We all know automakers spend years and billions of dollars developing new technologies to make our driving experience easier. Many innovations spawned from the Consumer Electronics world are slowly finding their way into the humble family car.

Whilst the electric car is taking all the front-page billing to appease the tree-hugging greenies, another interesting innovation is being developed.

Last year I visited several European automaker partners to discuss the next generation of car infotainment. Many are planning to launch their own app stores. That’s right, soon we will all be able to buy or download apps specifically developed for our cars!!

Want to increase your fuel efficiency or sharpen your gear changes? You won’t need to visit a workshop. Simply access your car’s app store from the dashboard touch-screen, select the feature improvement you desire, and the car will automatically download and install the selected app which will reconfigure your car.

Seem strange? Well, not really. