There are a lot of questions raised in Covisint’s study on auto-owners and engagement. Covisint provided the platform for the Hyudai BlueLink system that connects to Google Glass and has Siri Eyes Free.
The study shows that the overall impression of the car maker improves with a great connected car experience over the life of the car and car owner.
Nissan has pledged to offer robotic, autonomous vehicles by 2020. Driver-less Nissan Leaf test vehicles are being tested under many conditions.
Nissan tests vehicles in a dedicated autonomous driving city in Japan. The track has real houses for life-like self-driven car testing without using public roads for maximum safety.
Toyota’s electric cars are charging into the future with a new way of charging provided by WiTricity that allows batteries to be charged over a distance.
Instead of plugging a cord into the car, the car is parked over the wireless charging system and is automatically charged.
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.