In connected car news are VW, Diodes, Aeva, Flexsys, Google and Eclipse.
In this Article
VW watchOS & Wear OS Apps
Volkswagen of America, Inc. is pleased to announce smartwatch integration for myVW app users, giving customers quick, on-the-go access to essential vehicle functions directly from their watchOS or Wear OS smartwatches.
Available for most MY20+ ICE and electric vehicles enrolled in an applicable paid or included connected vehicle service plan, myVW brings together convenience, connectivity and control, allowing drivers to choose from plans like Remote Access, Safe & Secure and VW Vehicle Insights when users activate myVW+ through the myVW app. With the addition of smartwatch support, myVW increases convenience, encourages daily app engagement, and reinforces Volkswagen’s commitment to deliver modern, connected mobility.
The new smartwatch compatibility includes available key functions such as Lock/Unlock, Honk & Flash, Vehicle Status, and Lock Status. Further, ICE models add Remote Start/Stop (if equipped) and Fuel Status, while EVs add Remote Charging, Charge Status, and Climate Start/Stop (if equipped).
To access these connected features using a compatible smartwatch, users must download the myVW app, accept the myVW Terms of Service, add their vehicle to the virtual garage (if not already present), accept the myVW+ Terms of Service, and subscribe to a paid or included Remote Access and VW Vehicle Insights plan.
Diodes Introduces AL3069Q
Diodes Incorporated launched the AL3069Q, a 60V automotive-compliant boost controller designed for high-efficiency backlighting in infotainment panels, instrument clusters, and heads-up displays. The device features four 80V high-precision LED current sink channels, adaptive boost voltage control over a 4.5V–60V input range, and adjustable switching frequencies from 100kHz to 1MHz. It supports large LED panels up to 32 inches, precise dimming, and consistent brightness across channels. Built-in diagnostics and protection mechanisms safeguard against overvoltage, overtemperature, open/short LEDs, and other faults. Available in compact TSSOP-16EP and U-QFN4040-16/SWP packages, the AL3069Q offers a cost-effective solution for robust automotive lighting systems.
Aeva & D2 Expand LiDAR Smart Infrastructure
Aeva announced an exclusive partnership with D2 Traffic Technologies to enhance its LiDAR-based smart infrastructure offerings for intersections, highways, and urban corridors. The collaboration brings D2’s ITS expertise to Aeva, supporting its transition from a LiDAR supplier to a full-solution provider offering sensing, perception, monitoring, and analytics for traffic management. Aeva’s Atlas Orion™ 4D LiDAR sensors deliver precise object detection, velocity data, and privacy-preserving capabilities, enabling municipalities and transportation agencies to improve safety, reduce congestion, and modernize infrastructure. The partnership positions Aeva to address the U.S. ITS market, which includes roughly 15 million intersections and over 300,000 traffic signals.
Flexsys 6PPD Tire Chemical
Flexsys announced the development of the first commercially viable alternative to 6PPD, the tire industry’s standard antidegradant for the past 50 years. The new chemistry, created through years of research and collaboration with federal and independent laboratories, is designed to protect tires from degradation while avoiding the formation of 6PPD-quinone, a compound linked to environmental harm. Extensive testing indicates the solution meets tire safety standards, minimizes formulation changes, and aligns with environmental regulations. Flexsys is now advancing process optimization for large-scale production and regulatory approval. The company emphasized that the breakthrough addresses both performance and sustainability goals for automakers and tire manufacturers.
Google Rolls Out Gemini AI to Android Auto
Google has begun integrating its Gemini AI assistant into Android Auto, replacing Google Assistant with a more natural, conversational experience. Gemini supports more complex voice interactions for tasks such as navigation, messaging, scheduling, and brainstorming, allowing drivers to speak naturally and follow up without repeating themselves. The system can summarize messages, translate texts into over 40 languages, access Gmail and calendars, and even “chat” in real time via the Gemini Live mode. The rollout began globally on November 20, 2025, across 45 languages.
Eclipse Releases S-CORE 0.5-Alpha 4 Software-Defined Vehicles
The Eclipse Software Defined Vehicle Working Group announced version 0.5-alpha of S-CORE (Safe Open Vehicle Core), an open-source middleware platform for software-defined vehicles. S-CORE provides a software layer between operating systems and applications, enabling deterministic operation of safety-critical functions such as driver-assistance, powertrain, and chassis systems. Qorix, a founding member and primary developer, created the orchestration module for mixed-criticality applications and offers a commercial distribution with support, tooling, and safety documentation. The project seeks to reduce development costs and accelerate innovation by providing a collaborative, standardized platform for vehicle software development.