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Verizon's Hum can turn your '97 Stratus into a connected car
If you want in on the connected car action but your vehicle is nearly as old as the internet, Verizon's new Hum service may help. It's a $15 per month plan that includes an iOS or Android smartphone app and CDMA-enabled hardware that plugs into an OBD-II port, something all 1996 and newer vehicles have. (The port is also used by Automatic Link and other apps.) The device gathers engine diagnostic data and relays warnings to a visor-mounted speaker device and the smartphone app. If something's wrong, the app can provide more info and even an estimated cost for any repairs.
Amazon trial delivers packages directly to Audi cars
Tired of having to stay home (or ship to the office) just to collect your online orders? If you live in Germany and drive the right car, you might not have to. In an expansion of what Volvo tried last year, Amazon is teaming up with Audi and DHL for a trial that delivers Amazon Prime purchases directly to connected Audi cars in the Munich area. All you have to do is provide the rough location of your car during the delivery window -- after that, the DHL courier gets temporary access to the trunk of your vehicle to drop off your packages. Suffice it to say that this could be more than a little handy if you're busy working or visiting family. The trial will only involve a handful of people when it kicks off in early May, but here's hoping that it expands quickly... the days of staring anxiously at your front door could eventually come to an end.
Cars of the future will be safer and more connected
Are self-driving cars the future? They very well could be. Still, you shouldn't expect to see Mercedes' F 015 and other similar prototypes on public roads anytime soon. To learn more about this and the future of the car industry, we took to the New York Auto Show to speak to representatives of some of the largest manufacturers in the world -- Ford, Nissan, Honda, Jaguar and Chevrolet. While most of these companies already have autonomous projects in the works, they all agree that vehicles won't look terribly different over the next five to 10 years. In the near-term future, the focus is to keep drivers safe and make it easier for them to stay connected to the outside world. The plan is to bring more digital safety features to cars, and for smartphones to work better with infotainment systems. Simply put, it's all about efficiency -- for now, anyway.
Microsoft still powers Ford's in-car tech behind the scenes
Ford may have ditched Microsoft for the next generation of its Sync interface, but that doesn't mean Microsoft no longer has a place in Blue Oval's cars. If anything, it's more important than ever. Ford has unveiled the Service Delivery Network, a cloud-based platform that uses Microsoft Azure to put internet services in your car, whether they're app-based remote controls (like telling your car to warm up in the morning) or Sync updates. The two companies hope that this will deliver connected car tech worldwide, and at a faster pace than you're used to -- you may not have to wait months or years for a feature to turn up in a vehicle you can buy. The first models relying on the Service Delivery Network should hit dealerships later this year, so you'll soon know how well this collaboration works on the open road.
Government warns US could fall behind in transportation tech
America's roads, railways and public vehicles are aging, and the Department of Transportation believes that if things remain as they are, the system will be a "fossil" that's light-years behind its more high-tech counterparts in Asia by 2045. That's why the DOT has published a study called "Beyond Traffic," (PDF) which warns that if the US government doesn't "encourage... or put a plan in place to regulate" new technologies, the country will fall far behind, with electric vehicles (and similar tech) becoming mere novelties. This study, which is also a draft framework of the department's plans in the next 30 years, suggests the more widespread adoption of transportation tech coming out today. In particular, the paper mentioned anti-collision systems that could prevent more accidents, next-gen location tech that could make airspace safer and plane takeoff/landing faster, as well as apps that relay transit schedules and traffic data to users in real time.
Automatic's car tracker works with Nest to give you a cozy arrival
Your car and house may soon be having conversations about your whereabouts, thanks to a new feature from Automatic's car tracker. The $100 dongle (US only) -- which attaches to your car's ODB-II port to track your driving and save fuel -- now works with Nest's thermostat to optimize home heating and power usage. The system allows you to create basic "rules" that can switch Nest into home or away mode, depending on your whereabouts. It also supports deeper functionality, that could, say, crank the heat when you pass a certain landmark on a specific day. The systems will supposedly work together to learn your habits with the goal of eventually giving you "just-in-time" heating control to minimize energy usage. Or, you know, plot your overthrow.
Ford drops Microsoft and revamps its Sync system for more speed
Ford has abandoned Microsoft in favor of BlackBerry with its third-gen Sync connected car system and promised smartphone-like performance, conversational voice control and a simpler interface. As had been rumored, the Sync 3 will use BlackBerry's QNX instead of Microsoft's MyFord Touch system platform -- a big change-up, considering that Ford and Microsoft have worked together on Sync for over seven years. But after polling customers, the auto giant said that it was determined to make the third-gen system more responsive and less clumsy to use.
