Moving slightly away from the Apple-verse, Ford is exploring new notions in terms of smartphone (at present iOS and Android) implementation. Expect more from this: the company, " is currently working with automotive and consumer electronics manufacturers on multiple integrations that will launch throughout 2012."Ĭhoose Yelp and you get a much-improved augmented reality-like search service, including pre-made searches for coffee and food - and based not just on the location of you and your vehicle, but also on what direction you are headed.pick a destination and you'll be given verbal instructions to get you there.(the future is now, people - will it be better tomorrow?) Aha is available as a free app for iPhone. Choose Slacker and you get a music stream. In the case of the Aha app and an iPhone that's connected to the Ferrari head unit, drivers can access a number of services, including Slacker, Yelp, Twitter, and traffic reports. This is interesting because it shows how auto manufacturers and solutions providers are moving away from notions of iOS integration that see the device enabled as a music and telephone solution, and towards a new model that sees them levy the power of cloud-based services for motorists. The company is demonstrating its Aha app integration for Ferrari. Harman International (who some may also know as the parent company behind some of the most well-designed Apple speaker systems, including the speakers provided in the box with the so-called 'sunflower iMac') is at the show, or at least its Aha business unit is, driving its message home with Ferrari. This is just the beginning, Volvo explains the app as being just " the first step in our connected strategy."Ĭan car ignition and control be far behind? Can voice-activated security protection for parked vehicles be in some developers spotlight? I think it most likely - particularly as the app is already a key, the driver can already lock and unlock the car just by tapping the iPhone's screen! The app also gives drivers access to a wide range of information: fuel level, remaining range to empty tank, average fuel consumption, average speed, odometer reading and trip meter reading.Įven more sophisticated, it can perform a health check of the vehicle - check your bulbs, brake fluid level, coolant level, engine oil level and engine oil pressure. This simple app lets you find your parked car, using a map and digital compass. Volvo is in on the iAct with its own mobile app for iPhone and Android. There's control keys everywhere, a bottle cooler, and "sophisticated mood lighting" inside this rather tasty, rather posh "executive vehicle". You can play videos and watch TV thanks to this device. This acts as the media center and keeps the iPads in sync and more. There's also a large, drop-down LED screen for movie and TV watching in the back seats.Įven more Apple in the boot, where the Mac mini sits. Rear passengers receive individual Apple iPad with full Internet access integrated into retractable picnic tables and equipped with Bluetooth iPad keyboards. Interesting then that Bentley Motors is showcasing a new multimedia connectivity concept "designed for executives inside the luxurious, hand-crafted cabin of the company's Mulsanne vehicle." When it comes to luxury brands, Bentley is a high-class marque. Available for free to existing iPhone customers, it has enhanced screen resolution, sharpened graphics and more intuitive controls. It will be made available this Fall. This time the firm has upped the ante on its previous iPhone integration and introduced an iPad-optimized version of its app. ![]() No surprise that Apple's most-starred GPS partner, TomTom, has an announcement at the show. Motor vehicle manufacturers seem already to recognize that in future the iPhone may well become your GPS navigation unit, as well as your in-car entertainment system, car keys and wallet, and the level of integration for Apple devices is becoming de rigeur in many of the new vehicles making their debut at this show. Away from the luxury and concept vehicles, the main thrust in the motor industry these days seems to favor the search for alternative fuels, excellence in miles per fuel unit and advanced safety and materials construction.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |