Lucid Touch Adds New Twist To Touchscreens

Microsoft's new Lucid Touch will change the way we navigate content on portable touchscreen devices. Lucid Touch detects finger placement behind the screen and displays shadow overlays on the front screen, allowing you to control the screen content from the rear. This "pseudo-transparency" looks pretty cool, although it's purely a functional concept right now as most people won't want to carry around a portable device with a big web cam strapped to it. But once perfected, this could really make navigation devices, UMPCs (Ultra Mobile PC), and portable audio/video devices so much cooler and useful. Check out the video demo after the jump!

Navigon Gets Fresh (Maps)

Navigon continues to impress me with their out-of-the box thinking. One of the most painful things for a GPS navigation owner to absorb is the map updates. Updates typically occur every other year or so, but prices can range from $100 all the way up to $500(!). The $500 was a real shocker for me. My previous navigation had maps from the year 2000 when I finally pulled it out last year to start my new build because I couldn't see the point in paying that much for a update when an entire new system cost only $200 more.
Well, Navigon feels your (my) pain and is introducing a new subscription-based map update program. The Fresh Maps program covers 12 high-quality map updates over a three-year period, and includes updates for both maps and POIs. But the best part is the price: only $79. The only downside is the program only works with newer models (7100, 5100, and the 2100/2120 Max series so far), but my hats off to Navigon for making navigation a more affordable, better experience.

Source: GPS Review via Gadgetell

Product Test Drive: Griffin RoadTrip

We recently received a box of Griffin iPod accessories in the mail to test out and give you guys our opinion. Griffin is kind of new to me, and my first experience with their products was at CES this year. My initial impression from CES was that they had simple and clean designs, and looked to have a relatively high build quality. Griffin's product offering is quite large, so we thought we'd start out with the most common iPod devices for the car: the charger and the wireless FM transmitter.

Our first test drive is the Griffin RoadTrip, a slick-looking iPod charger and wireless FM transmitter combo. This little guy features a very bright white display, simple design, fully adjustable gooseneck and swivel display, and an audio/video output jack. The RoadTrip is compatible with the iPod Classic (80GB/160GB), Touch, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation iPod.

I was fairy impressed with the functionality and simplicity, and the swireless transmitter's sound quality was pretty strong and clear. Check out the full review after the break for detailed product photos, installed photos in a couple different cars, and our thoughts on the functionality and features.

 

Video: Scosche iPod Adapter for OE Toyota Tundra Radio

If you want to add iPod functionality to your Tundra's factory radio, Scosche's AXIPTA is an easy-to-use, great sounding solution. According to Scosche:
"The AXIPTA will work with all 2005-up Toyota, Lexus and Scion vehicles. Offering an auxiliary interface, the unit creates an auxiliary input on a factory stereo for an iPod player and integrates full iPod controls at the factory radio. These step-by-step instructions demonstrate functionality and product use."

Check out the video:

in the forums!

Get Sirius! Clearance Pricing Direct From Sirius

Sirius is running a clearance special on factory reconditioned Sirius tuners and accessories. The deals are actually pretty hot and all include a 12-month warranty. I think the Stiletto 100 for $119.99 is probably one of the hottest deals I've seen in a while. I've had a Stiletto since they came out two or three years ago, and I've been very happy. Reception is strong, sound quality is pretty decent, and the display is amazing - plus you really can't beat the content! The only thing I highly recommend: go buy some decent, comfortable headphones. The Sirius headphones are OK, but much like the iPod's headphones, comfort and sound quality are not their strengths. I picked up a pair of Phillips in-ear buds with the little silicone inserts and they are super comfortable and sound pretty outstanding for the $20 I spent. Pioneer also makes a similar design, and if these are anything like the headphones included with the Pioneer XM inno, they're one of the best bangs for the buck I've heard in a while. But I digress...

These deals from Sirius are pretty hot and they ends March 1st.