Zubie iControls Connected Car and Home @developersgarage

zubiewithphoneConnected car OBII device and app maker Zubie  has partnered with iControl Networks. Together, they plan to offer home automation through cars and  smartphones seamlessly.

Zubie lets family members know when you are your own way home or share locations with fellow Zubie users.  Zubie connects to the OBII computer port on cars.

 

GM & Chevy Dances to Beats Music at SXSW

beatsmusicChevy announced at SXSW that Beats Music streaming music will be available in the Chevy AppShop and on select Chevy models this year.

Beats Music is a streaming music service with playlist and curated music options. Chevy AppShop can be used via 4G LTE connections through OnStar 4G LTE. A free trial of Beats Music or paid subscription is required.

Apple Connects Cars to iPhone5/5s/5c to Beats, Spotify & iHeart Radio

mappingCarplayAt the Geneva Auto Show, Apple announced  Apple CarPlay for iPod/iPad/iPhone and iOS in cars that will first arrive in Ferrari, Mercedez-Benz Hyundai and Volvo in 2104.

Apple calls CarPlay “The best iPhone experience on four wheels.”  The display enlarges all of the iOS functions significantly.

Sears Drive-Through Car Hop Service App

Sears announced that its Show Your Way mobile app, lets people pick up their Sears order with in 5 minutes without leaving their cars for

AccuWather Partners with Kaliki Audio

kalikiappsmallerOne one the problems with driving in connected cars in bad weather such as storm or rain storms is that the driver has to keep his attention on the road.  AccuWeather will offer a way to hear the latest weather conditions with Kaliki Audio for audio weather information forecasts in GM cars.

AccuWeather announced its partnership with BT Software and the Kaliki Audio Newsstand to allow drivers hear current weather conditions and forecasts on-demand in their cars in 2014.

Pioneer AppRadio 3 Big Winner Connects iPhone 4/4S/5/5C/5S & Android Mirrors & Siri

appradio3Car dealers can charge thousands of dollars for head units that connect cars to music, navigation and smartphones.  Another viable options is to put an after market receiver with all the apps you need and more. Pioneer AppRadio3 devices will be available  for$399-$499. The CD-DVD player (SPH-DA210) is currently available from Amazon for $362.29 with free shipping.

Chevy to Have AT&T 4G LTE in Summer 2014 to Connect Corvette, Impala, Malibu & Volt

invanWiFiHotspot2960x640Cevrolet partnered with OnStar 4G LTE and AT&T for optional Wi-Fi hotspots for 2015 Chevrolet Corvette, Impala, Malibu, and Volt with OnStar 4G LTE installed.

AT&T customers will be able to add their Chevy to AT&T Mobile Share plans. Drivers can also pay for data separately. Pricing and data packages for OnStar 4G LTE will be announced later in 2014.

Hyundai Blue Link Goes Red (Verizon Wireless) Using Google Glass, Pandora or SoundHound

Next Generation Connected Car: Hyundai with Google Glass

bluelinkgenesisdasHyundai Motors is going all out with their connected cars in 2014. Hyundai cars will be connected via Verizon Wireless Enterprise for safety security and infotainment features this year.

The new Blue Link System and Genesis Intelligent Assistant App add new features using the Internet, smartphone data and user input. Music recognition app SoundHound will be integrated into head units for Kia and Hyundai, too.

Hyundai’s Blue Link infotainment system will premiere with the Genesis Intelligent Assistant app that will let users control the car via an iOS or Android tablet or smarpthone. The new app combines information from smartphone calendars, weather and commuting information to make intelligent notifications.

Ford & Livio Support SmartDeviceLink Standard

livioconnectFord Motor Company subsidiary, Livio, announced it will support SmartDeviceLink as the industry standard for in-vehicle infotainment and offer SDL code and support for suppliers, OEM partners and app developers in 2014.