile phone.

Blio e-Book system

The Blio e-book system was demo’d and looked pretty nice.  It’s basically a free e-Book “system” software that works on windows PCs.  Nothing Kindle-killing, but really pretty cool and the price (free) is right.  Blio is also interesting because it was started by futurist, “Ray Kurzweil.

More on Blio with a hands-on video at Engadget

Blio’s webage

HP Touch Slate

Certainly not the device we had hoped for, but the HP Touch Slate (a table PC) with the Kindle software running on it.  It’s multi-touch and looks pretty nice.  But it’s simply a PC and not the Courier tablet everyone had rumored.

Here’s a very short promo video from HP that shows the slate off:

XBox 360 Support for AT&T UVerse

We learned that AT&T U-Verse subscribers will be able to use their XBox 360’s as a set-top box.  They said this would be available later this year, but nothing on how much it might cost.

XBox 360 Natal

The cool XBox 360 “Project Natal” has been slated for a Holiday 2010 release.

Conclusion

Overall although they did show off some really interesting products, the keynote didn’t go well.  They started with a serious power outage, took a very long time to re-boot everything on the stage back up and then when they started some things noticeably didn’t work.  There was definitely some great stuff being demoed at the keynote, but the presentation was most certainly underwhelming.

Winners from the keynote:  XBox 360, AT&T UVerse, Ceton and HP

Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful Nightmare), Single Ladies, and Halo has been on of the most popular female performer today.

Seeing from the Honda Tech Forums, the current trend says this hoax has been around for more than a year already. While on the Topix Forums, it says something like this:
What caused the death of troubled socialite and heiress Casey Johnson, who was discovered dead in her LA home yesterday? It’s too soon to say since toxicology results are pending, although at least one tabloid is suggesting prescription pills may have been involved. In a bizarre twist to the story, Johnson’s “fiancée,” reality TV star/fame addict Tila Tequila, tweeted last night that Johnson hadn’t actually died and was really in a coma, before backtracking a little while later and acknowledging what had already been confirmed by the police. Tequila’s also believed to be the last person to have seen the Johnson & Johnson heiress alive

Related posts:

1. Beyonce Death Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful…
2. Is Beyonce Dead Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful…
3. Beyonce Dies Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful…

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful Nightmare), Single Ladies, and Halo has been on of the most popular female performer today.

Seeing from the Honda Tech Forums, the current trend says this hoax has been around for more than a year already. While on the Topix Forums, it says something like this:
Tequila’s also believed to be the last person to have seen the Johnson & Johnson heiress alive. [TMZ, NYP, NYDN]
• It looks like when Beyoncé performed in St. Barts on New Year’s Eve, she was doing so at the behest of Hannibal Khadafy, the son of Libyan dictator Moammar Khadafy. This would be the same man who is rumored to have broken his wife’s nose last month, was arrested in 2005 for punching her, and was detained by the police in Geneva in 2008 for beating his servants. So either Beyoncé is really hard up for cash (which is doubtful), or she needs someone to vet her public appearances going forward. [P6]
• The third White House state dinner crasher has been identified. His name is Carlos Allen and he’s a DC-based party promoter, and he managed to sneak into the White House by hopping on a bus filled with Indian diplomats. [WP]
• Susan Sarandon has denied reports that she’s involved with Jonathan Bricklin, her partner in SPiN, the ping pong club on the East Side. But a source close to the 31-year-old entrepreneur says Bricklin and Sarandon spent New Year’s together and were very “touch-feely.” [Fox411]

Related posts:

1. Beyonce Dead Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful…
2. Is Beyonce Died Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful…
3. Beyonce Death Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful…

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful Nightmare), Single Ladies, and Halo has been on of the most popular female performer today.

