While car makers continue to expand the size of head unit screens, Android smartphone users have another option, a completely voice-powered DriveSync connected car Android
There were several visionary aspects of the future of connected cars explored at SXSW during the “Internet of Cars” panel on Friday, March 9, 2014.
The Audi A3 will have some new technology innovations that include AT&T LTE, picture mapping, special software and cell phone signal boost.
We finally have pricing for the AT&T LTE service in Audi A3 cars, owners can pay $99.99 for 5GB for a six month period or pay $499 for 30GB over a period thirty months. All new Audi A3 autos with Audi connect will receive a free six month trial of LTE service.
The fee works out to be $16.50 a month for the six month plan and $16.63 a month for the thirty month plan. (Obviously the place that called the $499 plan the best value was incorrect).
In Hannover, germany at CeBIt, Volkswagen CEO Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn showed James 2025 as the car cockpit of the future.
The comfy virtual cockpit allows drivers to relax and lets the car drive itself through a few buttons on the dash. When the car is in automatic driving mode, the head unit screen system shows the car’s planned driving maneuvers while a second screen gives access to infotainment functions. The steering wheel moves away. At any time like when an airplane is using auto-pilot the driver can take over driving the car.(see video below)
Pandora is one of the most popular streaming media apps and the company is hoping to be as ubiquitous in the automotive space. Pandora is opening up its box with great music at SXSW at the Gatsby inAustin’s Red River District. More than 35 acts are scheduled to perform over four days March 12-15 that will streamed live. Types of music played will include electronic, pop, hip hop, R&B, Americana, indie rock and eclectic music.
In an interview with iMedia Connection, Heidi Browning is the SVP of strategic solutions at Pandora, said some interesting things bout Pandora:
OT Mobility launches a new iPhone and Android app today that relieves the stress of worrying about getting places on time — Spot On Time.
“I love innovation in mobile,” said David Rothschild CEO of OT Mobility in an interview with AUTO Connected Car, “Using a lot of research and great data we created a solution to get people to multiple destinations during a day.”
Edmunds.com offers guidance about the office workplace and automotive technology during two separate events this weekend at SXSW in Austin, Texas.
Connected 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.
Chevy 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.
Connected cars with connected drivers is a new opportunity for automobile OEMs and mobile operators to provide services in cars. A new report from iGR predicts.
From 2012 to 2017, the number of connected cars in the U.S. is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 142%.
Apple’s CarPlay with its iPhone cache and sleek geek is coming with the same high style and high expense we’ve come to expect with Apple
We saw a great demonstration of the Airbiquity Choreo System inside a Nissan Rouge at the L.A. Auto Show with Scott Frank. If you are wondering about the functionality of the other connected-car systems besides CarPlay, watch the video below.