Digital Bits Technology Column

George asks a question about converting Vinyl to CD and MP3, while automatically pulling track and time information: I want to transfer my valuable vinyl collection to my PC first and later onto CD. The problem is that I don’t have time to type in the information for every album, every track, etc. Is there […]

Play CDs, tapes and iPODs on your car’s radio with the Belkin Tunecast

I was so excited to buy a new (okay, okay, “pre-owned”) car, I forgot to notice something important: There was no cassette deck. Not usually a tragedy, but I love to listen to books on tape. And I do a lot of driving. So, in this case, it’s a tragedy. What’s a commuter to do? […]

Tech coverage of the 2005 North American International Auto Show – Fast and Strong

I’m a techie. I like things that beep and blink. But while looking at cars, there’s something primal that kicks in. It comes from the same place as Tim Allen’s grunting “tool man” act or perhaps from a leftover childhood fascination with speed and power. I couldn’t help stopping to take a look at these. […]

Tech coverage of the 2005 North American International Auto Show – Ease of use

There are many technologies whose primary purpose is to make our lives easier. Think of the differences between a manual transmission and an automatic. They both accomplish the same thing (shifting gears) but one does it in such a way that the driver has much less to worry about. The following techs echo this theme. […]

Tech coverage of the 2005 North American International Auto Show – Design

CVT and the Ecotec engine are arguable significant steps in the evolution of the automobile. They’re not entire redesigns (like an alternative fuel car), but heavy refinement on existing concepts. Continuously Variable Transmission Up and coming (and already available on hybrids or cards like the Saturn VUE) is a Continuously Variable Transmission, or CVT. Get […]

Skype: Make free Internet computer-to-computer calls from anywhere to anyone

Are you sick of long-distance phone charges? Do you make a lot of phone calls? Are you confused and frustrated with your phone plan, and the fact you have to worry about daytime, night time and weekend minutes? Well, knowing fully I sound like a 2 a.m. infomercial, your worries are over! It does sound […]

Tech coverage of the 2005 North American International Auto Show – Prototypes

I found two prototype technologies pretty interesting. Hydrogen cars will allow us to get where we’re going with zero emissions, and Michelin’s wheel technology will make sure we get there easy and safe. Hydrogen cars Hydrogen cars are still in their infancy, but that hasn’t stopped anyone from building working prototypes. While they’re not selling […]

Tech coverage of the 2005 North American International Auto Show – Communications

Communication between car, driver and everyone else is very important. One technology that facilitates this is the sudden proliferation of multimedia and digital displays. This doesn’t mean a DVD player (though that’s sometimes an option). I’m talking about a central interface that allows you access to all the car’s functions and information. Things like GPS […]

Tech coverage of the 2005 North American International Auto Show – Impressions

The show was very impressive. I’ve been to a few auto shows before, including the NAIAS. I’ve heard rumors that the show is growing beyond the size of Cobo Hall. Being at the show, I can understand that. You might think that 2.4 million square feet is enough, but no. I blame those bulky SUVs. Here are […]

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Automatically finding vinyl track and time information