Audi's 605HP Prologue concept car has touchscreens everywhere
Audi's always been more forward-thinking with in-car tech than most automakers, but it's about to take it to a new level(s), judging by its latest concept car. Our colleagues at Autoblog just took at look at the Prologue, and what it's lacking in green tech, it more than makes up with slick technology on the inside. To start with, the driver gets a "three-level" simulated 3D cockpit, with one showing crucial driving information and two simulating visual depth. Audi says that makes the mass of driving, vehicle, navigation and entertainment information "better organized and easier for the driver to comprehend."
Honda's in-car Connect system does Android its own way (hands-on)
We just checked out Honda's Connect solution for in-car entertainment and navigation, and while it's Android-based, it's not Android Auto -- just Android, period. Still, it's one of the first car companies to offer Google's OS in-dash, despite an odd implementation. For starters, if you're looking for the latest software, it's far from that. The system has stepped back in time to Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0.4, even though it uses NVIDIA's latest Tegra chip. But Android Auto was only just announced recently, which may not have matched Honda's timetable. In addition, the car company has its own suite of car apps that may not be compatible with the latest and greatest Android flavors. All things considered though, it has serious potential -- check our impressions below.
AT&T's connected car tech now delivers weather, radio and parking help
If you're frustrated that many cars still don't have internet-savvy software built-in, take heart: AT&T just gave its Drive connected car platform a big boost with the addition of six big-name apps. Automakers who put Drive in their infotainment systems can now easily give you forecasts on the road through AccuWeather, as well as customized listening through iHeartRadio, Stitcher or Tribune's Newsbeat. You can also share your whereabouts through Glympse, and find that all-important parking spot using Streetline's Parker. You'll have to wait for manufacturers to roll these apps into their vehicles before you see the benefit, but don't be surprised if your next ride is that much smarter.
Apple's new CarPlay partners include Chrysler, Mazda and more
Apple and Google are preparing to duke it out in the automotive arena, and the former just nabbed a few more partners to add to its arsenal of allied car makers. The folks in Cupertino quietly updated the CarPlay section of the site to include a handful of new names, including Alfa Romeo, Audi, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat (including those flashy, track-friendly Abarth models), Jeep and Mazda. That brings the full number of CarPlay partners to 31... though that count includes sub-brands like Dodge's RAM line of pickups and aftermarket players like Alpine and Pioneer. Of course, it's not like these car manufacturers are playing favorites or anything: a majority of them are also members of the Open Automotive Alliance, an organization that's focused on bringing Android Auto into cars as soon as this year. Long story short, you won't just have to worry about financing and trim levels next time you buy a car -- chances are good your smartphone will factor in the decision too.
Connected car model gives us a glimpse of the automobiles of the future
Your dream car is (choose one): A.) A bumper-to-bumper candy-color paint-job, ostrich seats and 22-inch chrome rims. B.) One with everything connected cars can offer, such as in-car 4G LTE and WiFi. If you chose B, then you have to see the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association's connected car demo. In addition to having an internet connection, it also features wireless charging capability, 360-degree proximity sensors, as well as (we're saving the best for last here) gesture control and anti-drunk driving technology. We assume the car has an onboard breathalyzer of some sort, as you wouldn't even be able to start it if you've had one too many.
Volvo's self-driving cars tackle merging, braking traffic in first road tests
Volvo has now joined Google and others by testing autonomous cars on public roads, in its hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden, no less. This is the first phase of its "Drive Me" project, and will be limited to semi-autonomous vehicles on 50km (30 miles) of set commuter routes. The vehicles have progressed to where they can now adapt their speeds, follow traffic and deal with merging vehicles, according to Volvo. That means drivers still need to give their undivided attention, but eventually, the automaker intends to have 100 fully autonomous vehicles on the road operating in an "Autopilot" mode. Volvo hopes to avoid the kind of collisions that its cars are famous for surviving by eliminating the main cause -- us.
Volvo tests grocery delivery to connected cars instead of your home
We've seen connected cars do a lot of things, and now they could save those precious minutes you spend at a drive-thru pickup or the hassle of missing a FedEx stop. At Mobile World Congress, Volvo is set to demo it's "ground-breaking" Roam Delivery service concept (developed with help from Ericsson) that brings your purchases to your vehicle wherever it happens to be parked. Why, you ask? Well, the company cites the headaches that surround missing the UPS driver and having to coordinate a second attempt. Once an order is placed online and your vehicle of choice is selected as the drop-off, a courier is given GPS coordinates to that location and a one-time use digital key. After accepting the delivery via smartphone or tablet, the digital key is activated, allowing access to the trunk and disappears once the goods have been placed inside and your car is locked. Although no retail partners have been announced just yet, Volvo has been running a pilot program and found 92% of the participants preferred the convenience of a mobile delivery over the necessity of being at home. As far as we're concerned, the fewer packages left out on the stoop, the better.
AT&T launches one-day tablet data pass, brings internet connectivity to Tesla
AT&T senior vice president Chris Penrose announced a new $5 day pass for data at the GigaOm Mobilize conference in San Francisco today, with hopes that it'll compete against expensive hotel WiFi for frequent travelers. The day pass is limited to just 250MB of data. You can also opt for a $25 for 1GB plan that you can use any time within three months. The plan can be bought directly from the tablet itself via the carrier's website or AT&T's All Access app. "A WiFi tablet is good, but it's not good enough," said Penrose, hoping that all tablets will incorporate both WiFi and LTE going forward. He also said that the company is hard at work on its connected car strategy, working with BMW, Nissan, Ford and Tesla to bring internet connectivity into those vehicles. Some of these deals are 3G/HSPA+ and not necessarily LTE. Tesla's deal, for example, uses HSPA+ to power the electric car's communications, remote diagnostics, various infotainment features plus a mobile hotspot plan in the future. AT&T aims to use the traditional whole sale connectivity model with split SIM chip billing that can differentiate between types of data. This way the carrier knows which parts to bill to the customer and which to bill to the auto OEM. "If you haven't subscribed to a monthly plan, you can have a session-based plan. Say you download an audio book, the price of the book will also include the data cost of that download." It's already announced its GM strategy earlier this year, and Penrose said that it continues to plan to put LTE in GM's entire fleet as early as mid 2014.
Ford CEO Alan Mulally's IFA keynote liveblog
Live from the land of BMW, Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz , it's Alan Mulally. Ford's CEO is taking the stage here at IFA in Berlin to discuss making his fleet of vehicles safer, more user-friendly and, of course, more connected. This is a tech show, after all. Join us right here, won't you? September 6, 2013 11:00:00 AM EDT
Deutsche Telekom's LTE Connected Car delivers streaming media with complete control (hands-on video)
Connected car concepts are nothing new, but a compelling one stands out among the crowd of half-baked ideas. Here at IFA, Deutsche Telekom's demo is one such example, thanks to its simple but intuitive execution and downright usefulness. A very friendly Telekom rep let us step inside to check out the concept from a child's perspective. Set up in a BMW (naturally), the system utilizes an LTE hotspot, a few backseat-mounted iPads and BMW's ConnectedDrive service to provide entertainment on long car trips. Kids sitting in the backseat navigate to their personal profiles on Telekom's associated app, and from there they can access services such as Videoload, Maxdome (both for renting movies) and Audiobooks. There's also the option to view real-time trip progress via Google Maps, and kids can even select a webcam mode to see the road from mom or dad's perspective. Follow all of our IFA 2013 coverage by heading to our event hub!
Nokia reveals Here Auto connected car navigation system
Nokia's no newbie to navigation, but its latest product raises its involvement to the next level. The Here Auto connected car platform is comprised of an application that can be embedded to a vehicle's navigation system, a mobile app companion and a cloud service. Any in-car navigator with the Here Auto software can offer voice-guided navigation with or without a data connection, along with 2D, 3D and street-level satellite maps. You'll need internet access to tap into the cloud service for real-time data, including traffic and weather updates, but previously downloaded maps work just fine even when you're offline. The Auto Companion mobile app complements the software and the cloud service, giving you a way to pre-plan trips or find your car through a phone. Currently, it only works on Windows Phone devices, but Espoo's developing ones for iOS and Android. Nokia has partnered with Continental (the same parts supplier working with Google and IBM) to find carmakers willing to integrate Here Auto into their navigation systems. It might take a while before we see the system hit the market, but it'll be demonstrated at the International Motor Show in Germany on September 10th.
AT&T opens latest Foundry facility in Atlanta, focusing on the connected car, home automation and emerging devices
If you haven't been paying attention, here's the skinny: US carriers are doing everything they can to expand their horizons, and in the case of Verizon and AT&T, this sense of urgency has led to the creation of numerous innovation labs. In a nutshell, these facilities serve as incubation centers for startups and well-positioned outfits alike that are looking to add cellular connectivity to whatever it is they're hawking. AT&T's latest facility -- its fourth in total -- will open its doors later today, with the Atlanta-based Foundry focusing on innovation in the connected car and emerging devices sectors. Moreover, it'll be used to further AT&T's own U-verse and Digital Life platforms, though specifics of what exactly engineers will be toiling on remain under wraps. For an idea of what all goes down at places like this, have a look at a tour we took through one of Verizon's Innovation Centers right here; we're hoping to get a similar look at AT&T's lairs when time allows.
NVIDIA opens Ann Arbor Technology Center focused on car systems
NVIDIA's no stranger to in-car technology, and the company is increasing its commitment to four-wheeled transportation by opening a dedicated automotive office in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The just-opened NVIDIA Technology Center will design driver aids and infotainment systems with the help of car makers that are just a stone's throw away -- the company mentions Mercedes-Benz, Toyota and others as potential clients. We'll likely have to wait a few years to see the new facility bear fruit, but it's already clear that NVIDIA wants to become an integral part of the motoring landscape.
