prey tracks laptop and smartphone thiefs. so what about cars?

[madjr]

prey (http://preyproject.com/) is really awesome open source software to track and even catch thieves.

http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/6603/preye.png

it even takes pics of the thieves and match it with the police database, captures the desktop for suspicious activity or finger prints and the phone barks at them if they get too close


on the other hand, one thing am really disappointed about is that we cant have something as basic as this in cars, no matter how expensive. Nevermind sensors to help with accidents or even smarter fuel economy

i feel the automobile industry is at least 15 years behind were it should be.

too bad. i was expecting a few flying cars already and mainstream by 2015 :(

[cariboo]

I had to look at the date of this thread, because all the things you want have been available for several years. There is a device for cars called Lojack (http://www.lojack.com/low-jack.html). Fuel economy has been getting better over the years because of better computers, and in most cases the car's computer also stores the last 5 seconds of operation before an accident.

While I worked as a tow truck driver, I saw the last 5 seconds of a cars life several time, working closely with the car insurance monopoly we have here in BC.

[gletob]

You say no matter how expensive then fine you can pay an extra thousand dollars for it, but some might not want it.

They have lojack for aftermarket vehicles and GM has On-Star in some of their vehicles that can track the car, blink the lights, and in some of the newer models, stop the car.

[madjr]

if i hide a phone under the driver's seat then it might probably be cheaper than a lowjack


seriously, automobiles are at least 15 years behind

you expect that for 30 to 40 grand you get smart vehicles by now.

not much has changed in the last 40 years.

seems the "industry" and it's monopolies doesnt want change..

-1 USA citizen dies in a car accident every 13 minutes (110 daily)
-at least 1 million die each year (the ones reported, around the world)

[Psumi]

On-Star is what cars have.