connected car

The Connected Car News – Everything you need to know about how to connect your smartphone, iPhone, iPad, tablet or any other device to your car through Wi-Fi, Bluetooh, Ligtning connectors, USB, HDMI, DLNA and other means. We cover trends of connected cars that almost drive themsleves

Audi Q7 – packed with connected car tech: ADAS, CarPlay, Android Auto, tablet, LTE & phone box

Audi Back Seat Tablet
Audi Q7 Back Seat Tablet

Audi announced the 2016 Audi Q7 at the International Auto Show in Detroit which has many state of the art connected car features, such as a new interface, head up display, phone connector box, ADAS, almost autonomous driving packages, new voice controls and 10 inch tablets for back seat passengers.

audivirtualcockpitThe user interface has been streamline with haptic feedback. The driver can enter characters on the large touchpad or perform multi-finger gestures to zoom in on the map or scroll through lists. Functions can be accessed using a rotary push button and two rocker switches.

There are new multifunction steering wheels buttons. Depending on the equipment installed, telephone and navigation functions can also be controlled via the steering wheel.

New voice functions understand hundreds of voice command variations are possible for calling and radio and Media

Driver-relevant information is displayed in the new Q7 in a  instrument cluster. The 7-inch color display places everything from the current radio station to the navigation map to the display from the optional night vision assistant directly in the field of view.

The optional MMI navigation plus is also available with the Audi virtual cockpit, a 12.3-inch TFT display that presents tack-sharp, painstakingly rendered graphics.

The new Q7 is equipped with the second generation of the modular infotainment platform (MIB)  which includes a quad-core T30 processor from Audi’s partner NVIDIA for 3D graphics.

Audi offers various levels of the infotainment modules for the new Q7. The MMI radio plus is standard in Germany. This offers interfaces for external devices such as mobile phones or memory cards.

Displays are shown on a central, 7-inch MMI monitor that rises up from the instrument panel when the system is started.

The high-end infotainment control center is the MMI navigation plus, which has an 8.3-inch monitor.

Another upgrade is Bose sound system with 3D sound and the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 3D sound fascinate even discerning hi-fi users.

The Audi phone box, connects the cell phone to the car’s cellular phone antenna. Inductive charging and wireless smartphone connection will be available as additional functions shortly after the launch of the new Audi Q7.

Audiq7carPlayThe Audi smartphone interface brings “Apple Car Play” and “Google Android Auto” on board. If an iOS or Android cellular phone is connected to the USB port (iOS from Version 7.1; Android from Version 5.0 Lollipop).

Buyers have the optional choice of one or two Audi Android tablets with 10.1 inch screen, 32GB of storage, HD cameras, Bluetooth and NFCserve as rear seat monitors. The tablets are temperature-resistant and rugged for crash safety. The Audi tablets are connected to the MMI navigation plus via WiF with access to the radio, media, navigation and car functions of the Audi Q7. For those who are wondering why Germans love tablets in the back seat, it is because many Audi’s have chauffeurs or drivers. The rugged tablet may be strong enough for teenager or kids, too.

MMI navigation plus also includes the module Audi connect, which connects the new Audi Q7 to the Internet via 4G LTE.

Standard ADAS features are the rear parking aid, cruise control, adjustable speed limiter, rest recommendation and Audi pre sense city. At city speeds it warns the driver of impending collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians and will initiate heavy braking in an emergency

Optional ADAS add-ons are bundled in the packages “Parking”, “City” and “Tour”.

  • “Parking Package”– includes the surround view camera and park assist system, which  steers the car backwards into parallel and perpendicular parking spots while the driver applies gas and brakes.
  • “City Package” – with cross-traffic assist warns the driver of other vehicles when driving slowly in reverse.Trailer assistant for steering of trailers.  Audi side assist measurements behind the car to ensure safe lane changes. Audi pre sense rear tensions the seat belts in the event of an impending collision from behind.
  • “Tour Package” – is the precursor to autonomous driving with  adaptive cruise control that keeps the Q7 at the desired distance from the vehicle ahead. It displays the distance when it is deactivated. ACC stop & go including traffic jam assistant, takes over the steering on developed highways if traffic congested and not moving faster than 65 km/h (40.4 mph). Audi active lane assist uses a camera and small steering interventions to help the driver to stay in a lane.  Audi pre sense front warns of an impending rear-end collision with the vehicle ahead, tightens the belts and brakes the car autonomously.

Also available as an option is the night vision assistant.

The 2016 Audi Q7 should be available late 2016, pricing has not been announced, yet, Pricing expected to at least $50k or more depending upon the add-on packages which could range from $2,000 -$3,000 each.

Bosch heads up displays, telematics, data logs & more car tech @intlCES

BoschdashAt International CES, Bosch will demonstrate connected car tech features such as new control units, software, ADAS, head-up style displays and infotainment systems. The displays show important information either in the cockpit or make it appear like is on the road.

Bosch makes many components in connected cars, many of which will be on display.

Control Units Communicates and Stores Data

Bosch makes a connectivity control unit that connects to the in-car network with  a GMS module for communication and a GPS module. By 2016, Bosch predicts every new long-haul commercial vehicle in Europe and the United States to be offered with a networking solution.
Bosch Software Innovations offers a modular software suite. Bosch’s new telematics services offer an electronic logbook and a theft warning system.

New Displays on Display

Display-based instrument clusters project all of the instrument, navigation, and multimedia information into the driver’s field of vision. These style displays are already in the BMW i8 and the Audi TT.
Bosch will show a head-up display that projects the information on a small special plastic screen below the windshield that makes it look like it is  in front of the vehicle. Since 2014, the system has been installed in a variety of BMW models.