Seeing from the Honda Tech Forums, the current trend says this hoax has been around for more than a year already. While on the Topix Forums, it says something like this:
Tequila’s also believed to be the last person to have seen the Johnson & Johnson heiress alive. [TMZ, NYP, NYDN]
• It looks like when Beyoncé performed in St. Barts on New Year’s Eve, she was doing so at the behest of Hannibal Khadafy, the son of Libyan dictator Moammar Khadafy. This would be the same man who is rumored to have broken his wife’s nose last month, was arrested in 2005 for punching her, and was detained by the police in Geneva in 2008 for beating his servants. So either Beyoncé is really hard up for cash (which is doubtful), or she needs someone to vet her public appearances going forward. [P6]
• The third White House state dinner crasher has been identified. His name is Carlos Allen and he’s a DC-based party promoter, and he managed to sneak into the White House by hopping on a bus filled with Indian diplomats. [WP]
• Susan Sarandon has denied reports that she’s involved with Jonathan Bricklin, her partner in SPiN, the ping pong club on the East Side. But a source close to the 31-year-old entrepreneur says Bricklin and Sarandon spent New Year’s together and were very “touch-feely.” [Fox411]
Singer Beyonce Knowles has been reported to be in serious condition and taken to Golden State Regional Hospital after a minor traffic accident that escalated into a physical altercation in Fullerton CA, a suburb 30 minutes south east of Los Angeles.

Witness reports indicate that Beyonce Knowles’s BMW struck a pick up truck towing landscaping equipment. Three men exited the truck and extracted her from the vehicle then began kicking and punching the singer before fleeing the scene.
She didn’t have a chance against these men who attacked her before she said a single word to them, replied a visibly shaken onlooker.

Beyonce Knowles was unresponsive upon the arrival of police officers and EMT’s, but appeared to be breathing according to eyewitness reports.

But seeing the news appeared August 10, 2009 and since then, the top news sites haven’t put anything about it, then it should be a hoax. And yes, she just performed during the Miss Universe 2009.

Related posts:

1. Is Beyonce Dead Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful…
2. Beyonce Dead Photos Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful…
3. Beyonce Death Beyonce, with the current top hit song Sweet Dreams (Beautiful…

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Back in 2008 when Lindemulder was sentenced on reported tax evasion charges, Sandra wrote in a letter to the judge, “As information was brought to Jesse’s attention about Janie’s drug use, and Sunny’s safety, and isolation, he was compelled to take matters to court.” (read full letter)

Meanwhile, in his own letter to the court, the Spike TV star wrote that his ex has refused to take responsibility for her finances and allegedly reckless lifestyle.

“I believe that Janine should not be shown any leniency in her sentence,” he wrote at the time.

As “Good Morning America” reported, the judge has now ordered both parties to see a mediator, as Janine is currently requesting joint custody.

Keep checking back here for more on this story.
Kidman accompanied her husband Keith Urban to the award show, where he was up for Best Country Artist.

We’re happy (and a bit relieved) that Bullock took a card from Kidman’s hair style deck this time around. Because we still feel slightly dirty about her frizzy look at last summer’s “All About Steve” premiere.

Related posts:

1. Sandra Bullock Husband, Sandra Bullock Husband Jesse James Back in 2008 when Lindemulder was sentenced on reported tax…
2. Sean Goldman, Sean Goldman Brazil Latest News Brazilian lawyers said Sean Goldman’s stepfather, João Lins e Silva,…
3. Craig James Texas Tech Craig James Espn Craig James Where does Leach stand? This seems like a sudden…

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

Ever since the Opel Insignia based Regal sedan made its debut at the 2009 LA Auto Show, we’ve been crossing our fingers for an Insignia OPC based Regal GS. Well, here it is – in concept form at least. Ready to make its debut at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show next week, the Regal GS concept is not confirmed for production, at least for now.

“We designed the Regal GS to explore the appeal of a high-performance variant of the Regal,” said Craig Bierley, product marketing director for Buick. “Like the Regal, the Regal GS is based on the award-winning Opel Insignia, and we believe it will reinvigorate Buick’s storied Gran Sport legacy.”

Why is it a concept? In our minds, there is no doubt that the Regal GS will eventually arrive in dealerships shortly after its base siblings do, but we’re guessing that GM is holding back from making more than one “high-performance” production vehicle debut (other than the 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe) next week in Detroit (you know, with some big shots from Washington D.C. heading down to Motor City for the show and all).

Unlike its Opel cousin, which is powered by a 325-hp 2.8 V6 turbo, the Buick Regal GS carries a 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged 4-banger making 260-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed manual that directs torque to an all-wheel-drive system, 0-60 mph should come in less than 6 seconds. Stopping power comes from a Brembo brake system with 14 x 1.2-inch cross-drilled rotors; four-piston, high-strength aluminum calipers, and high-performance pads.

Other than that, the Buick Regal GS gets Insignia OPC touches including two additional vertical front air intakes and forged aluminum 20-inch wheels and performance tires. Inside, the high-performance Regal gets a racing-inspired sport steering wheel, metal pedals and high-performance Recaro front seats with 4-way lumbar support and cushion extensions.

