When Will Connected Cars Rule the Road? – CES 2015

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The connected car was a huge draw at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show. Key auto manufacturers including BMW, Ford, Chevy, Audi, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz and several others were on hand showcasing technology advancements not only in areas such as fuel efficiency or other engine improvements, but also overall connectivity fully embracing the digital lifestyle of today’s consumer.

While many of the car makers had overlapping features such as WI-FI integration, or mobile app functionality, there were a few things that stood out from various manufacturers that are worth noting.

Deeper integration between Chevy and OnStar – OnStar already has solid support for navigation, security and 4G LTE connectivity. But with new programs becoming available, they’re aligning themselves well with today’s driver.  The Smart Driver Assessment will allow OnStar to help you become a safer, more efficient driver and provide you information about your driving tendencies. Once you’ve opted in, you’ll receive information about your driving habits and scores. That information can then be used to seek insurance discounts through partners like Progressive.

OnStar AtYourService is another new program that will inform you of offers for everyday savings from restaurants or participating retailers while on the go. You can even reserve hotels through partners like Priceline.

Audi – The new Audi Q7 is going to be an amazing machine. With Apple CarPlay or Google’s Android Auto, you’ll be able to use the MMI all-in-touch features with up to 8 programmable buttons to lock in your favorite features. While all this is grand, what is taking Audi one step further is the development of the Audi tablet specifically for in-car use. Crash resistant and able to withstand high and low temperatures, you’ll be able to use the Audi tablet to plan your routes, share it in the car and even allow for backseat passengers to use the touchscreen to control navigation features. Connect your Audi tablet to the Google Play Store and you’ll be able to access movies, music and books – then take it inside once you’ve reached your destination. Audi’s goal was to develop the world’s best control concept and with the new MMI system and Audi tablet, they are definitely en route.

Hyundai – While other concepts from car manufacturers were less fantasy and more reality, Hyundai was showcasing a good deal of what direction they feel the connected car will go. On display were a few smart watches that could be used to connect you to your car giving you access to specific features like locking/unlocking doors and the trunk, headlight access and the ever popular finding your car. Given how many other manufacturers highlighted this feature you can only presume it’s a common problem for drivers. Hyundai is also exploring touchscreen technology as part of the cockpit, but didn’t communicate a timeline on when these features will be integrated into upcoming models. We’ll have to keep an eye on where the current trend of the connected car takes them – and us.

Ford – Coming in the 2016 line of cars will be an update to Ford’s Sync system including touch-screen functionality. Voice-activation will still be an option to allow you to send/receive calls, navigate, access music as well as launch various, enabled apps without using your phone. But being able to wipe & swipe will definitely give some dazzle to make normal errands a bit more interesting.

If you’ve missed any of the #SeagateCES announcements, stay up-to-date with all news from the Consumer Electronics Show at our CES page.

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2015-01-08T17:44:52+00:00

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