Peanut butter covered butt-bananas in Wilco's ears.
spoiler (click to show/hide)
Apparently you can send PM's to yourself.
I go to the same college as [name1], the same major even! We are in the same building as one another 3-4 times a week. But because of his e-stalking and his generally oddness I declined to tell him that. shh
He thinks I live like an hour away and go to some other school
I don't know. Sad I keep looking for a geeky black kid with braces though.
...
C'mon tell me what [name2] told you pleaase. Is it about me, or is it about him?
:nsfwspoiler (click to show/hide)
http://img360.imageshack.us/img360/5894/1180068820412fn8.jpg
Who is Stringfellow Hawke? I have a pm from you!
i think this is probably the longest pm ever sent on the internet
spoiler (click to show/hide)
Integrated Multimedia Device for Pre-installed GPS
Idea: This is an adaptable device that accomodates the current and future multimedia and information trends of the internet which presently remain exclusive to computers.
This device would incorporate technology of GPS manufacturers (GPS maps), and that of car manufacturers(mp3 player/radio/cd player) and consolidate
them all into one functionally easy, visually pleasing, touch-screen (like GPS) system. Tactile controls will still be an option.
Most recently, internet users are getting their information and entertainment through blogs (RSS feeds), podcasts, and other assorted videos and mp3s.
Mp3 players have video and mp3 functionality, while internet limitations prevent it from being an effective rss/news reader/emailer.
New devices like Apple's iphone and the Archos 605 incorporate internet to achieve these goals, but are ultimately limited by their bulky looks, low data-storage sizes, steep price tags,
and dependency on wifi hotspots for the bulk of their functionality. This system would exclusively fit into cars - much like built-in GPS devices. Assuming this setup - the device must be licensed by a car
manufacturer - so as to allow the device to be built specifically into the electronics of the car (similar to a diagnostic device that plugs under the dashboard of cars that mechanics use to observe car issues)
so as to be a diagnostic tool as well. For example, this approach introduces a new computer-to-car dynamic that new generation of computer users are waiting for.
Computer software licensed by the car manufacturer would communicated wirelessly through bluetooth(Which now has huge range and data-transfer rates) and do a number of things.
Quick features:
DIAGNOSTICS: Newer cars come with the technology to observe the temperature inside cars. On cold/snowy/rainy/extremely hot days, you would be able to adjust and view the realtime temperature via the comfort of your home.
: Warm up the engine through computer software from house. Automatically tell heater/air conditioner to stop at certain temperature (like wirelessly pre-heating an oven)
: Via bluetooth, Software can run a diagnostic test on your car through the electronics. Computer-To-Car dynamic will assess problems with your car much like a computer assesses problems through it's own diagnostic software (Registry mechanic, ScanDisk, etc). Mechanics (and steven) own a device to view problems with your car when connected to a location under the dashboard (generally unknown to the public)
: If there is an issue with the car - upload diagnostic test result data to a company website for quick troubleshooting - may avoid mechanic fees. Positive safety rating of car.
MULTIMEDIA : Receive data via bluetooth technology and (maybe) wifi technology, and USB. Music/Movies/Text files along with GPS tech.
The benefits of having a car-only multimedia device over a personal one:
- Extremely popular and constantly-evolving internet technology existing in a completely new environment (the car), utilizing a burgeoning bluetooth technology would sell cars. Transform the dynamic inside of a car.
- Unique technology that utilizes what the typical computer owner already owns. No separate equipment needed.
- Introduces the computer-to-car dynamic which joins an extremely popular but Home-dependent market together with a popular and mobile market. This will inevitably happen.
- Individuals pay more attention to the cost of personal players. The cost of these devices are relatively cheap, and are likely to become mainstays or possibly standard in future cars.
- Family-oriented player - user profiles with unique preferences like Windows
- Unlike personalized players, the technology will be movement-oriented (downloaded information about locales may play a big part).
- People enjoy listening to podcasts/mp3s in their car. Passengers can enjoy video and/or read. Something to do when waiting in the car.
- Hours are spent in the car every day - the ability to add new information to car is appealing. USB from laptop ensures that you don't have to be at a bluetooth-enabled computer to add information.
The benefits of the current time:
- New bluetooth 3.0 technology. extremely quick data transfer.
- New Blog-heavy/Podcast internet-based culture
- The tech can realistially be priced similar to GPS devices which are becoming extremely popular lately.
Cost hikes: A larger harddrive (for more than just GPS maps), higher resolution screen (videos), and Bluetooth(wifi?) technology
MAIN FEATURES
* Must be specifically built to cars electronics. Must be built-in to car.
* Computer Software is built and designed around the device. Password protected. You specify your car.
* Bluetooth technology (distance/mbit per second) Bluetooth technology is very quick/huge range/inexpensive.
The system itself would have bluetooth within it, and comes with a bluetooth USB adapter for computers (very cheap).