We’ll be bringing you live images from the 2010 Detroit Auto Show on Monday. Stay tuned and stay excited.

Hit the jump for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

Buick Regal GS Concept:

Press Release:

Buick Unveils Regal GS Show Car

– 21st-century successor to Buick’s Gran Sport heritage
– Bold, sporty design with unique exterior details and an aggressive stance
– High-output Ecotec 2.0L turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission
– Adaptive all-wheel-drive system and electronic limited-slip rear differential
– 0-60 in less than 6.0 seconds
– Buick’s class-exclusive Interactive Drive Control System

DETROIT – With an estimated 255 turbocharged horsepower (190 kW), a six-speed manual transmission and an advanced, adaptive all-wheel-drive system, the Buick Regal GS show car is a high-tech, high-performance version of the brand’s newest sport sedan. It was introduced at the 2010 North American International Auto Show.

The mechanical elements were developed with the aim of delivering a driving experience that is sporting, confidence-inspiring and refined. It has a performance-oriented drivetrain, a lowered body and lower center of gravity. Exterior and interior cues include two additional vertical front air intakes; large, forged aluminum 20-inch wheels and performance tires; a racing-inspired sport steering wheel and metal pedals. Recaro high-performance front seats feature four-way lumbar support and cushion extensions.

The Regal GS exterior is distinguished by vertical air inlets in the front fascia, as well as unique rocker panels, an integrated rear spoiler, dual exhaust outlets, Olympic White paint and satin metallic accents.

“The idea behind the Regal GS was taking the production model in a more aggressive direction to appeal to performance enthusiasts,” said John Cafaro, Buick design director. “But along with its aggressive stance, there’s sophisticated style in the design that complements the driving experience.”

Inside, the Regal GS varies from the standard Regal by featuring a completely jet black interior, including the pillars and headliner, sport shifter for the six-speed manual transmission and a suede-covered, flat-bottom steering wheel reminiscent of those used in international racing series. The instrument panel glows ice blue when the driver engages the sport mode of the Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS).

Turbocharged AWD performance

Power for the Regal GS comes from a high-output 2.0L Ecotec turbocharged engine with direct-injection technology. It is based on the engine that will be offered on Regal CXL models later this summer, but the engine and turbocharger are tuned to deliver greater boost pressure in the GS. The output is estimated at 255 horsepower (190 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. of torque (400 Nm).

The engine is mated to a six-speed manual transmission that directs torque to an adaptive all-wheel-drive system calibrated for performance driving. An electronic, limited-slip rear differential helps ensure the engine’s power is distributed effectively during cornering.

The high-performance drivetrain is expected to enable the Regal GS to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 6 seconds. That performance is complemented by a four-wheel-independent suspension, with a unique High Performance Strut (HiPerStrut) design in front. The HiPerStrut system helps reduce torque steer and maintain negative camber during cornering. This improves ultimate grip levels in dry and wet conditions, as well as improves the direct feel of the road, while isolating undesirable feedback. Behind the wheel the driver experiences reduced torque steer, improved grip and increased cornering power, along with crisper handling, steering precision and feedback.

The Regal GS features a high-performance Brembo brake system with 14 x 1.2-inch (355 x 32 mm) cross-drilled rotors; four-piston, high-strength aluminum calipers, and high-performance pads.

The Regal GS is also equipped with Interactive Drive Control System (IDCS) chassis technology (also offered on Regal CXL models with the 2.0L turbo engine). It delivers enhanced vehicle stability and greater driving safety, while also adapting the driving characteristics of the car to the driver’s preferences. The driver selects among three operating modes – normal, sport and GS – that change the suspension settings, throttle response and steering sensitivity through the variable-effort steering system.

BUICK REGAL GS SHOW CAR SPECIFICATIONS

Overview

Engine/Transmission

Chassis/Suspension

Brakes

Wheels/Tires

Dimensions
Exterior

Interior

– By: Omar Rana

Filed under: Concept Cars, Detroit Auto Show, Sedan, Performance, Buick

Buick has a long history of turbocharged Regals, starting back in 1978 when the first example appeared. That “personal luxury” coupe was one of the first mainstream American products to adopt exhaust-driven turbocharging to recover some of the power lost to downsized engines. Unfortunately, in the era before electronic engine management and fuel injection, those Regals weren’t very good. Over the next decade, however, Buick refined these technologies, which led to the formidable GNX, supposedly the quickest production car in the world when it was introduced in 1986.

