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Spotify's Car View helps cut the distractions for drivers
Following Spotify's integration with Google Maps and Waze, the music streaming service is rolling out some in-car controls within its own app. 9to5Google has spotted a "Car View" mode inside Spotify for Android, which automatically enables a driver-friendly interface when it detects a Bluetooth connection. Users have been tweeting about the update as far back as December, with Spotify claiming that it "wasn't available yet," indicating that this could just be an ongoing test. The company posted in its forums that the feature is indeed available for all Android users and pointed to the rollout process for the reason why it wasn't showing up for everyone just yet.
Logitech turns your car into an Amazon Alexa controller
Amazon's Alexa platform is no longer confined to the home: Ford, Hyundai and Volkswagen have all revealed plans to integrate the voice assistant into their vehicles. That's great if you're a die-hard Amazon customer and in the market for a new car. For the rest of us, Logitech's aftermarket ZeroTouch mounts and companion app bring the same dash-based Alexa experience but to the car you already own.
Android Auto will soon run on your phone just like any other app
If you've been itching to take Android Auto for a spin, but don't own a car that's compatible with Google's software, you'll soon be in luck. The company announced at Google I/O that the in-car setup will soon run entirely on your phone while offering the same features as if it were connected to your dash. This means that you'll still be able to use your voice to handle calls, messages, music and navigation, keeping distractions to a minimum.
Hyundai Sonata will finally get CarPlay in early 2016
Hyundai began teasing Apple's CarPlay software for its vehicles way back in 2014, but failed to deliver it as promised in the 2015 Sonata. Now, the automaker will finally make Cupertino's in-car system available during the first quarter of 2016. What's more, it won't be a free upgrade. Hyundai says that Sonata owners will need to purchase an SD card in order to employ CarPlay inside their vehicles. Originally, the company said the software would be available for free in 2015 and 2015 Sonata models outfitted the requisite infotainment setup. What's more, Hyundai already offers Android Auto to its customers free of charge. When CarPlay arrives for Sonata owners, the Hyundai will join the likes of Chevrolet and Honda that already offer the software inside vehicles.[Image credit: AP Photo/Eric Risberg]
Apple CarPlay review: A useful companion, even in its early stages
It's been two years since Apple announced its plot to put your iPhone's core features inside the dash of your car, but only now is its CarPlay software becoming available in lots of new models. In brief, CarPlay allows you to connect your trusty iOS device to a vehicle's infotainment system to make things like texts, maps and music accessible from the console. Sure, the goal is to provide an easier way to use your phone on the road, but it also nixes the distraction of swiping through screens on the phone itself. To put CarPlay through its paces, I hit the highway for a 7.5-hour road trip in a 2016 Camaro SS, a model that'll arrive soon at your local dealer. From Philadelphia to Raleigh, North Carolina, I used it to navigate, find food and stream in-car entertainment along the way. This first version of Apple's software for the car is certainly useful, but as I found, there's room for improvement.
Spotify's Android app now works with MirrorLink in-car systems
If you've been looking for another way to access Spotify playlists in your car, you might be in luck. MirrorLink-compatible in-car systems play nice with the music streaming service thanks to a hand from an app called RockScout. The MirrorLink platform lets you access content on your phone using your car's dashboard controls, especially those rotary knobs and touch interfaces. While it may not provide fewer distractions, it might keep you from futzing with your phone to change songs while heading down the highway. Working with MirroLink's entertainment systems means Spotify will be available for even more in-dash systems as it's already available on CarPlay and Android Auto. If you're looking to give it a go, you'll need to download the RockScout Android app as that piece of software allows "participating Android apps" work with MirrorLink.
