Radar Detectors Join The Social Network

When the app is active and the detector is connected to the phone, the phone's screen uses GPS to measure speed while also serving as a traffic map and detecting speed traps.

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ocial networking isn't just for playing pointless games and engaging in political rants anymore.

Now it can help you avoid a speeding ticket.

Radar-detector maker Escort has come up with a new system, dubbed SmartCord Live, that replaces the traditional power cord with one that has a USB plug and computer and camera ports. The next step is to add an iPhone app and a Bluetooth connection.

Speeders have a new tool in their arsenal.

When the app is active and the detector is connected to the phone, the phone's screen uses GPS to measure speed while also serving as a traffic map and detecting speed traps. It can tell you what the speed limit is and warn you when you violate it, as well as functioning as a traditional speed-enforcement detector.

As threats are detected, they are reported to a database in Ohio, which then marks the spot on the maps of app users. That spot stays marked for 90 minutes, with the clock resetting each time the threat is detected. Speed cameras, red-light cameras, and known speed traps remain in the database for much longer. Drivers also have the option to lock out false alarms.

The adapter sells for $99.95, including a one-year subscription to the national database.

The ongoing war between lead-foots and law enforcement just got more interesting.

[Source: The Detroit Bureau]