CD multichanger goes virtual

CD multichanger goes virtual
In an age of in-car iPod connectivity, Alpine Electronics has forged ahead with developing a lightweight "virtual" CD changer instead.

The new machine interface makes choosing music in the car safer, simpler and lighter, says Alpine.

A human machine interface (HMI) is used to simulate a traditional CD changer interface to simplify music selection.

The functionality makes it easier to sort music files into virtual CDs with corresponding buttons.

Buttons on the head unit, numbered one to six correspond to "virtual CDs" that have been downloaded.

With no six disc mechanism, the unit is 50 percent lighter than a standard in dash changer.

"Trying to sort through hundreds of files whilst driving can be dangerous," says Keith Price, OEM business manager at Alpine Electronics.

"The interface uses the traditional six or ten CD buttons to select individual play lists or CD albums."

The music is downloaded at high quality, with no compression and assigned to a numbered button.

The user can then find a playlist or album simply through one button press.

Switching between "virtual" CDs is much quicker than real ones; testing has shown a reduction from 11 seconds to just one.

The system is currently being finalised but Alpine believes it could be on a production car with 12 months. Source : http://www.newcarnet.co.uk (2/4/2009)

Deal of the Day: Vauxhall Astra
Britain's car buyers have never been able to get such bargain deals as they can today.

We're highlighting some of the best money-saving deals on offer, with today's special offer a �4045 saving on the list price of an ultra blue Vauxhall Astra 1.6 115 SXi five door.

That means you pay just �11,799 for the car - but you'll have to move fast, as stocks are extremely limited.
Source : www.whatcar.co.uk/ (2/4/2009)

Suzuki recalls 2005-2006 GSX-R1000 motorcycles over fracturing frames
Suzuki, makers of the GSX line of sportbikes, has issued a recall on 26,082 GSX-R1000 motorcycles from 2005 and 2006. The trouble area is reportedly the bike's frame, specifically behind and below the steering neck near the front triple clamps. When ridden particularly aggressively � which we'll get to in a moment � this area is susceptible to cracking. If Suzuki finds any damage to any frame, it will be replaced with a newly reinforced unit. If no damage is found, a special brace will be added and covered by a new five-year warranty.

So, what constitutes aggressive riding? Let's be honest. A good portion of literbike riders enjoy lofting the front wheel from time to time, even on the street where such antics can get you into big trouble. The reality, though, is that these bikes were designed to perform at the highest level under a relatively narrow window of operation, specifically in rounding a race track as quickly as possible. Stunting and hard landings after long wheelies puts lots of stress on the bike that engineers weren't necessarily counting on dealing with. That said, we applaud Suzuki for recognizing a dangerous situation and rectifying it.
Source : http://www.autoblog.com/ (2/4/2009