Research

Siri Move Over James 2025 is Our 2025 VW Driver

James2025In 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)

Will Pandora Radio Dominate Connected Cars & Great Live Streaming Music @SXSW?

PandoraLivePandora 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:

Connected Car Data Expansion Needed by Drivers and Wireless Carriers

carinlightdrivingConnected 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%.

Driverless Autonomous Robotic Cars Will Auto-Pilot Growth for IBM & Google

NissanAutonomousDriveResearch and Markets reported that automated driving will achieve significant growth. These vehicles are sometimes called autonomous, auto-piloted or robotic cars.

IBM and Google will be software vendors for the robotic vehicles according to Research and Markets, that reported that IBM has the lead with its excellent integrated reliable middleware.

Black Hat Hack into Connected Car: DeviCAN Can Stop Your CAN Bus

CHTdeviceThere is a Bluetooth hacking tool that can bite into the Controller Area Network of cars’ computer and can stop the car and cause a lot of mischief.

At Black Hat Asia Spanish researchers Javier Vazquez-Vidal and Alberto Garcia Illera will show a device that when connected to cars can turn off headlights, set off alarms, and roll windows down or set the parking break. The device is called deviCan Hacking Tool or CHT.

Test Drive Auto Connected Car by Renting, Says Enterprise

enterpris e connected carRecently, I rented a car with a full navigation and smartphone connectable Bluetooth head unit. It was a delight to listen to iTunes while driving in areas where there is bad radio reception. It helped me realize how important a connected car can be people who are on the road for long periods of time.

A recent study by Enterprise Holdings reported that younger Americans, especially Millenials see renting a car as a test drive and a way to discover new technology.

Cars and Infotainment are Over-Connected?

nscEven though Gen Y through Boomers want connected cars, the National Safety Council today warned of the dangers of too much infotainment going on while driving and support initiatives by car companies and after market manufacturers to limit infotainment functionality when requested by the driver and or parents.

Motorola Filed Patent to Connect Car Photos of Pot Holes

fig3motorolaMotorola has filed a patent for connected car commuters. Motorola’s patent will identify road hazards, take photos of them and them then send the problems to drivers en route behind the car using the technology.

The patent was filed by Motorola Mobility that is now owned by Lennovo.  It is not clear if Google now owns the patent or Lennovo.

The patent is titled “Inter-Vehicle Alert System with Nagable Video Look Ahead”

AAA Consumer Rights Needed for Connected Cars

aaacarThe American Automobile Association is concerned about all the data that will be collected from connected cars, in fact about 1-in-5 new cars sold this year will collect and transmit data outside the vehicle to improve safety and convenience for drivers.

Wi-Fi, 4G LTE Gain Pace 100 in Luxury Connected Cars + More by 2020

ethernetEthernet technology, Wi-Fi networks and other wireless technologies for the automotive industry is gaining pace in Europe and North America. The trend is towards connected cars with services such as automotive app stores and connected location-based services is fuelling the uptake reported Frost and Sullivan.

The new technology will integrate multiple consumer electronic devices, brand and other compelling features for tech hungry consumers.