Abalta Technologies, a leading provider of technology and infotainment solutions for the global connected car market, today announced that drivers will be able to access Waze, the world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation app, on in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems powered by Abalta’s WebLink software platfor
In-vehicle devices that feature Waze on WebLink will begin to roll out globally from multiple manufacturers at the end of the year. The company’s partners use Abalta’s WebLink software to create a virtual app screen streamed from a user’s smartphone into their car’s IVI system. Through these devices, WebLink will be one of the first opportunities for drivers in cars not equipped with Android Auto to access Waze through an IVI system.
“90 million drivers are hooked on Waze because it gets them where they’re going in the most direct and quickest way possible. We’re excited to bring that great experience from the phone to the cockpit through our WebLink platform, which works across smart device types and vehicle platforms,” said Michael O’Shea, CEO and Founder of Abalta Technologies.
Abalta brings all the pieces of the connected car experience together in one platform. Using the company’s WebLink solution, carmakers and suppliers can bridge the gap between consumers’ smartphones and vehicle infotainment systems, giving car owners access to all their favorite apps in an easy-to-use, customizable and platform-agnostic environment.
“This partnership with Abalta is all about satisfying the global community of Wazers and enhancing the driver experience by bringing the Waze navigation app into the head-unit of more vehicles,” said Paulo Cabral, Business Development at Waze. “In cars equipped with WebLink, regardless of device or region, Waze will be more firmly at the center of the connected car experience.”
The WebLink Host application from Abalta Technologies will be available for download in the Android Marketplace and Apple App Store. Once the app is downloaded, users can connect to their WebLink-enabled car head-unit to enjoy Waze and other apps.
Abalta claims it is the only platform available that supports the full range of Android and iOS devices on the market.
I really cannot understand what Google is yet to bring Waze directly to carplay despite the huge demand from Apple users. Perhaps there is an internal conflict between Apple and Google or maybe their ego is just to big to care
I don’t know who it works for I have an iPhone X – I downloaded the WebLink app and all I get is an error message that the access key is invalid. I tried contacting Albalta and it goes to voicemail. If anyone can help that would be great. My car is a Honda Civic.
In order for it to work you must have a Weblink compatible infotainment systems. These are available aftermarket.