Ford Turns Multiple Cars Into Speaker System
Ford Global Technologies has filed a patent application for combining two or more car sound systems, so that the cars become a joint speaker system for an outdoor party or gathering.
Two vehicles can be remotely arranged (autonomously) in stereo positions and instructed to play left or right channels. The patent covers autonomously controlling the vehicles to move into position including adding even more vehicles to create a surround sound configuration.
Also the vehicles can be instructed, while playing, to remotely open the doors and/or windows.
The patent application was filed on April 20, 2023 under the title Multi-Vehicle Audio System, application no. 17/505,831.
Source: US Patent Office via TheDrive
Roll Up Screen for Cars
Hyundai Mobis, a technology division of Hyundai, has developed a roll up screen for the car. The screen automatically raises up out of its housing and retracts as needed, said Autoblog.
It can raise up partially, (1/3rd height) as a mini screen to show controls for functions such as the radio or HVAC system. At 2/3rd height, it can serve as a navigation display. At full height it can show video (when the car is parked).
Even at a large size of 30 inches or more, the roll up screen will only require a mounting depth of 4.7 inches. See a video of the screen in motion at Autoblog.
JVCKENWOOD Sells Breathalyzer in Japan
JVCKENWOOD is selling in Japan a portable breathalyzer that connects to an iPhone.
We asked a while back if the device might be sold in the US. A spokesman said there have been no discussions on it for the US market, but that doesn’t rule it out for some point in the future.
JVCKENWOOD’s breathalyzer connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth so that a fleet manager, for example, can receive readings from his drivers. The device can also send a photo of the user if it’s required by the fleet operator. In Japan, business operators are required by law to conduct alcohol checks on their fleet drivers.
JVC’s CAX-AD300 uses a semiconductor gas sensor that takes breath sample readings in about 15 seconds. We translated a listing which showed it selling for just under $300 in Japan (including taxes).