Fast forward to today and the Regal badge is back. Aside from four wheels and Buick’s signature water fall grille, the new Regal has no relationship to the Regals of yore. Unlike the Eighties, when making an American car more “European” meant painting the chrome trim black and stiffening the springs, this sedan was originally developed by General Motors’ European operation as the Opel Insignia. As such, it might actually appeal to those considering a BMW 3 Series, Audi A4 or Mercedes-Benz C-Class. But to really seal the deal, Buick is using the Detroit Auto Show to revive another one of its historic badges: the GS. Learn about the Regal GS after the jump.

Live photos by Sam Abuelsamid / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Buick Regal GS brings performance back to TriShield brand

Buick Regal GS brings performance back to TriShield brand originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

At the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show later today, Ford will unveil its new MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch, a new safer and simpler way for drivers to connect with in-car technologies.

First and foremost, the MyFord Touch and MyLincoln Touch gets rid of the traditional bulky vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges. Those are replaced by voice command functions, dual 4.2-inch LCD screens in front of the driver with five-way button steering wheel controls and an 8-inch touch screen all controlled a simplified SYNC system.

MyFord will start rolling out later this year on the redesigned 2011 Ford Edge before making its way to the new 2012 Ford Focus for the global markets. MyLincoln Touch will be standard equipment on the 2011 Lincoln MKX (which will debut next week at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show).

Ford says that by 2015, 80 percent of Ford’s North American vehicles will have the MyFord driver connect technology.

Follow through for the press release and high-res image gallery.

MyFord Touch / MyLincoln Touch:

Press Release:

FORD INTRODUCES SIGNATURE INTERIOR EXPERIENCE: MYFORD TOUCH DRIVER CONNECT TECHNOLOGY

–  New MyFord™ driver connect technology blends Ford signature in-vehicle features into a cohesive experience, featuring intuitive controls, more voice activation and interface personalization
– MyFord Touch™ interface includes dual 4.2-inch LCD screens with corresponding five-way button steering wheel controls and an 8-inch touch screen all controlled by simplified SYNC® voice commands
– Intuitive driver connect technology provides access to ever-expanding in-vehicle functionality while minimizing driver distraction and improving interior aesthetics
– MyFord driver connect technology launches this year on 2011 Ford Edge and goes global with availability on 2012 Ford Focus. MyLincoln Touch will be standard equipment on new Lincolns beginning with 2011 Lincoln MKX

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 7, 2010 – Ford introduced a smarter, safer, simpler system to connect drivers with in-car technologies and their digital lives today at the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

Building on its leadership with the award-winning SYNC® device connectivity system, Ford has combined a variety of technologies into one powerful, intuitive connected driver experience called MyFord, which will begin rolling out on vehicles this year.

“MyFord delivers a premium interior experience that will help consumers fall in love with their vehicles again,” said Derrick Kuzak, Ford group vice president, Global Product Development. “It integrates all our signature features so customers will know exactly what they’re going to get in any Ford vehicle they may find themselves driving, no matter where they are in the world.”

This new in-vehicle connectivity experience replaces many of the traditional vehicle buttons, knobs and gauges. With more voice commands, clear, crisp LCD screens that can be customized and five-way buttons like those on cell phones and MP3 players, drivers can choose which information is front and center through a button click, voice command or touch-screen tap.

Driven by trends
Ford decided to undertake a sweeping and ambitious redesign of the automotive interface after studying consumer electronics trends and the many new ways in which drivers were using technology inside their Ford vehicles.

Recent years have seen a massive expansion in the variety of in-car communications, navigation and infotainment technologies consumers regularly use. The expectations of average drivers have outgrown the traditional “button/knob/gauge” interface used in cars for the past 100 years, as most consumer and household electronics have moved to colorful digital displays and multi-function touch-sensitive buttons.

Consumers are insisting on simpler interfaces even as they’re demanding more in-car connectivity, more options and more information – a dilemma known as “simplexity.” Plus, the pace of advancement is expected to continue unabated, posing a new opportunity for drivers and engineers alike.

