Chip-scale sensors already tell an SUV's master computer when the vehicle is about to roll over and the Wii game controller when the live player wants to swing the virtual bat.
These small planes, which can be controlled by a computer inside the vehicle or remotely by a pilot, are increasingly being used by the military to perform missions that may be considered too dangerous for humans, such as wartime reconnaissance or combat missions.
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They also can manage and monitor the vehicle remotely via computer at OnStar.com, or with a special Chevrolet Mobile App powered by OnStar Remote Link.
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The sophisticated operation used "forged document specialists, " a locksmith and a portable computer to sync a key to the vehicle's unique code, allowing the vehicle to be stolen without damage, authorities said.
Customers can then watch the delivery vehicle's progress on their computer screen as it collects and delivers the goods.
Since 1996, the U.S. has required each vehicle to have an onboard diagnostic computer to monitor everything from engine to transmission sensors to look for emissions-related problems.
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For example, it has already put in place new computer codes to reject claims with a nonqualifying vehicle year and for the 2011 tax year (not for returns filed this year) it will require credit claimers to list the 17 character alpha-numeric vehicle identification number (VIN) .
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In some cases, the GPS also let spouses view the vehicle's location live on a computer or smartphone, or take pictures of who's riding in the front seat.
Each vehicle would transmit its location back to a central computer, probably via the mobile phone network.
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has a computer-driven suspension system that reduces body roll as the vehicle whips around a corner.
"You'll see squishy balls flying around the office, " he says, adding that he is a pretty eccentric entrepreneur, often working out of a sport-utility vehicle retrofitted with a three-foot-long desk, two computer screens, a fax machine and shredder.
Both models will also apparently come packed with features, include driver and passenger side airbags, interior and exterior LED lighting, a "solar assisted" climate control system, and an "advanced drive computer" that includes GPS, a rear-view camera, and a complete vehicle diagnostic system.
Decked out in red, white and blue, the vehicle's interior serves as a TV control room -- complete with computer, video, satellite and videophone equipment -- where the network's crew can create, rework and transmit data around the world.
The American computer manufacturer, the third-largest PC seller in Asia, will serve as Samsung's vehicle in its push to expand beyond the home market.
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