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Comma.ai makes your car semi-autonomous for $999

At TechCrunch's Disrupt conference in San Francisco, Comma.ai founder George "Geohot" Hotz announced the launch of the Comma One semi-autonomous driving device. Hotz said at the conference that his company has worked on the Comma One for about a year, and it will be available at the end of the year for $999 and a $24 per month subscription fee. But aside from the reasonable price, which TechCrunch points out is possible thanks to off-the-shelf components, the appeal here is that it's an add-on to an existing car that can be installed at home by the car's owner. This gives people with normal cars the opportunity to have semi-autonomous features without having to buy an entire vehicle... that is, if you have a Honda or Acura with lane-keeping assist, since Comma One is currently only compatible with those vehicles. It remains to be seen if the company will add more vehicles to the list over time. The device is roughly the size of a large cell phone or aftermarket navigation system, and it has a screen on the front and a pair of cameras on the back. The computer combines information from the device's cameras and the car's radar sensors to understand what's happening and how to respond. Hotz explained at the conference that this system is similar in capability to the Tesla Autopilot system, and will be able to complete a drive, start to finish, without the driver having to touch anything. He did however emphasize that the driver must still pay attention in the event something goes wrong, comparing the experience to watching a young student driver. Hotz told TechCrunch that the device should start shipping at the end of the year. He also said that owners of compatible Honda products in the San Francisco area are eligible for beta testing, and can get involved by emailing him at george@comma.ai. So if you've been pining for a semi-autonomous vehicle of your own, but couldn't spring for a Tesla, you won't have to wait much longer. We should point out that we don't know yet how well the system works, though we hope to find out soon. Related Video:

Beleaguered Takata unlikely to seek automaker assistance

Takata is continuing to deal with the massive airbag recall for millions of vehicles, but even if it doubles production, it could take years the company to build enough replacement parts to properly repair all of the affected models. If the supplier takes a hard enough financial hit whether through fines, lawsuits or just the cost of making the components, then the business might not be able to keep up production. Such a situation could put automakers in the very difficult predicament of deciding whether to provide Takata with financial assistance. Honda for one has little interest in lending further support to the beleaguered supplier, according to The Wall Street Journal. The Japanese automaker recently dropped its annual sales targets to put a larger emphasis on vehicle quality, partially in response to the inflator recall. It also struck a deal with another company for replacement parts and was rumored to abandon Takata for some future business. Honda CEO Takanobu Ito did leave the door barely cracked for possible aid. "Takata itself needs to figure out how to fulfill its duties, but if it makes any request to automakers, then we would think about that," he said, according to The Wall Street Journal. There isn't much likelihood of Takata needing a bailout, though. According to The Wall Street Journal, analysts aren't concerned about the company's short-term fortunes, and the supplier had about $728 million in cash as of last September. News Source: The Wall Street Journal - sub. req.Image Credit: Toru Yamanaka / AFP / Getty Images Earnings/Financials Recalls Honda Safety Takata airbag recall

2016 Honda Odyssey Special Edition bundles entertainment system, vacuum for $34,255

The crossover may have supplanted the minivan's popularity, but few vehicles match the capabilities provided by two big, sliding doors and a huge cabin for larger families. With that fact in mind, Honda has updated its highly popular Odyssey with a new Special Edition trim for 2016. Here's what you need to know. The Odyssey SE builds on the $33,305 EX trim by adding a rear-seat entertainment system with a 115-volt rear outlet, the HondaVAC vacuum cleaner, and satellite radio. Total cost for this family friendly tech? An agreeable $34,255, or less than $1,000. That price is extremely favorable compared to the 2015 Odyssey, where an entertainment-equipped Odyssey required the EX-L trim and retailed for $38,255, and a HondaVAC demanded the top-of-the-line Touring Elite trim and a check for $45,480. Bringing the entertainment system and HondaVAC into lower trim levels isn't going to impact the rest of the Odyssey lineup, though. The EX-L with rear-seat entertainment will still be offered, and its price has only jumped $550, while the Touring Elite's price has only jumped $150. And while it might seem like Honda is giving away the farm with the new SE, it's still worth noting that the EX-L adds a lot to the EX package, including a number of safety features, as well as heated leather seats and a power liftgate. Related Video: 2016 Honda Odyssey Poised to Clean Up and Entertain with HondaVAC™ and Rear Seat Entertainment Now Applied to New Special Edition Model High-value Special Edition includes premium features such as Rear Entertainment System, SiriusXM® Radio and HondaVAC™ to offer families even more choice of Honda's award-winning minivan Aug 3, 2015 - TORRANCE, Calif. The 2016 Honda Odyssey goes on sale August 4 with a trim lineup expanded to eight models and a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP)1 of $29,275. Slotted between EX and EX-L trims, the MSRP for the new Special Edition (SE) is $33,375 With the acclaimed HondaVAC® and a comprehensive selection of premium features available lower in the trim lineup, along with class-leading EPA fuel-economy ratings of 19/28/22 mpg2 city/highway/combined, the 2016 Odyssey is designed to comfortably and efficiently accommodate the lifestyles of American families.