Visteon's HABIT is a concept infotainment system that puts road trip copilots out of a job (video)
A good acronym also hints at what it does, and Visteon's new intelligent in-car concept, HABIT, is a good example of that. The Human Bayesian Intelligence Technology system -- to give it its full name -- learns the behaviour of drivers so it can automatically change the temperature, heat the seats and drop that Biohazard album just when you need it most. Factors such as weather, time of day and real-time road conditions all play a part, plus, of course a log of all your typical in-car interactions. It promises to go above just warming your behind on a cold morning though, offering intelligence that would be able to divine local radio stations that play your kind of jam when you're out of town. It could also seamlessly mix these with your local / tablet / smartphone library and internet sources. Sound a little too creepy? Wait until you see the computer-generated demo video presenter past the break.
Spotify teams up with Volvo, launches new voice-controlled in-car app (video)
Spotify continues to make itself at home in your car. Following its Ford hook-up at MWC last month, its announced a new team-up with Volvo that will bring a voice-navigated version of the music service to the car maker's new models. It'll form part of Volvo's new Sense Connected Touch dashboard system which includes a 7-inch touchscreen for anyone that doesn't feel like talking at their dash. Users can also stream music with a 3G or 4G dongle or tethered to your smartphone of choice. The Spotify UI itself will be familiar to anyone who's used the app before and as the system runs on Android, you'll also be able pick up the likes of Google Maps and other music-playing options available on Google Play. It'll arrive this May as a dealer-fitted accessory on new Volvo V40, V40 Cross Country, S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80 models, while you'll also be able to retrofit it to vehicles made since 2011. Spotify and Volvo has an in-car tour for us right after the break.
Pioneer reveals three new in-dash touchscreen multimedia receivers with AppRadio, DVD, SiriusXM and more
At CES 2013, Pioneer wants to lead the way, literally. It plans to do this with three new in-dash navigation receivers -- the AVIC-Z150BH, AVIC-X950BH, and AVIC-X850BT. The first two feature a 7-inch touchscreen with HDMI, USB, SD (microSD on the AVIC-X950BH) and component inputs plus DVD playback, "dual zone" capability, Bluetooth, and built-in RDS-TMC traffic and HD radio tuners. There's also 8GB of flash memory and 3D graphics acceleration, AppRadio mode, and SiriusXM support across the range. The AVIC-X850BT, however, is pegged as the more affordable option and as such lacks the HDMI input and HD Radio and comes with a smaller, 6.1-inch (WVGA) screen. All the new units will be available in late March with the AVIC-X850BT costing $800, the AVIC-X950BH $950 or bag yourself the top end AVIC-Z150BH for $1,200. Full PR after the break.
Pioneer breaks the road trip monotony with three new in-dash multimedia DVD receivers at CES
While Pioneer may have just announced a bevy of navigation-based goodies, it's also introduced some straight-up in-car entertainment. Three new multimedia and DVD receivers to be precise. The AVH-X6500DVD, AVH-X7500BT and AVH-X8500BHS feature MIXTRAX virtual DJ software, AppRadio mode, USB and smartphone connectivity plus internet radio, high resolution touch screens and Pandora. The AVH-X8500BHS and AVH-X7500BT benefit from "enhanced" iPhone 5 connectivity, and Bluetooth, with the former also having support for SiriusXM and HD Radio. To navigate your way around, all three have motorised 7-inch WVGA displays, along with EQ gesture control and detachable faces. For $450 you can get the AVH-X6500DVD, $500 will snag you the AVH-X7500BT, while you'll need to lay down $650 if you fancy a bit of the AVH-X8500BHS, all of which are available in March. Tune in to the full PR after the break.
BMW's Car Hotspot LTE means Bavarian Motor WiFi
The dedicated car phone may be a thing of the past, but the in-car hotspot is becoming increasingly common. BMW isn't shy when it comes to in-vehicle tech, so the fact that it's launching its own solution should come as no surprise. We initially heard about the ConnectedDrive LTE integration back in summer, but now it looks like it's almost here. The BMW Car Hotspot LTE is essentially a purpose-built WiFi router that houses an LTE SIM (it also supports 3G and EDGE). It's compatible with any BMW with a telephone docking station and allows connections from up to eight client devices. Authentication can be done via code entry or NFC (or there's WPS too). Rather than just rebranding an LTE dongle, the system is designed to integrate with the vehicle's aerial for better signal, while the dock keeps it charged. As you might surmise, this does indeed mean there is an internal battery, making it useful beyond the confines of the automobile too (for about an hour according to the car maker). No official word on price or release, but it's suggested it'll be landing in Europe as soon as this week.
