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Gallery: Top 5 car technologies

By | November 12, 2009, 2:19 PM PST

CNet has played with a lot of car technology and for the most part has tried them all. Here’s a look at its top rated car technologies.

The back up camera: CNet says: After a century of using a glass mirror to try and not hit things when backing up, rear view cameras are finally becoming common on cars. Essential on SUVs and vans, but also useful on sedans, the image from a back-up camera shows you what you can’t see in the mirror: your rear bumper.

And the image:

The blind spot warning: CNet says: Blind spot warning systems show a warning light on the side view mirror when a car is sitting in your blind spot. When you look at the side mirror to see if it is safe to change lanes, it is very reassuring to have that extra set of eyes that see where you can’t.

And the image:

Navigation with traffic detours: CNet says: Navigation systems are great, and have become very common. But they are much, much more useful when they can tell you about bad traffic jams ahead, and suggest a detour.

And the image:

iPod and MP3 integration: CNet says: Good iPod integration lets you plug in the device, then browse your music library on the car’s LCD or radio display. You should be able to select music the same way you do on your iPod: by artist, album, genre, playlist, or track.

And the image:

Bluetooth phone integration with voice command: CNet says: A few companies, Ford, Kia, and Lexus so far, not only have the Bluetooth system copy your phone’s contact list, but also include voice command that lets you place a call merely by saying a name in that contact list.

And the image:

Hybrid powertrains as an honorable mention: CNet says: We give gas-electric hybrid powertrains an honorable mention here because they offer the best of both worlds: more power and better fuel economy.

And the image:

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Larry Dignan

About Larry Dignan

Larry Dignan is editor-in-chief of SmartPlanet.

Larry Dignan

Larry Dignan

Editor-in-Chief

Larry Dignan is editor-in-chief of SmartPlanet and ZDNet. He is also editorial director of TechRepublic. Previously, he was an editor at eWeek, Baseline and CNET News. He has written for WallStreetWeek.com, Inter@ctive Week, New York Times and Financial Planning. He holds degrees from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism and the University of Delaware. He is based in New York but resides in Pennsylvania.

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Larry Dignan

Larry Dignan
Larry Dignan does not hold any investments in the companies he covers.
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Those 5 are great... a low is...
The lowest thing that gobbles up extra cash in new cars is Antilock Brakes. They say it's to keep brakes from locking up during an emergency. I personally never heard of this ever occurring. In fact, Antilock brakes make it that much harder and longer to stop a car in an emergency. The only thing they really do that is beneficial- is that the car cannot skid anymore... if this hurts or kills the driver.. that's ok, i guess... because at least there will not be any skid marks in the road as evidence.
Posted by Dan_P
13th Nov 2009
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RE: Gallery: Top 5 car technologies
Dan_P, Your comment indicates no understanding of the basics of antilock breaks and the physics involved with stopping a car. Antilock breaks prevent your wheels from "locking" (and so the name). This prevents your car from "skidding". When your car skids (sliding friction) it take longer to stop than when your tires remain in "contact" with the road (sliding friction). This stops cars quicker and therefore prevents accidents.
Posted by fmrhodes
13th Nov 2009
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RE: Gallery: Top 5 car technologies
Sorry hit submit too early on last. Anti-lock breaks are the best innovation in cars in the last two decades, bar none. Safety, convenience, lives saved, insurance lowered ... this article, however, is focused on electronics. The bluetooth feature is the best IMHO. (tires in contact should have read "static friction")
Posted by fmrhodes
13th Nov 2009
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RE: Gallery: Top 5 car technologies
It's amazing how far reaching MP3 technology has become since the introduction of the iPod in 2003. Apple's vision of the iPod has truly extended to just about anything consumers can imagine. We can play our iPods anywhere. At home, at the gym, on a hike and in the car. But it's the car stereo application that seems to have fallen short for consumers. But its not Apple's fault. The problem is with new cars. More and more of them are designing the stereo as part the dash in a way that makes it so you can't easily replace it without major customization. I was just in a Prius last week and one look at that stereo and you know that there's no replacing it. But you wouldn't want to either because it looks good with the dash. I prefer to leave the vehicle as factory as possible for resale value anyhow. So what do you do if you want to add Sirius or iPod connectivity? Well, I've found a alternative. Leave the factory stereo in place and buy an iPod iPhone module. I've been doing alot of research on this over the years and the best place to buy these ipod iphone car stereo kits is mypodcarkit.com. They helped me install mine in my BMW and I am soooo happy. CD quality music with constant charging, stereo head unit control, album/artist stereo text display and steering wheel control, ALL from my factory stereo!
Posted by gag1usa
30th Jul 2010
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