Infotainment Units and Updating

The mySPIN  head unit option integrates Android-based phones as well as iOS-based  there will also be demonstrations natural voice input and a navigation system that offers a proactive driving strategy based on real-time traffic info. Bosch subsidiary ESCRYPT is showcasing a solution for secure wireless software updates.

ADAS Hit the Vegas Strip

A demonstration vehicle feature the Bosch traffic jam assistant. The car can brake, accelerate, and steer within its lane completely independently, while the driver supervises.

Bosch offers camera systems that protect pedestrians. Cameras and automated systems can respond quicker to protect pedestrians, such devices will be required in all 2016 cars in Europe.

How to pair Bluetooth with iPhone 5-6+ for GMC and Chevy Cars

bluetoothpairGM’s Stefan Cross demonstrated how to successfully pair Bluetooth with the with Intellilink in-vehicle navigation system on a GMC Canyon for AUTO Connected Car News. If you have another GM vehicle such as Chevy you complete very similar actions for Chevy vehicles, Cadillac systems are a little different.

Here’s how to pair Bluetooth with a GMC vehicle with Intellilink.

  • Go to settings menu, Bluetooth is under Wi-Fi on the iPhone turn Bluetooth on.
  • On the Intellilink screen go to settings, tap Bluetooth pair new device.
  • The iPhone recognizes GMC Intellilink, tap GMC Intellilink.
  • Tap pair on the iPhone.
  • The GMC Intellilnk shows that it has pairing request.
  • Tap yes on the screen.

Once the iPhone is paired with the Intlellilink or Chevy system, it allows to access contacts, Siri eyes free music and more.

You can also set up Bluetooth using your voice:

  1. Press the Push to Talk button, wait for the beep, and say “Bluetooth”.
  2. The system will respond with “Bluetooth Ready”.
  3. Wait for the beep then say “Pair”.
  4. The system will respond with “Please start a search on your Bluetooth phone.
  5. Once the search is complete select “your vehicle” on your phone.”Your phone will either ask to enter a 4 digit code, which is displayed on the radio screen, or to confirm a 6 digit code
  6. The system will prompt you to give a name to your phone.Say a name that best describes your phone (example: Karen’s phone); this name will be used to indicate which phone is connected.
  7. The system will ask you to confirm your name.
  8. If you confirm that name, the system will respond with the message: “iPhone 5s Space Gray has been successfully paired”.

Every time you are in the car, it will automatically pair. You can setup multiple devices then   pick what device you want to pair. Previously, when we checked with Chevy OnStar reps they reported that many users did not have Bluetooth issues. You can call the GM infotainment call center located in the U.S. with trained experts in GM in-vehicle technology. Chevrolet, Buick and GMC customers should call 1.855.4.SUPPORT and Cadillac customers can call 1.855.4.CUE.NOW.

Those readers who are experience Bluetooth issues with iOS 8 and iPhone 5-6+ should note that Cross had not upgraded his iPhone 5S to iOS 8, when we shot the video of the GMC Canyon using Bluetooth and IntelliLink.

Various work-arounds often called the “nuke-it” fixes that sometimes work with in vehicle systems and iOS 8-8.02 problems with iPhone 4S-5-6+.

 If you are having problems with Bluetooth with in-vehicle systems and iOS 8.0-8.2.iPhone 4S/5/5C/5S/6/6+ please let us know in the comments below, be sure to note your make, model and year of your vehicle.

To show your distaste for Apple and the iOS 8 Bluetooth Bungle, you may vote for Apple for the Edsel Yugo Biggest Snafu of 2014 Tech CARS Awards.

New Connected Car Ford SYNC 3 goes further with voice & Wi-Fi updates

FORSYNC3Ford introduced SYNC 3, its new entertainment system with voice commands and faster speeds that will be coming on new Ford cars, next year.

The voice recognition is more conversational and the touchscreen is more smartphone-like. Software can be updated via a local secure Wi-Fi network.

Ford considered recommendations from drivers, researchers and testing while developing SYNC 3 while making it optimized for hands-free use.

The interface offers faster responses to touch as well as voice commands and smartphone-like gestures including pinch-to-zoom and swipe are central to SYNC 3, along clean clear graphics.

Under dark conditions the screen automatically switches to a dark background to help reduce eye fatigue and minimize reflections on the windows.

The home screen features three zone choices – Navigation, Audio and Phone to make it easier to use.

With SYNC 3, when you say “play, song, artist, album or genre, that prompts the system to play the desired song, artist, playlist or album. To change back to a radio station, the user just says the name of the SiriusXM station or terrestrial radio station number. Voice search doesn’t have to exact.

SYNC 3 allows for Siri Eyes-Free control, by holding down the steering wheel button.

AppLink allows customers to connect their smartphone to their vehicle and control their compatible apps using voice commands or buttons on the vehicle display screen. AppLink now automatically discovers smartphone apps including Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher, NPR One, SiriusXM Radio and iHeartRadio Auto, and displays their unique graphics and branding. Music and news apps are automatically displayed along with other media sources, just like AM/FM or SiriusXM. SYNC 3 also offers subscription-free emergency service 911 Assist.

The driver’s Bluetooth-connected phone is used to dial 911 in case of an accident. With SYNC 3, the car relays additional information, including if airbags were deployed, the type of crash (front, side, rear or rollover) and the number of safety belts detected in use,  to help emergency call dispatchers.