BMW's Performance sport steering wheel brings vehicle data right to your finger tips (video)
Extra information when driving can be useful, but also distracting. Enter BMW's new M Performance sport steering wheel -- which offers a whole bunch of data and information while letting you keep your eyes (mostly) on the road. Essentially it's a high-grip Alcantara wheel, with a small OLED display at 12 o'clock, and two LED meters on either side. There are three readout modes: EfficientDynamics, Sport and Race. The former will tell you average fuel consumption, speed as well as oil and water temperature. Sport mode will tell you lateral g-force data (that cleverly remains on the display until you bring the wheel back to its neutral position) while the LED strips provide cues for gear shifts. Like to take things out on the track? Lap times, with section splits, and even a drag-style Christmas tree mode will help you get those times down. How much for this king of steering wheels? A racy $1,700. Speed past the break for a video of the goods in action.
Apple teases Eyes Free, Siri car integration
Apple's VP of iOS Software Scott Forstall just demoed Eyes Free, Siri's new vehicle integration. The feature is being framed as a safety booster, letting you tap a steering wheel-mounted button to toggle Siri on your iOS device, rather than reaching around for your iPhone or iPad and taking precious seconds away from the road. This being Apple, there are already plenty of partners lined up -- BMW, GM, Mercedes, Land Rover, Jaguar, Audi, Toyota, Chrysler and Honda are all said to be on board, with Siri support making its way to vehicles within the next 12 months. It's certainly not the first example of smartphone/car integration we've seen, but it could soon end up being one of the most widely utilized, despite the years-long head-start competing technologies have enjoyed. Check out our full coverage of WWDC 2012 at our event hub!
Audi A3 with MMI Touch gesture-based entertainment system hands-on (video)
CeBIT isn't an auto show in the traditional sense, but we are in Germany after all, so we weren't terribly surprised to see Audi roll up with a brand new car. The latest A3 made its worldwide debut today, bringing with it that wheel-based menu navigation interface we saw in its prototype phase. The touchpad sits atop the jog-wheel and shrinks things down considerably compared to the original version found in the 7-series. To keep things nice and safe, Audi devised a system that recognizes letters you draw with your finger, enabling drivers keep their eyes on the road while selecting music, making calls or setting a destination in the GPS. Also, as is apparently the norm these days, there's Facebook and Twitter integration -- the car can even read updates as you drive. If you know, you can't wait until you're parked.As you might have gathered, the A3 is a connected vehicle, with a SIM slot or Bluetooth connection providing the car's link to the outside world. It offers another curious addition, too: a "Phone Box" signal boosting system. Details are sparse, but we do know there's an external antenna that relays the signal back to the handset. That particular feature is compatible with any phone you care to toss inside, and requires a wired connection only for charging (the box itself is amplified, so anything that sits within the enclosure will reap those boosting benefits). We managed to get the first hands-on demo with the car, and you can see all those new toys in the video and galleries below.
Toyota and Samsung turn your smartphone into a second display for your ride
Toyota and Samsung are pairing up to get the latter's smartphones to work perfectly with the former's vehicles. The duo will launch Samsung Mobile Car Application to sync your Android device to the in-vehicle-infotainment (IVI) systems of modern cars. You'll be able to use voice control and improve the accuracy of your GPS by hooking it up to mobile internet. At the minute it's just an announcement, we won't see any products entering the market until the second quarter of the year. They just wanted to tease, those lovable scamps.