* Adjust and Sense heat/air conditioning from computer software from comfort of your home. (snow/rain/heat) (uses bluetooth)
* Play music and movies/pictures via harddrive on GPS
* Holds text files/calendar
* Updateable firmware (codecs) for video and mp3 - never out of date technology - play latest types of movies.
* Warm Up Car/cool down from comfort of house (bluetooth technology range)
* Diagnostic Software from Computer (communicates via bluetooth) - Steven has a device that determines engine problems/need for oil change/ battery dying/etc.
If there is a problem - The software can link to a troubleshooting site on car's website via computer software.
* Indicates gas left/engine problems etc. from computer or in-car display
* sync up with bluetooth technology for cellphones (transmit data via cellphones)
* Safety - System is synced with alarm system
* POTENTIAL: for downloadable virtual video tours/attractions in conjunction with GPS system (with video capability) (when GPS identifies if you are close to a certain destination) (You can press a button to show a video of popular local events/places - downloadable at the home. Restaurants/Attraction owners/etc may upload video and pay to use service)
* DIAGNOSTIC: Option to save a log of where you've been in built in calendar. (Good if you forget - businessman going to clients on certain days, etc)
* Autoload feature - downloads data on device (from your computer) before you leave the house - option for an automatic scheduler feature that downloads rssfeeds/podcasts/e-mails or any file and syncs up to specified car certain time in the morning. (works on Zune)
* Satellite technology allows for downloading of small data (rss feeds/the weather/traffic) but not mp3 and video
* POSSIBLY: built in wifi (not bluetooth specifically speaking) when at wifi hotspot locales. Potential for selling webbrowsing software?
* USB functionality with laptop computers (transfer data with a laptop - great for business people constantly moving about) (USB 3.0 arrives for commercial use in 2009..speed of 4.8 Gigabits a second which is 614 megabytes per second)
* POTENTIAL: for future technologies that use high-resolution screens like Blu-ray or HDDVD movies. As multimedia device would already work with CD-player ) lower-hi-def (720i/p) are more affordable on small screens..1080i/p don't fit on small screens.
* POTENTIAL: for future technologies that use data-downloading. IE: Listening to mp3s, the satellite can contact a music database like Gracenote (Winamp uses this) and identify music that you might be interested in and save it in a textfile.
* POTENTIAL: Voice technology for writing down notes (for calendar)? (must include a speaker) This tech exists already.
* Password protected files, etc for privacy.
* Bluetooth works with phones. Integrating phones with this bluetooth multimedia device may offer new innovating technology. For example, syncing up your bluetooth-enabled cell phone to a caller ID service may allow the GPS to locate this person via map. Example: The call would come in and the system would display "Incoming all from 555-555-5555 located at xx Park Drive, Boston Massachusetts) This would require the satellite system (or potentially wifi if by a hotspot) to access a whitepages look-up database for the name and address. If not, the area code will still be able to locate the general area without using the satellite service (or wifi service).
* Personalizable - Create your own family member profile. IE: I have my own wallpaper/themes/saved music to make the device unique. - Should be very easy to personalize your own with software. Dad has his own music/themes/etc. Users can allow for sharing in between profiles to make it family oriented device and not a personalized player like mp3 players.
* POTENTIAL: If the multimedia system is Directly connected with electronics, Parents can use parental controls to control top-speed/acceleration limits. (set via password on software)
* E-mail sending: While bluetooth is not an internet service and cannot send e-mails..you may configure it to connect to your internet-enabled computer (When you're in your driveway, the device will pick up the bluetooth from your home computer) and use its internet to send pending e-mails.
Marketing
* iPods are very popular - Apple's software is easy to understand for wide audience. This is very similar. Will have very simple and user friendly software.
* GPS technology has become cheaper - Harddrive/bluetooth becoming more sophisticated stronger with hugely declining costs. LCD screens and maps remain the main driving cost. This means improvements in technology with limited cost. Macs, PCs and Laptops don't benefit from this cost reduction because of the nature of components like Processors, LCD Screens(for laptops), Monitors(For Desktops), and GPU(for laptops) Video Cards (For PCs). Constantly expensive because their technology is constantly upgraded. However, this multimedia device requires a A) Harddrive or flash-based storage - the technology has only improved in terms of diskspeed and storage size - both of which are inexpensive upgrades. Flash-based drives have a higher ceiling of improvement and therefor price. A high-definition screen resolution would have no benefit beyond 720i/p because 1080i/p cannot work on a small screen. HD-Television technology is becoming more and more affordable and popular.
* Demand for multimedia terminal will grow as prices for tech lowers - prebuilt multimedia center will soon be standard like air-conditioning
* A new and sustaining field - harddrives/flash drives constantly upgrading. Market for mp3/video/palm pilots is very big. Puts well-selling devices in a new environment.
* Works along our internet-heavy culture. Simple mp3 players have not captured the full realm. This device would include Blog updates (RSS), Podasts, or future innovations.
