Volkswagen has really put a lot of thought into their latest creation recently introduced to the world at the Detroit auto show. The Passat CC has set out to change how we think about the typical 4 door sedan. "Its identifying characteristics: coupé design, yet with four doors; impressive comfort, yet pure dynamics; sporty interior, yet space without compromises. The interplay of these contrasts has resulted in a car whose concept and design set a new course beyond the mainstream. At the same time, the Passat CC is a progressive technological platform with high-class engines (103 kW / 140 PS to 220 kW / 300 PS) and innovative assistance and driving dynamics systems. These include world firsts in the "Lane Assist" lane keeping system and the "Dynamic Drive Control" electronic chassis control system. No less innovative: the "Park Assist" parking assistant and "ACC Automatic Distance Control" with stopping distance reducing "Front Assist"." Continue reading the rest of this article and see all the photos at VWVortex.com.

Last but definitely not least on the list of updates from Apple today is the stunning MacBook Air. I never thought I would say this, but I might actually have to switch to a Mac just to get my hands on the Air. This thing is .16 inches thick at the bottom and .76 inches on the top. Continue reading below for the full feature list or head over to apple.com for more details. "MacBook Air is ultrathin, ultraportable, and ultra unlike anything else. But you don’t lose inches and pounds overnight. It’s the result of rethinking conventions. Of multiple wireless innovations. And of breakthrough design. With MacBook Air, mobile computing suddenly has a new standard. MacBook Air includes an oversize trackpad with multi-touch technology. You can pinch, swipe, or rotate to zoom in on text, advance through a photo album, or adjust an image. This gesture-based input so successful on iPhone and iPod touch now comes to MacBook. The innovative now-you-see-it, now-you-don’t port hatch flips down to reveal (and closes to hide) all the ports you really need: a USB 2.0 port, a headphone jack, and a micro-DVI port that supports DVI, VGA, composite, and S-video output. Even the MagSafe power connection ...

As if you haven't heard by now, the Macworld 2008 Keynote was this morning and there were several interesting new updates and products that were discussed which we will cover within the next few posts. For starters, the iPhone just got a new firmware update that gives users several new features including the ability to send SMS messages to multiple recipients at once, location triangulation on google maps, hybrid map view on google maps, and the ability to fully customize your home screen. The iPod Touch is also getting a new firmware today including email, Google maps, web clips, stocks, weather and even notes. iPhone users can update their firmware for Free but current iPod Touch users will have to pay an extra $20 for their updates. Read the full press release below or head over to apple.com to see these update in action. MACWORLD SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Apple(R) today announced a free software update for its revolutionary iPhone(TM) that allows users to automatically find their location using the redesigned Maps application*; text message multiple people in one message; create Web Clips for their favorite websites; customize their home screen; and watch movies rented from the new iTunes(R) ...

Apple filed patents last year securing the possibility of working with Starbucks to change the way you order coffee forever. It's no surprise that the two companies would be working together considering several features that have already been integrated into the iPhone and iPod that allow consumers to connect and purchase music currently playing while in any Starbucks location. But the ability to select, customize and buy your coffee directly from your iPod or iPhone takes the relationship to an entirely new level. Only time will tell (next week) what the actual system will look like and how it will work, but designer Phil Lu has created some very enticing concept shots that visually explain how a system like this could really work. Click here to view all the "Quickorder" concept art designed by Phil Lu. "This concept was designed before the Apple patent is widely publicized. Similar to ordering song through the web via iTune account, Semacode works like a digital "receipt," allowing the user to use their iTunes account for the transaction (which will bypass credit card transaction/identification, and speed up the pick-up process)."

You have looked high and low for the perfect iPod dock, but none of them seem to sound all that great for the price. The FatMan vintage tube amplifier dock promises give you the sound you are looking for with a look that will never get old. For the 800 dollar price tag, I certainly hope this vintage dock performs on a slightly higher level than the standard dock. "There’s a reason that professional guitarists, from rock to country, continue to use tube amplifiers from Fender, Marshall and Vox, even though solid-state electronics have replaced tubes in every other audio application. That’s because nothing can duplicate the warmth, the harmonic richness and the pure tone of tube-based circuitry. For a sonic revelation, plug your iPod into our Vintage Amplifier/Charger, sit back with the included remote, and browse through your playlists." For more info, check out the product page here.

The Hummer HX concept was supposed to be presented to the world at the Detroit auto show only 5 days from now, but thanks to the HUMMERforums, we can all get an early sneak peek. The 3.6-liter six-speed, SIDI E85 FlexFuel powered HX definitely has the looks to kill, but will this concept ever make it to the showroom floor? Only time will tell. Click here for more shots of the HX or continue reading below for more info. "With its unmistakable HUMMER design and a compact, go-anywhere driving ethic, the HUMMER HX concept challenges the hierarchy of the trail. HUMMER displayed the nimble, reconfigurable off-roader at the 2008 North American International Auto Show." "More compact than a HUMMER H3 – 81 inches (2,057 mm) wide, with a 103-inch wheelbase (2,616-mm) – the HX concept is an open-air, two-door off-road vehicle that packs the off-road acumen for which HUMMER has become legendary, along with an easily convertible body that acclimates to varied trail conditions, cargo needs or passenger whims. Its design is based on the ideas developed by a trio of young designers who are new to the HUMMER studio." "The HX is HUMMER's vision an agile, trail-ready, open-air vehicle that fits the ...

CES (Consumer Electronics Show) is bigger than ever this year in Las Vegas with some new gear that puts last years lineup to shame. Engadget, Gizmodo, CrunchGear and all the rest have been there from the start covering it all and MassivePress.com is rounding up the best of CES. To start off the list, SAMSUNG has an entirely new lineup of entertainment gear including LCD's, surround sound and much more. Care to watch HD in 3D, the SAMSUNG series 4 and 5 plasma, DLP and LCD HDTV's "make use of 3D technology. Literally, you put on a special pair of glasses and you’ll be watching 3D in high-def." Find out more at CrunchGear.com. SAMSUNG also has "an all-in-one single wall-mountable speaker unit that contains a DVD player and looks like something Batman would use in his Batcave Bat-hroom. It also has a subwoofer, DVD player and Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio." Find out more at Gizmodo.com. iRiver hit the ground running this year with a new line of media devices including the most fashionable DAP you have ever seen. Not much info on this one but you can see some cool pics at Engadget.com. iRiver's SPINN PMP "combines warmth of analog ...

Styled to look like a mysterious "Hooded Man" the Nitin Design Dacoit concept bike is definitely unlike any motorcycle you have ever seen before. Nitin is renowned for creating unique and highly original design concepts and the Dacoit in no exception. "Dacoit is a one seater street bike designed for pure selfish pleasure. It is not a full-blown sports bike. The seat back rest is inspired by the shape of a shark fin. The rider’s knee hugs the orange circle area. Part of the orange strip on the inner wheel is self-illuminating, making the bike more visible at night plus providing an interesting look when in motion. The gear change controls are on the hand grip area." If you are interested in reading more about this unique bike, check out the official Dacoit concept page here.