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Filed under: Design, Fun, Windows, Freeware

Windows 7 Ferrari prototype theme available for download


Sleek, high-end cars have always been a favorite choice for desktop wallpapers. For those of you who happen to be running Windows 7 and love automotive sexiness, you've got to check out the Ferrari prototype themepack from WindowsZone (German).

The pack is available to download from SkyDrive, and includes 5 awesome, high-resolution wallpapers. The theme utilizes the Verizon sound scheme and sets your Aero Glass to a deep oxblood.

I'm in agreement with Rob from MSDN on the sounds - they get to be a bit much. Sound schemes are easy enough to change in Windows 7, though - just head to your personalization options. You can also take the geeky route by entering mmsys.cpl [enter] in your run box and clicking the sounds tab.

[via MSDN]

Filed under: OS Updates

Japanese auto makers to develop a standard car OS

Jaspar
The Japanese government is working with 10 major Japenese auto makers to develop a standardized automobile operating system. While we're tempted to make jokes about blue screens of death and unexpected errors, the truth is many cars now include complex electronics and require a computer system to coordinate all those newfangled parts. And developing a uniform operating system is going to make life a lot easier on your poor neighborhood mechanic.

JasPar, or the Japan Automotive Software Platform Architecture group will be responsible for developing the platform. JasPar is a joint venture that includes the cooperation of Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Toshiba, and other auto and electronics makers. Many of those companies are currently developing their own operating systems.

The goal is to have a prototype available in 2009, with a final version on the market in 5 to 10 years.

[via TechMeme]

Filed under: Fun, Hardware, Open Source

OSCar - the open source car

open source carAn open source car? This one's a little different. It's hardware, but applying the principles of open source software. I've seen this before (there are a few robotics projects), but never with an object so pervasive, and so complex. Unless anyone knows of an open source rocket to Mars... The OScar (man I hope they don't get sued over that name) is ambitious, yes, but slowly moving forward. It took me about an hour just to wrap my mind around the forums, and all the little fiddly bits that need to go into just starting a project this size. OScar has been around for a while, but they need your help. Check out the forums and see if you or someone you know can help. For instance, it looks like they're still in the market for decent project management software (I can only assume they prefer an OSS solution). Any suggestions?

Featured Time Waster

The World's Hardest Game 2.0 - Time Waster

So, just how good at time waster games are you? Think you've got the stuff? Well, The World's Hardest Game 2.0 doesn't think you do. Yes, amazingly, it's possible to have a sequel to a game called "The World's Hardest Game". It doesn't seem logically possible, since if the first one was actually the world's hardest, how could another one come along and share the moniker? It made me doubt the name in the first place. That is, until I tried the game. The mechanics of the game are very simple. You are a small red square, ...

View more Time Wasters

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