NVIDIA's Tegra 3 chips coming to cars, starting with the Tesla S, as well as Audi and Lamborghini
Well, here's something we were not expecting to hear at today's NVIDIA CES press conference. The company just announced that its Tegra 3 chips will power not just tablets, but in-car entertainment systems. For starters, this will include Tesla's model S, though it's also going to find a home in Ferrari Lamborghini and Audi (announcement to come, we're told). That's all we know for now -- nothing on availability, the mix of Tegra 2 / 3 chips or NVIDIA's roadmap -- but given how ubiquitous Tegra is, we think we have a handle on how well it handles multimedia content. Billy Steele contributed to this report.
Pioneer AppRadio review
dockBoss+ adapter brings iOS speaker dock compatibility to Android, BlackBerry and WP7 handsets* Pioneer announces Aha Radio partnership, plans for app domination Hyundai announces Blue Link telematics system, makes texting your Sonata a sweet possibility If you drive, and if you read Engadget (which...you do), there's a good chance you've spent some time using an iOS device in the car. You've probably also spent some of that time wishing there were a better way to integrate your phone or pod with the car itself. There have been devices to help you bring Pod and vehicle together in an unholy union of distraction since that first physical scroll wheel hit the scene, from maddening tape adapters and FM tuners to more integral solutions like Ford's Sync system. The whole time, we were kind of just wishing they'd figure out a way to let us mount the thing directly in the dash, and have our way with it as we do in all other situations. Pioneer's AppRadio approaches that -- it looks unapologetically like a bigger iPod in landscape mode, complete with minimalistic physical controls and a laid-back, no-nonsense look about it. Does it, in fact, make the iPhone more useful while you're in the car? Turns out, it's a yes and no kind of thing. %Gallery-136181%
Pioneer AppRadio hands-on (updated with video!)
We got a chance to experience Pioneer's iOS-connected in-dash AppRadio in action this afternoon, and even got to see the thing running in a real-deal automobile. So did it meet our expectations? Well, to be perfectly honest, we didn't know what to expect, but for what it promises, which is bringing the convenience and connectivity of iOS apps to your car, we suppose it does a fine job -- even if it only supports a handful apps at the moment. More after the break. %Gallery-124475%
Formula 1 could see high definition broadcasts (except for in-car cameras) next year
In our last crazy Bernie Ecclestone update, the F1 boss had suggested we could be two years away from high definition Formula 1 broadcasts, but since then he's apparently indicated it could happen as soon as next year. Last week, he apparently told German media that he's "not sure" whether the series will be in HD next year, citing problems fitting HD cameras on the cars. That other series like IRL have no problem squeezing the cams in has apparently gone unnoticed. At this point, we don't expect anything better than the current widescreen feed until well into the era of Super Hi-Vision, but just in case things change, we'll keep you posted
Panasonic in-dash HD nav system & Blu-ray player ready to ship, are you ready for the price?
Don't think you can sell the kids short anymore, keeping the Blu-ray copy at home and taking DVD rips on the road, now that Panasonic is ready to deliver its in-dash Blu-ray player and 7-inch HD screen packing nav unit in September. We got a good peek at these back in April and the specs haven't changed, with the Profile 1.1 Bonus View compatible CY-BB1000D taking care of Blu-ray duties and featuring the same UniPhier guts as the company's line of living room Blu-ray players. The CN-HX3000D is a WXGA 1280x720p 7-inch LED backlit widescreen display ready to play back media via standard HDMI, iPod connector, SD card or its digital TV tuner, powered by Windows Automotive with navigation duties assisted by Google Maps and Yahoo! Japan. The CY-BB1000D is ¥99,750 ($1,057) and the CN-HX3000D is ¥365,400 ($3,872), and both arrive September 10 in Japan. We'll let you decide if around 5 grand is a good price for the in car HD experience (might want to look at custom mounting a DMP-B15, $800 and you can take it with you.)Read - CYBB1000DRead - CN-HX3000D
