Version: 2008
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CAR TECH: Driving It: What's hot and what's not in car tech
By Brian Cooley 
Editor at large

2007 archive  |  2006 archive  |  2005 archive


9/13/06
Who isn't getting into navigation?
When it comes to in-car navigation, it seems a lot of companies are finding a way to get onboard. This week, Brian Cooley looks at the latest GPS news from Dash, TeleNav, Tele Atlas, and more. Plus, get a preview of what's to come at the Paris Auto Show, and are Pioneer and Sony dropping hints about an upcoming Bluetooth iPod? Read on for more.

8/23/06
Broadband on wheels
WiMax is coming! WiMax is coming! And it may be headed straight for your car. This week CNET editor at large Brian Cooley explains why this broadband technology makes perfect sense in the car (and he's not crazy; others think so too). Plus, the latest on the satellite radio fiasco and cool car stereo offerings.

7/12/06
Caution: cell phone onboard
It's no secret that cell phones are a distraction in the car, but are they actually more dangerous than driving after a couple of cocktails? According to a new study, they are, and you're wrong if you think hands-free is the solution. This week, CNET editor at large Brian Cooley explores the topic and tells you about the latest car tech from DaimlerChrysler, Porsche, and Jeep.

6/14/06
In the name of better gas mileage
With fuel prices at ridiculous highs, CNET editor at large Brian Cooley is willing sacrifice a few car luxuries to get better gas mileage. Would you do the same, and what would you give up? Sound off in this week's Driving It. Plus, the latest hybrid news from Honda and speculation on a future partnership between Sirius and XM.

5/17/06
Road etiquette
Everyone has their pet peeves about other drivers on the road, whether it's the guy who's had his blinker on for the past half hour or the lady in front of you putting on her makeup. But for CNET editor at large Brian Cooley, there are three big no-no's when it comes to road etiquette. Find out what they are in this week's column, plus why he wants to take the car out of car tech.

5/3/06
Driving for a greener planet
Even as gas prices skyrocket and the effects of global warming take its toll, we're still buying gas-guzzling monsters as if these problems don't exist or they'll eventually correct themselves. But CNET editor at large Brian Cooley says don't kid yourself. This week he tells you how you can give back to the environment and takes a look at fuel alternatives.

4/26/06
What are these carmakers thinking?
A number of auto manufacturers these days are making some interesting decisions regarding the technology that goes into their cars; some we're onboard with, others have us scratching our heads. This week, CNET editor at large Brian Cooley discusses such moves by Infiniti, BMW, Kia, and Saab. Plus, GPS for your kids, as well as a tool for monitoring your car battery.

4/13/06
Cell phones driving car tech
Safe or not, in-car cell phone use is a reality. And while the debate will probably continue, can mobiles actually provide more useful services to the automobile? This week, Brian Cooley takes a look at how some companies are using cellular technology to provide real-time traffic information and connectivity in the car. Plus, a sneak peek at Mercedes-Benz's scary night-vision system and more.

4/5/06
Smart car tech that's dumb
When it comes to tech (cars included), too often we're eager to believe that the latest gadget and gizmos equal the greatest that the tech world has to offer. But is that true, or have we been blinded by the novelty of it? This week, CNET editor at large Brian Cooley takes a look at some smart and not-so-smart car tech. Plus, more satellite-radio talk and a sad good-bye to an old friend.

3/22/06
Broadband for the car
The days of Internet connectivity in your car aren't far away. The wheels have been set in motion as companies, such as Microsoft and KVH Industries, develop solutions to bring broadband access to your ride. Hell, even a small town in Iowa is already taking advantage of it. This week, CNET editor at large Brian Cooley takes a closer look one such system; plus, an in-car nav system that he actually can get behind, European travel tales, and more.

3/15/06
Coming attractions: the latest in-car entertainment
Or should we say coming distractions? From navigation systems that alert you to upcoming Dunkin' Donuts stores to a system that brings broadband and computing your ride, in-car entertainment has come a long way from the AM/FM radio. So are we really surprised when a report comes out stating that these devices are keeping our eyes off the road? CNET editor at large Brian Cooley isn't shocked. Read on for more.

3/1/06
Car tech graveyard
As with anything else in the world of technology, some of the gadgetry designed for cars could be here today, gone tomorrow. To that end, CNET editor at large Brian Cooley wonders if FM transmitters and satellite radio are going to make it or if they'll end up in the tech graveyard. Plus, is the Toyota Prius actually a knockoff? And what's wrong with the lights on that Mercedes-Benz? All these answers and more in this week's Driving It.

2/15/06
WiMAX fetish
CNET editor at large Brian Cooley has a hunch about something: WiMAX in cars--it could be the next big thing. Think about it. How cool would it be to get video wirelessly beamed into your car, and imagine the possibilities for in-car nav? It's happening in France, and it could happen here. Also, learn some details about a new insurance system that bills based on the amount you drive, as well as a night-vision system that works.

2/8/06
New-car stench
Ahh, the smell of a new car. There's nothing like it, right? But could one of life's little pleasures actually be harmful to you? This week, CNET editor at large Brian Cooley dishes on the toxicity of car interiors and also raps about the latest and greatest in navigation systems, car stereos, and more.

2/1/06
New year, new model
CNET editor at large Brian Cooley has seen a lot of car tech in the past year--some he's liked, some not so much--but 2006 promises to bring even more to talk about. To kick-start the New Year, he's revamped his column to offer snippets of all the latest automotive buzz and news, so join us for the relaunch of Driving It and see what's hot and what's not in the world of car technology.


More commentary
Buzz Report
Molly Wood
Taking a bite out of hype.
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Don't get burned by viruses and hackers.
Fully Equipped
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The electronics you lust for.
On Call
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Solutions for your wireless woes.
Driving It
Wayne Cunningham
What's hot and what's not in car tech.

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