Wind River, Intel's embedded systems arm has been the subject of some misty-eyed advances from car stereo makers Clarion. Ol' Windy (as we're trying to get it called) will be providing a custom version of its Android implementation to power the forthcoming "Clarion Malaysia IVI" in-vehicle-info-tainment kit. The device will be powered by a Freescale i.MX processor (a heavy duty ARM implementation that can utilize multiple cores) and pack Clarion's usual range of high-end multimedia, GPS and reversing camera functionality. We're excited to see this bad boy roll off the production line, but remember that, at least in Illinois, it's illegal to enjoy the "tainment" part whilst driving.

Continue reading Wind River and Clarion pair up to bring Android to your imported street racer

Wind River and Clarion pair up to bring Android to your imported street racer originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 00:09:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No, this isn't a recycled news item from the 1980s -- it's 2011, and MJ Mahon and 8 Bit Weapon have just announced the release of the Apple II DMS Drummer, a wavetable-based drum sequencer for Apple II-era machines. The monophonic synth reproduces eight drum sounds like bass, snare, rim shot, hand clap, tom, hat open, hat closed and "lazer," along with a sequencer that lets you plug in up to 16 drum patterns across 256 slots. Seems like just the thing for chiptune composers hankering for a way to make authentic eight-bit drum tracks using vintage Apple hardware. System requirements call for an Apple IIe, IIc, IIc+ or IIgs with 80-column capability and a 5.25-inch floppy drive -- you know, pretty modern stuff. A limited demo version is available, but if that doesn't satisfy, you can either buy it on a floppy for $14.95 or download a .dsk disk image for $9.95. Oh, and neither require a time-traveling DeLorean to go back to 1985.

[Thanks, Seth]

Apple II drum sequencer surfaces for chiptune composers originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 22:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Siri hasn't been caught cooking dinner yet, but hackers worldwide have boldly taken Apple's personal assistant to a whole new level by incorporating its functionality with a plethora of different devices. We've seen Siri use custom commands, change the temperature in your house, and even allow select car owners to utilize their automobile's Bluetooth integration. Nifty, no doubt, but this assistant's evolution towards greater heights isn't over yet. Vimeo user toddtreece has whipped up a slick demo of the iPhone 4S' right hand gal (or guy) taking command of his television set. From changing channels to turning off devices, with the help of a proxy and a few parts, you can get your own home setup running on voice activation. Feeling a bit guilty for your sudden interest in slothfulness? Fret not -- Siri's apparently quite good at calling you out. Have a look just after the break.

[Thanks, Jesse]

Continue reading Too lazy to grab your TV remote? Use Siri instead

Too lazy to grab your TV remote? Use Siri instead originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:46:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Readers offer their best tips for aiming your camera when you can't see the viewfinder, monitoring your credit card spending, and downloading iTunes Match songs. More »

Readers offer their best tips for aiming your camera when you can't see the viewfinder, monitoring your credit card spending, and downloading iTunes Match songs. More »

Talk about padding out a product line. Urban Ears announced a new, quilted addition to its Plattan line of over-the-ear headphones. The Quilted Plattan Edition feature an extra padded headband and ear cushion. They'll run you around $80 and an extra layer of sweat at the gym.

Urban Ears Plattan headphones prove that quilted isn't just for toilet paper anymore originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 20:42:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sometimes (or maybe all too often), you have to churn out work—good, creative work done with tight deadlines. The Done Manifesto is a set of working rules based on a sense of urgency. No time for careful deliberation, move on. More »

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McGruff the Crime Dog gets a taste for pirates, HBO will not offer a la carte streams of its shows, and Wi-Fi signals might be hurting men's reproductive health. More »

Korean scientists reckon that the capacitive touchscreens on our phones and tablets could help diagnose diseases from what's floating around in your mouth. It works through the screen's ability to detect minute capacitive differences in disease-carrying liquids placed on its surface. Experiments by Hyun Gyu Park and Byoung Yeon Won at the Korea Advanced Institute for Science and Technology in Daejeon managed to detect chlamydia microbes in three different concentrations. Once again, the iPhone acted as medical chief, although the setup isn't yet able to distinguish between different bugs. There are also teething troubles with the touchscreen, as capacitive read-outs can be affected by moisture and sweat that are on the screen alongside your 'sample.' One solution to this would be to create a disposable film that attaches to the iPhone surface. There's a second reason for this, as Park diplomatically puts it: "Nobody wants direct application of bio-samples onto their phone." Let's hope Siri doesn't take it personally.

[Sneezing photo via Shutterstock]

Get diagnosed by spitting on an iPhone, social graces terminal originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 19:57:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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