Latest automotive apps and in-car tech news

The recent Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas and the annual Detroit Auto Show both saw the unveiling of new apps and tech for in-car connectivity – and highlighted the speed with which this technology is developing.

The Chevrolet Volt research concept vehicle at CES showcased General Motors’ second-generation OnStar system. Users can stream content from the cloud using the Verizon  Wireless 4G LTS network, and share this between users; two rear-seat passengers can enjoy different music, video, games, news and other cached or streamed files, thanks to independent controls, as well as making Skype video calls.

The existing OnStar telematics system has been developed to enable owners of the Volt (a range-extended electric vehicle) to remotely access data on the state of its battery charge and remaining battery range, locations of nearby charging points, reservation of charging points, and vehicle diagnostics thanks to a full integration of the RemoteLink mobile app. OnStar also allows home energy management – control of thermostats, lights and garage doors whilst on the road. OnStar is also to open up its application programming interface to third-party developers, reports Gizmag, with the first partner to be car-share company RelayRides.

Useful apps are available for electric cars already on sale, such as the Nissan Leaf and its Carwings app, but BMW takes things a stage further with the app it’ll offer with the i3 (on sale 2013). A preview on Facebook advises drivers on how to integrate their car journey with other forms of transport – whether train for a long-distance trip out of battery range, or going it alone on foot.

Ford, meanwhile, has updated its SYNC Destinations mobile app, enabling American drivers to access real-time traffic information using voice controls.  The SYNC AppLink is also now compatible with the independent NPR smartphone app, so drivers can listen to the USA’s excellent National Public Radio through their in-car audio system – and the TuneIn app, giving access to 50,000 AM, FM and digital radio stations worldwide, which should be enough for anyone to choose from. Further SYNC AppLink tie-ups include Clear Channel’s iHeart Radio (over 800 US radio stations). Ford has just sold its 4 millionth SYNC-equipped car, and expects to deliver 9 million more by 2015.

Mercedes-Benz had a demo “sculpture” at CES called DICE (Dynamic & Intuitive Control Experience). This incorporates a head-up display on the windscreen, gesture controls and augmented reality animations for an intuitive flow of information – local news or relevant details about nearby points of interest, the music playing at a nearby club, for example, as well as important briefings on potential hazards or advice on parking spaces.  The DICE menu channels this info into ‘Media’, ‘Social’ and ‘Places’, and is, says Mercedes-Benz, “a completely new, exciting form of communication between people and their environment.” Not-so-incidentally, its parent company Daimler has also announced “a deepening” of its strategic partnership with Google.

Upcoming US-market Subaru and Honda models will come with the option of the Aha Radio app, reports Engadget, another way to listen to thousands of online, satellite and AM/FM stations, whilst Toyota’s NS4 Advanced Plug-In Hybrid Concept, revealed in Detroit this week, previews a smartphone-like control interface capable of ‘learning’ driver preferences and anticipating responses.

Toyota makes the very valid point that “vehicles have become another communication hub in the consumers’ lifestyle, and are the third-fastest growing technological device, behind smartphones and tablets.” So what will we communicate via our vehicles in the future? How will we create appropriate – and useful – in-car content? The potential of this platform is rapidly growing and the digital industries should be in the driving seat.

Farah Alkhalisi is Automotive Editor at iCrossing UK and a freelance motoring writer. She blogs at www.drivingtothefuture.com and can be followed @DrivingToFuture.

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