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Lexus shows off road-aware safety research prototype

LAS VEGAS--Lexus showed off a prototype version of its safety-focused research vehicle today at CES, and it's designed to be more aware of what's going on around on the road.

That translates to a car that's been equipped with a bevy of sensors and other technological goodies, including a roof-mounted Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) laser that can detect objects from 70 feet away.

Other additions include a trio of hi-def cameras that look out for nearby vehicles; a sensor that detects the car's speed and angle; and a GPS antenna that Lexus says can figure out which way your car is pointed even when the car isn't moving. … Read more

EnGenius wireless routers: Got XtraRange?

LAS VEGAS - While most networking vendors intend to introduce the latest and greatest at CES, EnGenius this year focuses on something that as old as wireless networking itself: range.

Yet that might be the most important aspect of a wireless router. The company announced today at CES 2012 a new family, called Engenius XtraRange, of routers designed to offer significantly longer range and better coverage than competing products.

EnGenius says that on top of the extra range, its new routers will also provide top performance for the existing 802.11n standard, making them a good fit for "bandwidth-intensive … Read more

XM available as factory-equipped option on new Toyota and Lexus models

Sirius XM Radio announced that the XM Satellite Radio service is now available as factory-equipped standard equipment on 2010 Camry vehicles with premium audio, while model year 2010 Camry vehicles with standard audio will continue to offer XM service as a dealer-installed option.

XM Satellite Radio will also launch as a factory-installed option on many other Toyota vehicles throughout 2009. The company estimates the number of Toyota vehicles on the road by the end of 2009 available with XM Satellite Radio will exceed one million.

In addition to XM Satellite Radio, XM NavTraffic will be standard equipment on all Camry … Read more

Photos: The Lexus Hybrid Living Tour

Lexus invited us to test drive its entire lineup of Hybrid vehicles. Along the way, we got a peek at how luxury living and sustainable living can go hand in hand.

We took delivery of the Lexus GS450h in Berkeley, Calif. This was to be the first of the three Lexus hybrids we'd be driving over the weekend. Using the Lexus' crisp and colorful touch screen and GPS navigation, we selected our first location--San Francisco's Fairmont Hotel--and took the GS for a spin.

Check out the photos of the Lexus Hybrid Living Tour.