GONE

When I was a preteen I wanted to dramatically change automobiles, specifically, make them safer! My idea seemed simple, innocent and unrealistic. I still pursued my thoughts and ideas for the safety regardless – following through.

Basically, my safety plan revolved around magnetism. I wanted to redo the road ways with magnets; on the paint (the yellow/white strips) and below the surface of the road. I also wanted to use magnets in autos. To put it simply, I wanted to use the magnets on the road and the magnets in the automobiles to create a bond between the road and the car. In my theory (at the age of 12) I envisioned the magnet(s) would:

- keep automobiles on the road (rain, ice, snow)
- ensure safe distances between vehicles and hazardous events (car accident, construction, weather)
- send alerts to autos regarding road conditions, emergencies
- reduce fuel consumption
- improve safety and driving conditions (letting the magnets drive you)
- cut back on automotive repairs

I’m certain I had a few more ideas. I’ll have to try and dig around for my “theory notebook”. I realized I could use microchip technology to improve, maintain and configure my new road system. I always improved on my base idea of magnetism and automotives. One day I realized it would not be possible for me to pull this off. I’m saying, I don’t see any new cutting edge products being developed using magnetism or anything similar. A portion of my theory was in the right direction, the current direction automobiles are going. I definitely envisioned technology changing our automotive existence, how technology would do that is something I seem to debate often.

I also went through a period of trying to “techno” my hoopty. By hoopty, I mean a 1980 gold Cutlass Supreme, V8, 2 door and fucking HUGE. The car was as old as me – ahah. I fit 6 people in my back seat; I swear that car belonged to a pimp at some point in it’s life. Keep in my the year I got it was 96 so it’s had plenty of life in it…

I tried to hook up a computer to the car batter (for power). I also tried to find a way to make my computer interface with the car. I envisioned a day and time when I’d be able to:

- surf the internet from my car
- get directions from my car
- share music that I have in my car (data – me2me type technology)
- get traffic alerts
- warnings regarding car problems; scheduled maintenance and such

I’m saying, seeing what we have as “cutting edge” in our automobile I say I wasn’t to far off. Too bad not many listen to your random ideas at a young ago. Think about it, look at OnStar, it's probably the best example I can pull at this moment - www.onstar.com

You folks know I’ve been bitching about the iPod and streaming audio. I’ve also shared my lust for all things wireLESS, 802.xx style ;-) – So today, I’m way deep in archives at Technology Review and Wired when I found something interesting.

http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,67653,00.html?tw=rss.ENT

I wish I still worked at CMU (but then I wouldn’t have met ...)

Anyways, totally see this being the next thing. For one, it’s using 802.11p (wireless standard for automobiles), streaming audio and various automotive and computer technologies. So, Fuck the iPod, Fuck the magnets, Fuck the RIAA, Fuck the hoopty and the computer I “burnt out”.

Today is a “fuck it” day – I don’t know why, the hate switch has been off for awhile. I think I have a new interest in using this work, Fuck.

Sorry for the needless banter…

Back to the technology (sorry) - I’d like to see where this technology goes and how it gets past some legal barriers plus win the approval of the automotive industry. From the article, it seems that “a major automotive company” has expressed MAJOR interest in this product. I need to get reading, not until I put more time into my weekly project.

Here are a few links to get you into my mind set, for later discussion if applicable:

http://www.tii.se/mobility/soundpryerpresentation.htm
http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,61427,00.html
http://www.hcii.cmu.edu/

peace