Pioneer announced that it has developed a rearview mirror telematics unit with LTE that it claims will be first in the Japanese market to utilize cloud services. It appears this could be a great aftermarket technology for those who want to connect a rear view camera and GPS with Wi-Fi hotspots and use voice commands.
Sygic is offering some interesting apps, services and features for smartpones including heads-up display, dash cam, black box, speedometer and GPS for Honda in-car infotainment
Google has published Android Auto Developer Overview guidelines for developing for Android Auto. The overall interface has been standardized for easy viewing while driving.
The document claims “The Android Auto SDK lets you easily extend your existing apps to work in the car, without having to worry about vehicle-specific hardware differences.”
The first version of Android Auto supports media apps such as music, podcast, live radio, and audio news apps. The platform integrates existing APIs for notification and support a set of voice commands. The Android SDK will be released in the coming months.
European Android fans may also become Honda Civic fans. Before to the Paris Auto Show on October 2, Honda announced that the 2015 Honda Civic will have an all new infotainment system using the Android-based Honda Connect System with a 7″ touchscreen in the car in the center stack.
The infotainment system features AM/FM, Digital Audio Broadcast Radio (Europe), internet Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, internet browsing, satellite navigation and rear-view parking camera. Honda has not announced smartphone connectivity options, yet.
NXP Semiconductors announced its secure connected car V2X RoadLINK chips will be available for the first time from Delphi RoadLink for Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) and Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication using autograde Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11p). This would enable connected cars to have V2V and V2I features in use on roads in two years.
NXP chips with software from Cohda Wireless allows alerts to cars from cars and infrastructure. Infrastructure includes traffic lights, signage and municipal systems. Data is protected and hacker threats are thwarted by NXP’s V2X hardware security module.
Some commuting routes can take thirty minutes one day and three hours the next. The driver usually has no warning. A new app from MapQuest called Commute, claims to simplify the daily drive. The app offers real-time traffic, monitors routes/delays and alerts the driver to travel time changes.
General Motors has named its first Cyber Security Chief, Jeff Massimilla, who will manage and protect computer security features in GM automobiles. He was promoted after a review of design and engineering at the company.
One of the best features of cars that connect to smartphones is Bluetooth, giving the driver access to his/her phone through a microphone and speakers
Parrot, announced Media Center for automotive, based on research on digital TV, Ethernet AVB and Android. The main function of the system to broadcast video to all devices/screens.
Mojio today announced that its connected car device will work via AT&T’s wireless network in the United States. It will work with Telus in Canada.
The Mojio connects to an onboard diagnostic port OBDII that is in most cars manufactured after 1996. Drivers with Mojio will be able to locate, monitor and diagnose their car from their iOS or Android smartphone. The data from the car will be delivered through AT&T’s network.
Pioneer AppRadio users should think twice before upgrading to iOS 8. There are problems with the in-app keyboard, general compatibility and display issues with AppRadio Mode apps. Therefore Pioneer suggests not updating to iOS 8 if you are using AppRadio apps in your car.
Telematics Update prior to Telematics West Coast 2014 Conference & Exhibition (Oct 30-31, San Diego) reproted that over 150 senior influencers have registered with over 75% from the golden state including automakers OEMs, TSPs, and content providers.