This week’s SmartCar roundup features a color-changing vehicle, an all-in-one security solution for cars and homes, and a smart motorcycle helmet.

Chameleon car

Toyota’s vision of the future is quite colorful, as it plans to display a color-changing, mood-reading concept car at the Tokyo Motor Show, held later this month.

Codenamed Toyota FV2, the car changes color according to the driver’s mood, but the project is still a work in progress, especially when it comes to determining the mood of the driver.

“The car will appeal to future consumers of the digital generation, who have been used to smartphones or iPads from a young age,” said Takeo Moriai, a manager in Toyota’s product planning group. “Given that the technology is still at a very early stage of development, it’s challenging for us to figure out the extent to which the car can read emotions.”

Aside from the color-changing vehicle, Toyota will also be displaying a concept version of a hydrogen-powered car at the show.

ViperConnect App

Earlier this week, Viper, the car security software maker, unveiled the Viper Home, a home security solution starting at $229. The starter kit includes a Smart Hub that connects to your WiFi, an indoor motion detector and two magnetic door/window sensors.

It’s compatible with Android or iOS for remote access in arming or disarming the alarm, and if you purchase a Viper camera, you can also get a real-time video feed of your home.  Aside from that, Viper Home also features a mobile panic button for your own safety, which contacts your personal security network when activated.

Viper Home is also integrated with the Viper SmartStart car security app through the new ViperConnect app, which makes it the market’s first all-in-one home and car security monitoring solution for your smartphone.

Skully Helmets

At DEMO Fall 2013 in Santa Clara, CA, a new type of helmet for motorcycle enthusiasts debuted.  What makes the Skully Helmets unique is the Skully Synapse – a Heads-Up Display (HUD) system that delivers turn-by-turn GPS navigation, sensor data, and live 180º rearview camera that uses the latest in panoramic wide-angle camera technology, so riders can always see their blind spots without having to break their forward line of sight.

Aside from that, its operating system allows the wearer to make phone calls, ask for directions, play music, as well as communicate with mobile devices such those running on Android and iOS via voice control.

A wearer of the Skully Helmet won’t have to worry about the information getting in the way of their line sight as information, as well as the rear view feed, are displayed in the lower corner of the visor.  So you can enjoy everything, from maps, to live rear view video, music and even making or receiving calls at once.