Great Mustangs

By Justin Couture

If this were the tech and gadgets blog, yesterday would’ve been a pretty big day for us. Apple unveiled its new iPhone 3GS, with numerous new and improved features, including voice recognition, up to 32 gigabytes of storage capacity, and the ability to record video. But we’re not the tech and gadgets blog, we’re the Autos blog.

Nevertheless, its unveiling at the Worldwide Developers Conference 2009 does pertain to the world of autos.

First up, the 3GS will be available with a proper navigation system, which makes use of the new built-in compass. While it is true that the current iPhone already comes equipped with Google Maps, providing maps, directions and basic navigation on the go, it isn’t the most brilliant nav system on the face of the planet (I’ve experienced it firsthand, and have gotten lost with it).

The new navigation system, developed by TomTom, features the company’s purpose-built software and an interface that TomTom users should be familiar with. However, unlike most other iPhone apps, this one comes with some hardware: a cradle to hold the phone, and a suction cup to attach it to a windshield. Pricing for TomTom’s application has yet to be announced, but it will likely be cheaper than its portable navigation systems.

The next cool idea is sure to be appreciated by anyone who’s used a car-sharing service. ZipCars announced its first application, which allows users to find the nearest ZipCar location via Google Maps – and book it. This is a pretty big step forwards in terms of convenience; to book a car previously required the use of a computer and an internet connection. Once a car has been booked and reserved, the phone also doubles as a keyfob; through the touchscreen interface, the user can unlock the car and even honk the horn to help locate it.

Finally, with increased functionality, including speech-to-text, and voice-recognition, the iPhone 3GS users will be able to dial and control the phone’s various functions in a hands-free manner.

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