Windows to Connect Cars with MirrorLink?

WindowscarMany cars run Windows CE or Windows Automotive, including BMW, Fiat, Ford, Kia, and Nissan. However recently, Ford opted for the QNX operating system from BlackBerry.

Microsoft is working on a head unit infotainment system that runs Windows. Windows Phone screens will display on the in-dash screen via MirrorLink. It was shown at the Windows Build Conference.

The system tries to cut down the “cognitive load,” keeping eyes on the screen less than 2 seconds, good screen sizing, end of small touch icons and most of the system running with voice activations from Microsoft’s Cortana system.

The cards on the screen are pinned with functions needed most like Windows Phone. Features include music playing, turn-by-turn directions by Nokia Here/BingMaps, voice search and text messages.

Some contend that because the system uses MirrorLink, it could be updated to older vehicles.

Connected car information starts at 31 minutes.

iPhone CarPlay Coming to Volvos Seen @ NY Auto Show

VolvoCarPlayAt the New York Auto Show, today, Volvo showed how Apple’s CarPlay will work in its vehicles.  The way CarPlay will operate in Volvo cars is that it is an alternative to the Volvo Sensus Connect interface.

When CarPlay is deployed by connecting an iPhone 5/5c/5S to the USB port via a Lightning connector, it will work with the Volvo steering-wheel-mounted controls and the 10″ touchscreen.  The voice-control button on the steering wheel of will launch Siri or the icon on the touchscreen can be tapped.

Europe to Top Telematics & New Value for Cellular Carriers

telematicsPyramid Research found that Europe will become the largest market in 2016, overtaking the US.

The study found Telematics is one of the most dynamic and fastest growing segments of the cellular machine-to-machine market. The total number of telematics M2M SIMs  reached 37m in 2013, representing about 4% of all passenger cars.

Pyramid estimates, M2M SIMs in passenger cars will grow to 12% by 2018, with telematics M2M SIMs contributing more than 20% of all M2M SIMs.

Verizon Wireless Offers $1M Prize for Connected Car Transport Programming & More

img_transportationVerizon is offering millions of dollars in prizes for innovators who propose the most innovative solutions to help develop and empower four core areas of Education, Healthcare, Sustainability, and Transportation. Entries for the Powerful Answers Award for 2014 will be accepted until June 30, 2014. First prize is $ 1million per category and two runners up receive $250,000 per category.

Will Alpine Make First In-Dash iPhone Audio Head Unit CarPlay System for US?

mappingCarplayAlpine electronics claims to be the first company to start selling an in-dash head unit audio system compatible with Apple’s CarPlay system for iPhone iPod and iPad that was announced earlier this year.

Many Japanese auto companies will be offering CarPlay systems and Alpine claims to be the first company to be able to offer eight aftermarket infotainment unit which is expected to cost between 500 and $700.