* Bluetooth technology has a very promising future - incredibly fast speeds/large distances
* Family oriented (listen to mp3s video)- mp3 players have always been marketed as personal devices, this is family/group oriented. Listen to father/mother/brother/sister's music/video
* GPS technology has become cheaper - Harddrive/bluetooth becoming more sophisticated stronger/maps are the main driving cost
* Access via password (Don't ask someone else to warm up/cool down the car)
* Downloads data anywhere - only need the software and bluetooth communicator from any computer. Plus for laptops on business trips.
* Condenses Honda's technology into one touch-display system - Radio/CD player/mp3/movies - all functional on one multimedia system. Easier to use. More functional+sleeker and cooler aesthetically.
* Great for up-to-date and daily files like podcasts/audiobooks/rss feeds. Listen on the way to work. Just load it up before you leave the house - possibly have an automatic feature that downloads rss/podcasts and syncs up to car every morning.
* Great for waiting in the car
* First big data-driven step of integrating wireless (bluetooth) and satellite technology(GPS/rss/weather/etc) with cars.
* Idea of a living car - beause it is constantly updateable - New innovations are created from internet communities (blogs/rss are all open source) (GPS Map technology is licensed and therefor extremely limited) new technologies may become available that you can download - makes car seem like a better investment (with relatively cheap technology). Does not go out of date like a computer (Computers mainly go out of date because new software (or games) requires faster processors (or Videocars). Harddrive speeds have not improved much.
* Bluetooth and USB are backwards compatible - that is, older version (USB 2.0, Bluetooth 2.0 etc) will work with newer systems. If the multimedia device hosts the superior technology, no computer is too out of date to use this technology. Accessible for everyone. People won't need for constant upgrades.
* If user chooses not to ever use the system, his car will not be tethered to outside functionality. It will work like a regular car. The electronics within the car are only 'read' and cannot be manipulated.
Why This is Different
- GPS and bluetooth technology can integrate well with mp3/video technology and create a new avenues for innovation - IE: GPS+Video = High definition Video Tours, advertising potential. Harddrive+Bluetooth = Daily RSSfeeds/Podcasts/radio for morning trips to work, etc. Bluetooth-enabled cellphones + GPS = geographically locating incoming callers. GPS + Realtime data downloads = constant updates about certain areas you're driving by (Hit a "Tell me more about this place" button?
- The device does not require much external purchases. Bluetooth does not require an internet connection. It's very accessible for all computers. All you need is a USB bluetooth adapter (Very cheap). Many new computers already come with bluetooth.
- Bluetooth and PC has never done anything significant to a third device(ie: car) despite it's powerful technology. A system that is specifically built into car electronics to fully utilize bluetooth (Diagnostic utility from home computer does car diagnostics b/c connected directly to eletronics- similar to Steven's device). Checks temp/gas/etc.
Problems - Can be perceived as just a glorified GPS system with car-licensed electronic diagnostic utility with wireless controls/video and mp3(mp3 already exists in GPS devices...video may be on the way)
- Who to contact? Car company or GPS company? Contact car company because you need to use their system's electronics to make compatible with device (raise heat/cool car..etc). Contact GPS company because GPS company does not install maps on other company's units - IE: This technology must be integrated with their own current GPS systems but modified for: (higher resolution video technology. Higher quality sound (integrate into car sound system along with cd player/radio) Why would they do this? They have the leverage to decline technology change because no other company can use their maps. However, there are other GPS manufacturers..and competition may play a role. Better quality sound instead of GPS speaker (when robot vocally tells you where to go) may be a good marketing point. Who has more leverage?
- Why would the car company want to give up its own patented MP3/D player technology and adopt this multimedia center?
- Will it need its own operating system? (for calendar/txt/rss reader/etc)
- If software crashes while you are warming up car? A reset button?
- Currently, GPS' offer a traffic service by subscription - will downoading small data via satellite (rss feeds/weather/traffic) be subscription based, too?
- Certain music and movie files may require licenses from Microsoft or Apple (.wma, .wmv, .mp4) However the more mainstream filetypes are offered on dozens of mp3/video players.
- What happens during a Harddrive failure? - However Built-in GPS' USE harddrives. How do they deal with this problem?
- Is a GPS screen too small for videos? Would the screen be enlarged to accomodate multimedia center? Why would GPS company agree with changing their own device? Does the car company have any leverage?
- Both Personalizable and family oriented?
- Do high-resolution touchscreens exist?
Questions:
- How fast can data be transferred via satellites (download/upload). Have their speeds increased over time?
- Why exactly does Garmin charge for the Traffic-Notifier service via satellite? Because of limits in satellite technology?
- Is it easier to just find a that company licenses out GPS software+maps by itself? Do they even exist? Does Garmin, etc buy maps from other companies or do they have an internal studio that develops them?
i said WTF