plugins

Mac users: are you a Twitter user who also uses Adium? If you are, you'll appreciate third-party plug-in, TwitterIM. With this plug-in installed, you'll be able to receive Twitter messages in a chat client window. Though the developers of Adium have promised Twitter support in upcoming version 1.4, Twitter users can get started early with this third-party plug-in.

You will need an account at Twitter to get started. Once you're registered, download and install the TwitterIM plug-in (above) and launch Adium (make sure to update to the latest version). With Adium running, open the Adium Preferences … Read more

Bright Automotive announced an earlier-than-anticipated reveal date for its plug-in hybrid vehicle, IDEA.

The Indiana-based automotive company will unveil the prototype light-duty vehicle, which includes pickup trucks, SUVs, and sedans, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on April 21 instead of at the Norway's Electric Vehicle Symposium in May.

No explanation for this change was given, but the press release states, "Members of Congress and companies involved with Bright Automotive will take part in a briefing on the IDEA and a public event."

Little is known about the IDEA, but the start-up's CEO, John Waters, hinted that the first production PHEV vehicle from Bright Automotive may not be a passenger sedan. … Read more

Chrysler announced that it selected lithium ion battery manufacturer A123Systems to produce the energy storage systems for Chrysler's first-generation ENVI extended-range electric vehicles and all-electric vehicles.

Chrysler's plans to produce Dodge Circuit EV, Jeep Wrangler EV, Jeep Patriot EV, Chrysler Town & Country EV, and the Chrysler 200C EV concept showcased at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The company's first production electric vehicle is expected to hit the market in 2010, but the company won't say which one.

"Government and society are calling for the introduction of a variety of advanced … Read more

Formerly a dark horse, Mitsubishi appears to be taking the lead in the race to electrify. The Japanese automaker is starting sales this July of the all-electric iMiev in Japan, and signed this week a Memorandum of Understanding with the Principality of Monaco to receive a fleet of iMiev by the end of the year.

The Memorandum signified the Principalities intention to become a testing ground for the electric vehicle, and will be used by community services and businesses. Mitsubishi is gaining traction with other countries that are eager to jump on the (electric) bandwagon, and is testing the car … Read more

Hyundai has given us our first look at its Blue-Will plug-in hybrid concept. While the silhouette is nice and the proportions are pleasing, there are more character lines and creases than it appears the designers could handle. Then again, it's a concept, so we can forgive the wonky design.

Under the Blue-Will's sculpted hood are a 1.6-liter gasoline engine, a 100kw electric motor, and a continuously variable transmission putting power to the wheels. If that configuration sounds familiar, it's because the Blue-Will is boasting a very second-gen Toyota Prius-like setup. However, the Hyundai concept also brings … Read more

Above the desk of Andrew Farah, the Volt's lead engineer, hangs a clock counting down the days until GM begins the production of 80 Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid prototypes.

Production begins on June 1 with plans to ramp up to 10 prototypes a week until 80 have been made. The 30 that have been cruising around have the final preproduction powertrain, but not the final interior or exterior.

These prototypes "will look, taste, smell, and feel like the Volt. They are the Volt," Farrah is quoted saying to GM's blog about the Volt, "my goal … Read more

Piaggio Group Americas, a subsidiary of the Italian manufacturer known for the Vespa, has a highway legal plug-in hybrid scooter in the works that could be available in the U.S. for early 2010.

While Paolo Timoni, the president and CEO of Piaggio Group Americas, has made mention of this plan in interviews, the company has made no formal announcement so it's been hard to gauge whether you can hold it to the timeline.

The plug-in hybrid version in the works is a modified version of Piaggio's MP3 500 (the Gilera Fuoco in Europe). The MP3 500 scooter … Read more

GooseGrade, the service that lets your blog readers correct any mistakes you've made, has a new plug-in for WordPress users that makes it easier for blog administrators to approve and implement corrections suggested by readers.

Once installed, corrections get sent directly to WordPress' dashboard, where administrators can then make a fix just like they would approve or deny a user comment. Because the plug-in is given privileges to write over your content, it then goes back into the post and makes the edit, without the administrator having to do it manually. Best of all, it shows you a before … Read more

Toolbars are a dime a dozen, but few offer everything we want, like easy customization and useful features that just plain work. This free toolbar offers the perfect balance of tools and fun game links, and everything works without flaw.

Madnlooney Toolbar's user interface features colorful shortcut buttons. The toolbar interface can be customized to remove the buttons that you don't want, and to include shortcuts to your favorite applications. We were also able to add our favorite gadgets. You'll find the standard toolbar buttons-- weather forecast, pop-up blocker, and e-mail notification--all of which worked perfectly. An … Read more