This here is probably one of the best, if not the best iPhone App I’ve seen to date. The fact that you can’t buy it just yet doesn’t make it any less amazing. Appirion, a German company which makes various iPhone apps created the iDriver to control a car remotely using, yep you guessed it, an iPhone. The steering is remotely controlled using the phone’s accelerometer (what ingenuity!) and the acceleration and braking is controlled via two buttons on the phone’s touch screen. Just watch the clip and pick your jaw up from the floor when you’re done.
Here’s something for the iPhone users. The Viper SmartStart is a module which installs into your car and allows you to perform the following: The range is effectively infinite too, since all communication is carried out over cell networks—no line of sight contact necessary, not that the iPhone has the IR hardware for anything like that anyway.
Lock/arm
Unlock/disarm
Remote car starter
Turn on the heater & A/C
Trunk release
Panic or car finder
Communications between your iPhone and the SmartStart module is done over cell networks so there won’t be any range limitations, unlike traditional IR remotes. However, it got me thinking…what happens if we leave our car in an area without cellphone signal such as an underground carpark. Does this mean we’d be pretty much screwed? Will there be an override mechanism for such situations which I assume, do happen in the real world?
Aside from that, this does appear to be a very functional application to have. The SmartStart module itself will cost $300 while the iPhone app is free. Oh, and there’s a $30/year service fee. Bummer.
Here’s an interesting video coverage of the Tokyo Game Show 2009 event. Would love to be able to attend one in the future if time and money permits. The video featured quite a few interesting products, such as Microsoft’s Project Natal for the XBox 360, Sony PS3’s motion controller, as well as the PSP GO. There’s also news coverage on Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception which uses the iPhone’s accelerometer and touch screen to control the in-game fighter planes, and the much-anticipated Final Fantasy XIII on the PS3. The video is definitely worth a watch even if you don’t understand Japanese.
From the looks of it, it seems like game companies are increasingly moving towards a more interactive game environment as there seemed to be an emphasis on non-traditional interactive and control methods with hand gestures, body movements, and motion controls. This to me is a welcome move as I’m a fan of Nintendo Wii’s controller, which pretty much changed the way we game on a console. I also find myself spending the most time on my Wii (ok, this came out wrong) than any other console I own.
A robot enthusiast has found yet another use for the iPhone 3GS by using it as the head of a miniature humanoid robot. This somewhat lovable robot is named “Robochan” by its creator, and is actually based on a Kondo KHR-2HV humanoid robot. The iPhone head is attached to the body via the dock connector, and its functions which include an alarm clock, and “dancing” (ie. series of servo movements) are controlled via the iPhone 3GS’ touch screen.
Now this is a robot I wouldn’t mind having if only for its wacky (but useless) functions. It’s almost like the shortlived Sony Aibo, only less troublesome. Wonder what other uses other people are gonna come up with their iPhones?! I love creativity, don’t you?
Came across a few uber cool Evangelion based apps for the iPhone. The applications are made by Appliya. There are a total of 5 apps, and the coolest by far would have to be the “Evangelion Vol.2 Clock” application. They’ve even provided an origami stand that’s free to download here for use as an iPhone dock. I like my Evangelion, if only I have an iPhone right now, I’ll be all over this app!
If you’re inetersted in checking out a video review of the Evangelion clock app, just head over to iPhoneNewsBlog.com and check out the Youtube video.
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