Familiar, it is…

While surfing the web the other day I happened across this article about TomTom GPS and Star Wars.

Seems TomTom has been reading my blog and stole my idea.

See, I had mentioned “Turn right, you must” long before their “deal” with Lucas Films ever came out.

Confession: I have to credit my wife for reminding me of this because like the old fart I am I had completely forgotten about it. But never mind…

I actually mentioned that it would be really cool to have a holographic image of the voice over character sitting next to you.

So, feel free to steal that idea too TomTom.

So watch your step TomTom. I just might troll on over to my lawyers office and have him go postal on you.

Can you say Law Suit? Hey, we could even have do Mr. Rogers voice overs too!

But anyway, back to my point. Consider this a warning TomTom. A Cease and Desist Letter.

But, I will give them credit for the advertising campaign. Check out the video clips.

Funny they are.

Darth Vader GPS recording session @ Yahoo! Video

Star Wars GPS Voices – Yoda records directions @ Yahoo! Video

Who wants 3D?

As a potential investor, consumer and confessed techie, I am always interested in the next big thing.

This time of year features two great trade shows that feature the latest in high tech.

CES and the Detroit Auto Show.

By far, the talk of the town at CES was 3D TV and entertainment.

The problem I have with this is that it is nothing new.
Sure the technology used today is like none other and more advanced than anything used before, but the concept of 3D has been around since before the 1950’s!

And yes, we still need those pesky glasses.

When I look to shows like CES, I look for things which are either functional and or innovative.

In my opinion 3D is neither. And more importantly it does not solve anything!

It is the video display industry version of “jumping the shark”. There is nothing new to do at the moment except make displays thinner and and sightly better resolution. So, what to do in order to generate hype and interest where there is none. 3D!

I just do not get that excited with having to use the same old glasses to view something on a screen.

I think I will wait for the Hologram Room or “deck” as envisioned in Star Trek.

Now that would be cool.

The auto show on the other hand

features the latest in green technology, engineering and continues to show a convergence of multiple technologies which make driving better.

Just look at Ford which has won two car and truck awards! I also saw a feature of a console which gave much better use of media, GPS and mapping, along with voice pattern recognition.

This got me to thinking about our current GPS system, which works just fine, but does have a pesky little habit of repeating the phrase “recalculating” every time one has to divert from the path GPS thinks you should take due to traffic, construction or just a plan old fashioned missed turn. Take into account that if traffic is really bad, it just sits there doing nothing. This is where the convergence of technology could come into play. From one system you could integrate a phone, mp3, video, Internet, radio, all into one device.

But what would really be “cool” would be integrating holographic technology into this.

Imagine having your choice of companions or navigator to provide directions and conversation.

I bet he would not say “recalculating”.

So, with an idea and an Internet connection I found this!

It is not quite to the level of Yoda, but it does address a lot of everyday problems and concerns all car owners have.

Like choice of companions, directions, safety features, voice pattern recognition, even translation services, and theft prevention.

So what do you think?