Volvo EX90 to use new HD Google mapping

A new high-definition map system from Google will enable lanes-level navigation and advanced driving assistance in the upcoming Volvo flagship model EX90, writes Brian Byrne.

The detailed and up to date road information will also facilitate future enhanced levels of autonomous driving.

Combined road information from the HD map and data from the Volvo EX90’s lidar and other sensors will be processed through the car’s core computer system with artificial intelligence.

The system will also feature in Volvo's companion brand Polestar in its next model, Polestar 3. Volvo and Polestar already use Google's systems for navigation and actions request.  

Inexpensive HUD display from Garmin

Digital navigation company Garmin has developed an inexpensive head-up display system to project maps and navigational data on a car's windscreen near the driver's sightline, writes Brian Byrne.

The $160 HUD unit takes its information from a driver's smartphone via Bluetooth, and can also give spoken directions if required.

The company says the system will help eliminate driver distraction.

TomTom's hands-free Car kit for Smartphones

TomTom is today launching its Hands Free Car Kit for smartphones.

The new Car Kit features an advanced noise and echo cancellation system which reduces background noise for the caller and removes ambient noise for the driver.

New mounting options make smartphone use on the move safer and more convenient. The newly designed Car Kit comes with an adjustable grip to fit any smartphone with or without its cover. An extendable microphone can be clipped to the sun visor to ensure conversations are louder and clearer.

The TomTom Hands Free Car Kit comes in two versions to support iPhone and micro USB compatible smartphones such as Android phones with the possibility to automatically pair two mobile devices simultaneously. When connected via Bluetooth, voice recognition functionality can be activated; allowing drivers to navigate and dial without taking their hands off the wheel.

The kit is on sale from selected retail stores and from www.tomtom.com/smartphone, and is priced at €99.95. The Hands-Free Car Kit for iPhone with Western EU navigation app is €149.95.

New baby Opel details released

Opel has revealed further details of its new city car, the Adam, which will debut at the Paris Motor Show in September and arrives in showrooms in January of 2013.

Named after the founder of the Opel brand, Adam Opel, the car is a 4-seat 3.7 metres contender in a segment that is very small in Ireland but is a big seller on mainland European markets.

Power will be provided initially by 1.2 and 1.4 petrol engines, but a brand new small displacement turbocharged engine will come along later.

Homer Simpson debuts on TomTom App for iPhone

Woo Hoo! Fresh from Springfield, Homer Simpson - the world's favourite animated patriarch - is now making his way onto your TomTom App for iPhone as the friendly co-pilot to your journey!

Developed in partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products and Locutio Voice Technologies, the original Homer Simpson voice for TomTom's range of personal navigation devices is now available for €4.99 for use on your TomTom iPhone app in Ireland.

The original Homer voice for iPhone comes with all the latest and updated maps (TomTom version 1.7) which means drivers not only receive Homer's own special words of wisdom, such as 'Make a U-turn. Ha ha, you've goofed. D'Oh!" but also the latest TomTom map store on board their iPhone.

The new App allows you access the most up-to-date maps and keeps maps fresh with TomTom Map Share by making your own corrections.