“As we began developing MyFord’s capability, we saw this groundswell of new technology, new functionality and incredible capability opening up to consumers,” said Mark Fields, Ford’s president of The Americas. “It was readily apparent that unless we devised an intuitive interface to help drivers manage these capabilities, they could detract – and possibly distract – from the driving experience.”

For example, prior to SYNC, drivers often were required to either leave behind their communications, digital information and favorite music while on the road or split their attention between driving and selecting songs, making phone calls or using the navigation system.

Influenced – and powered – by SYNC
When launched, Ford SYNC, developed with Microsoft, helped provide a seamless transition – and seamless flow of information and entertainment – from the moment drivers entered their vehicles to the moment they got out. As Ford began to develop additional SYNC capabilities and add other signature content, the company realized it was redefining the interior environment and ownership experience.

“With MyFord driver connect technology, we realized we weren’t necessarily competing with other automakers, but we were really redefining how customers interacted with their cars,” said Jim Buczkowski, Ford director of Electronics and Electrical Systems Engineering. “We had to look very closely at the evolution of hand-held devices in terms of user interface, connectivity, productivity and entertainment applications. Our goal is to set the benchmark for the automotive user interface, just as we’ve done for device connectivity with SYNC.”

Accommodating all types of drivers, all types of vehicles
In the initial planning stages of redesigning the interior experience, Ford collaborated with IDEO, a world leader in helping consumers connect with technology. As a result, the company identified four key attributes of successful interfaces:

* Be attentive: Use controls, screens and other interfaces with which most users already are comfortable and familiar.
* Be approachable:Create an attractive environment with rich graphics, vibrant colors and buttons/screens that are appealing to the eye and the touch, and consistent with what consumers expect from certain functions.
* Be clear: Rather than an imposing cluster of buttons, switches and dials, create a clean-looking interface, with controls that fall readily to hand and displays that are exactly where users expect to find them. Provide maximum control without the driver’s hands ever leaving the steering wheel.
* Be connected: For technophiles? Let drivers display all the information they want in the way they want it. For technophobes? Make sure basic controls, like radio and HVAC settings, still are accessible via familiar stack-mounted controls, so users don’t have to learn a host of new commands to operate the vehicle.

“The driving experience is not just about getting from A to B,” explained J Mays, Ford group vice president of Design. “It’s about the approach to the car, how it responds to you when you get in, and how it responds to you while you drive. It’s the anticipation, the welcome and the continuing conversation. Keeping these principles in mind helped us ensure we made decisions for the right reasons.”

A global future for MyFord driver connect technology
As a signature offering, and one with the potential to help reduce driver distraction, Ford knew widely offering MyFord driver connect technology was a priority from the start.

“Democratization of technology is a key aspect of our product plan,” Kuzak said. “With MyFord, we didn’t want to create an upscale electronics package and just put it on our highest-end vehicles. This technology will be available across our full range of vehicles: From our affordable small cars to the ultimate Lincoln, we’re going to make a premium, appealing and intuitive experience available to everyone.”

MyFord also will be expanded across world markets. As new and refreshed models continue to arrive, nearly all Ford passenger vehicles will be outfitted with MyFord driver connect technology. There will be minor variations across car lines, but the interface will be instantly recognizable in Ford vehicles around the globe.

MyFord will arrive later this year on the redesigned 2011 Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers, before appearing on the all-new 2012 Ford Focus for global markets. By 2015, approximately 80 percent of Ford’s North American models are expected to have MyFord driver connect technology, with similar percentages predicted for the world market.

“We’ve developed an environment that will make every Ford vehicle feel like a Ford,” said Kuzak. “Across the country, across the globe, all of our products will have the same type of feel, making them instantly comfortable to the drivers who know and love them, and MyFord will become a key part of the joy of owning and driving a Ford product.”

– By: Kap Shah

Breaking into high-security areas is going to be a whole lot trickier in 2035, if this 2-inch electronic-ID has anything to say about it. The good news is, it’s guaranteed to get your good side.

Filed under: CES, Technology

Ford began its MyFord Touch presentation with a simple question: “People line up for iPhones – why not cars?” What is it about certain pieces of technology that makes them a “must have”? And since the iPhone is really just a merger of two things we already have (a cell phone and PC), is it possible to blend something into a car that will get ’em lining up around the block? Quite obviously, Ford’s hoping the answer is yes.

