It just keeps getting better and better for Ford. Last time, it was the iPod and iTunes. Now, it seems like they really want to be a leader when it comes to car’s mobile technology. With their MyFord and MyLincoln Touch, those whose car are equipped with SYNC also now features an iPhone.
With its touch screem, MyFord and MyLincoln Touch introduces non-driving related tasks into 4 groups: entertainment, phone, navigation and climate.
Here are some screenshots of what you’ll be seeing under each groupings.
You don’t have to hold a cellphone anymore while driving. Perhaps it would be better if Ford also adds this with an SMS feature sometime in the future.
With the world is busy debating the impacts of climate change, Ford is already conceptualizing this feature to give their clients a better climate inside their car. That’s what you called climate change, the Ford way.
Though GPRS is not that new anymore, it still cool to know that you don’t have to bring a map every time you travel. With this, I see no reason why would someone still managed to get lost when he or she have this.
And again its all about entertainment. If Ford really want to entertain everyone, perhaps it should add a video feature someday as well.
Wow seems like Ford is really on an innovation mood these past few months. With its series of development in mobile infotainment, Ford is surely a leader in the field of digital entertainment. First among its innovations are iPod and iTunes feature in its SYNC-equipped vehicle.
With this feature, you can note the music track in your HD radio station. This music track can be downloaded using your iPod so you can listen to them once more. And if you found something that you like, you can simply purchase it in iTunes.
Listening to music on your car has never been this great.
MINI Connected tends to revolutionize the world of automotive digital entertainment. It offers its users a more exciting driving experience by connecting him or her to the outside world. It has the following great features. For one, it integrates the savvy Apple iPhone and a web radio. And with its Mission Control and MINI Operating System, users can use this feature easily and safely. This will surely sets the trend of what digital entertainment cars can offer this 21st century. Hope to see more of this in the future.
A student designer from the University of South Australia has submitted an interesting concept for his entry in the International Australian Design Awards, which is organized by Dyson Appliances Australia. Kat One-Moo has proposed a modular and customizable dashboard concept which allows consumers to change the orientation and configuration of their dash easily.
The concept’s premise is based on the emergence of new technologies like drive-by-wire controls and wireless internet access. The basic configuration is a detachable, wireless steering wheel that can be attached to either left or right side and a central touch screen console. The word “modular” is the key term here, as users can easily add, remove and modify the added components in the dashboard. Software upgrades via the Internet are nothing new, but imagine being able to only have the components you want or a certain add-on from another car model that was unavailable outside of the aftermarket route. Of course, 3rd party upgrades are already available but the problem lies in the cost and the risk of installation. This little concept does away with that and also provides an avenue for future-proofing. The steering wheel can be attached to either side depending on the users preference and has a vibrate function (for what purpose other than being predicated by some sort of video game addiction, we don’t really know).
On a design standpoint, well, it’s not really that sleek or classy looking and looks like a carnival bumper car than anything. Also, if there’s ever a need to prove that brown is the new black of car interiors, this is probably one such item of evidence.
The question lies in whether or not car manufacturer’s will jump on the concept, make something similar on their own, or make it an exclusive. Being a 3rd party/aftermarket product could prove to be a hindrance to the concept being widespread, never mind the future of wireless technology in the automotive business or the technical know-how required from the end user (it sounds a lot like building your own desktop). All in all however, the concept is still far away before actual development, but from what’s seen so far, it does show promise.
While Honda focuses on giving drivers a more economic drive, Merceds-Benz has decided to add the power of the Internet on future car dashboards. Dubbed as myCOMAND, this infotainment system will take advantage of the possibility that wireless Internet connectivity will be commonplace that everyone will always be connected anywhere and anytime.
The ambitious project was unveiled during the Los Angeles Motor Show. Basically, the myCOMAND setup will be a central LCD console that will combine various functions that not only provide entertainment but also enhance driving experience. In this concept shot provided by Mercedes-Benz, the myCOMAND console replaces the standard radio slot and, as you can see in the steering wheel, is designed to be less of a distraction compared to mobile Internet devices. There are also plans of using LINGUATRONIC voice command in the future, but most of that is still in the drawing board.
The success of the myCOMAND system hinges on whether or not Internet connectivity is widespread enough and affordable enough to be a viable option. If that’s the case, this sets a standard for other manufacturers to follow, and could possibly impact the business of several third party GPS and mobile Internet manufacturers and developers. No word yet if third party programs are possible but so far, the planned features are as follows:
Internet connectivity - there’s no word on what limits are set in place
Off-board Navigation -GPS function as well as weather reports and real-time traffic data. They even took time to dub this function called TripAssist.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Functionality - for those important business calls, anywhere in the world.
World Radio - tune in on any radio station around the world.
No word yet on which Mercedez models will be getting this baby, or when it will even be implemented. For now, the concept seems pretty neat and could lay the groundwork for future automotive Internet applications.
By the way, lovely leather interior…. despite being brown.
If you’ve played the current and even the last generation of racing games on any video game platform, you’ve probably enjoyed the numerous customization opportunities that they offer. Apart from actually owning those top-of-the-line sports cars (or even the normal ones) and taking them for a virtual spin, games like Forza, Need for Speed, Gran Turismo and the like have given players the option to purchase parts that improve performance or just add a bit of flavor to their pixel rides.
While such games gave us a chance to realize our Fast and the Furious fantasies, majority of these games stick only to the exterior and performance tuning. Sure, some might say having the ability to fix your seats, steering wheels, dashboard and shift knob is pointless, but if one really wants to get into the car culture, then that little bit of immersion experience could add more than an aesthetic pandering.
So true blue tuners and car fans can finally get their fill in customizing the near-entirety of their vehicle up to the interior in Rockstar Games’ (makers of the infamous Grand Theft Auto series) Midnight Club: Los Angeles. Out for both the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360, Midnight Club: LA features a detailed virtual world fashioned from the City of Angels. Imagine careening down Hollywood Boulevard with any of the 43 cars or 3 bikes available, all of which, as I’ve kept repeating like some broken record, are fully customizable. The variety ranges from imports, muscle cars and even exotics.
As a bonus, going online via the Rockstar Games Social Club will not only pit you in races from other users all over the world, but also gives members a chance to show-off their designs and concepts in Rate My Ride. So technically, all that work put into making your dream ride’s cockpit won’t be in vain. Here’s hoping the Midnight Club: LA will pave the way for other racers to consider giving the interior design aspect of the automotive culture a second look.
