For the handful of audiophiles who simply cover their ears with their uber-expensive cans when the rational crowd invites them to stop hoping for SACD to take off, here’s to you. Sony has launched the “world’s first” (we believe it, actually) in-car head unit that supports 5.1 SACD. The double-DIN XAV-W1 touts a seven-inch WVGA LCD, SACD / CD / DVD playback, Dolby / DTS support, 3.5-millimeter auxiliary port, seven-band equalizer, 52-watt x 4 internal amplifier, a trio of AV inputs, an image viewer, MP3 / WMA compatibility, and comes ready to play nice with your iPod and satellite / HD radio receiver. Granted, this thing will run you more than some in-dash navigation systems, but paying $800 for this sure beats retrofitting a traditional universal player into your glove compartment.

[Image courtesy of Krunker]
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Earlier this year, Toyota was reportedly mulling the idea of crafting its own in-car OS, but now the firm — along with nine other Japanese companies — will be collaborating with the Economy, Trade, and Industry Ministry to develop “an operating system for automotive electronics.” The initiative is supposedly in reaction to similar joint developments going on with a number of European car outfits, and will aim to “create a global standard in the field.” Dubbed JasPar (Japan Automotive Software Platform Architecture), the venture will include big shots such as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Denso, and Toshiba, and you can look for a prototype version to reach completion in 2009.

[Via The Raw Feed]
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For the seasoned traveler who just can’t leave their home country without bringing along their dear pet, Komfort Pets is out to make your animal‘s trip much more bearable. The firm’s climate-controlled carrier not only cools Fido off when the ambient temperature reaches 72-degrees Fahrenheit, but also utilizes its patent-pending technology to heat things up if the outside air temperature dips below 65-degrees. The crate is said to be suitable for non-climate-controlled garages, and could be equally useful in homes, cars, boats, or RVs. Currently, a 19-inch x 13-inch x 16-inch rendition is available for $399, and while this one is only meant to hold creatures up to 12.5-pounds, larger carriers are slated for release later this year.

[Via BookOfJoe]
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