MyFord Touch – and if you buy a Lincoln, MyLincoln Touch – is a piece of driver connect technology like SYNC, only much more advanced. In fact, you can think of MyFord as SYNC 2.0. Or, you could, if not for the fact that there already is a SYNC 2.0. Regardless, in-car technology can do myriad of things these days, and Ford thinks it’s found a way to group and display all of a vehicle’s functionality in a logical, intuitive and useful way. Sadly, Ford is internally calling this “simplexity,” as in making the complex simple. Or, as we wrote in our notes, “barf.” Thankfully, the public will know it as MyFord Touch.

Continue reading MyFord Touch proves that the shape of things to come is awesome

MyFord Touch proves that the shape of things to come is awesome originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Looking at the pictures this OLED concept produces is the strangest thing: a 3D image on a nearly 2D panel.

The 14-inch panel is just 1.6mm think, and if you look at it from the side you might miss it completely. It’s at least three years away from being ready—much less affordable—at sizes that would make it worth owning, but even in the concept it’s a pretty incredible feat of engineering.

“Scheduled to be available in holiday season 2010, ‘Project Natal’ is only the most recent example of Microsoft’s work creating natural user interfaces,” reads a press release of the morning’s events.
In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised to see some more firm dates applied to both Project Natal—maybe even getting a peek at some non-game related demonstrations—and Game Room, confirmation of which leaked earlier today. Read on for our up to the minute liveblog of Microsoft’s CES keynote if you want to know what Steve Ballmer and crew will be doing for the next hour.
We’re sure HP and Microsoft will have some interesting things to say about it, but a lot of hearts are breaking out there. Other big items: Project Natal will launch around the holidays in 2010, the HTC HD2 will hit T-Mobile as expected, and the Mediaroom 2.0 IPTVs service will bring on-demand programming to PCs and phones. The full PR is after the break, but we’ll post highlights here if we see anything else as we comb through.

Related posts:

1. Microsoft ces Keynote, Microsoft ces Keynote 2010 In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised to see some more…
2. Microsoft Ces, Microsoft Ces Keynote 2010 Microsoft and Courier isn’t likely to become a product anytime…
3. Ces 2010 Microsoft Keynote, Ces Keynote 2010 Microsoft and Courier isn’t likely to become a product anytime…

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.

In this January issue of our eNewsletter, we will first brief you on the enlightening demos that will take place on Wednesday, January 20th, as part of the SharpBrains Summit, and then present the 15 most stimulating SharpBrains articles of 2009.

Expo Day

If you want to see and discuss the latest programs and technologies for brain fitness, presented by Summit Sponsors, Wednesday January 20th is your day. Each demo will last 30 minutes, followed by 15 minutes of Q&A.

9am. Baycrest/ Cogniciti will introduce the new Memory@Work workshop, designed to teach what memory is, how lifestyle factors such as distraction and stress can affect memory, and how to enhance memory performance at work with the use of enabling strategies.

10am. CogniFit will demo CogniFit Personal Coach and CogniFit Senior Driver, two online programs designed to assess and main cognitive functions for healthy living and safe driving, respectively.

11am. Posit Science will demo InSight, a software-based cognitive training package designed to sharpen brain’s visual system. This is the program being tested by Allstate for safer driving.

Noon. Happy Neuron will introduce HAPPYneuron PRO, a new platform for professionals for the effective delivery and management of cognitive remediation and rehabilitation programs in a patient centric manner.

1pm. SharpBrains will help navigate this growing field by discussing The State of the Brain Fitness Software 2009 report and The SharpBrains Guide to Brain Fitness consumer guide, and summarizing key Summit take-aways.

Learn more and register HERE. Please remember that registration closes on January 17th.

We want to thank our most recent sponsor, the Arrowsmith Program, a comprehensive suite of cognitive programs for students with learning disabilities available in public and private schools in Canada and the U.S. More information here.

And now, let’s review the (in our view) 15 most stimulating articles of 2009.

The Big Picture

100 is the new 65: Why do some people live, and well, to 100? Researchers are trying to find out, reports Meera Lee Sethi at Greater Good Magazine.

Learning about Learning: an Interview with Joshua Waitzkin: Scott Barry Kaufman interviews “child prodigy” Joshua Waitzkin on The Art of Learning.

Debunking 10 Brain Health Myths: Does your brain have a “Brain Age”? Is a Magic Pill to prevent memory problems right around the corner?  Check out the facts to debunk 10 common myths.

Why is working memory relevant to reading and mathematics: A recent large UK study identified 1 in 10 students as having working memory difficulties. Dr. Tracy Alloway elaborates why this matters.

Change Your Environment, Change Yourself: Dr. Brett Steenbarger explains why new environments  “force us to exit our routines and actively master unfamiliar challenges.”

Tools

Retooling Use it or lose it: Alvaro Fernandez discusses why routine, doing things inside our comfort zones, is the most common enemy of the novelty, variety and challenge our brains need.

Does cognitive training work? (For Whom? For What?): Dr. Pascale Michelon, dissects a couple of recent press releases and the underlying studies to clarifying what they mean – and what they don’t mean.

New Study Supports Neurofeedback Treatment for ADHD: Dr. David Rabiner reports the promising findings from the first well-designed controlled trial on the effect of neurofeedback treatment for ADHD.

Do Art Classes Boost Test Scores? Is there a “Mozart Effect?”: Some researchers suggest so; others are not convinced. Karin Evans offers a  thoughtful review of the evidence and asks, “Now, is this the right question?”

Does coffee boost cognitive functions over time? Dr. Pascale Michelon reports good news (long-term effects seem more positive than negative, so coffee leads to no clear harm) and bad ones (no clear beneficial effects on general brain functions).

Industry

Brain fitness heads towards its tipping point: How do you know when something is moving towards a Gladwellian tipping point? When insurance companies and policy makers pay attention, Dr. Gerard Finnemore reports.

Visual Representation of the State of the Market 2009: Paul Van Slembrouck beautifully presents the main findings of our 150-page market report, The State of the Brain Fitness Market 2009.

Michael Merzenich on brain fitness: neuroscientist Michael Merzenich discusses neuroplasticity, technology, safe driving, mental health, and the need for standards, automated assessments and “personal brain trainers”.

Brain Teaser

Stimulate your Concentration Skills: when one really wants to memorize a fact, it is crucial to pay attention. Dr. Pascale Michelon challenges you to count a few simple letters.

Resolution

Finally, an article that may inspire some New Year Resolutions. In Yes, You Can Build Willpower, Daniel Goleman discusses how the brain makes about 10,000 new cells every day, how they migrate to where they are needed, and how each cell can make around 10,000 connections to other brain cells. Implication? Meditate, mindfully, and build positive habits.

Wishing you a Happy and Productive 2010, and looking forward to meeting many of you (200 so far) at the inaugural SharpBrains Summit!

Microsoft confirmed today that it plans to ship Project Natal, a new add-on for the Xbox 360 where you can control a game with your own body motions rather than a controller, will ship in the fall of 2010.

We wrote a story about the shipment date last year about when Natal would ship, but Microsoft never confirmed it until today during Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer’s keynote at the Consumer Electronics Show. Microsoft announced the project at the E3 trade show last summer.

Lots of companies are working on Natal-based games, but neither Ballmer nor Robbie Bach, head of the Entertainment & Devices division, talked about any of those games in the works. With Natal, players will be able to control a game with body movements, since a webcam atop a TV can capture the movements and translate them into controls for the Xbox 360. Natal will be able to recognize faces of players, receive images of objects scanned into it via the webcam, and discern the different voices of players in the room.

Bach showed a video that showed the genesis of Natal in Microsoft Research. (An image from it showing body tracking is shown above). Unfortunately, he didn’t show a live demo of Natal in action, but that’s because CES isn’t really a gaming show.

Buy This Item: [Click here to buy this item]

Read Original Article

Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer just demonstrated a tablet computer built by Hewlett Packard and powered by the Windows 7 operating system.

Ballmer was on-stage at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where The New York Times previously reported he would announce a tablet, perhaps to beat Apple’s expected tablet announcement later this month.

The demo was pretty short, and Ballmer didn’t offer many details. He actually had three computers that he called “slate PCs” on-stage, which he said are “almost as portable as a phone and as powerful as a PC running Windows 7.” The difference between a slate and a tablet seems to mostly be one of terminology. Ballmer didn’t offer product names either, just said one was manufactured by Pegatron, one by Archos, and the third by HP.

Ballmer’s HP demo involved reading a book using Kindle software. Using the touchscreen, he swiped through the pages, then went onto Amazon, where he purchased and downloaded another e-book. He also started playing a video, though the conference room’s impressive AV system took over quickly.

Buy This Item: [Click here to buy this item]

Read Original Article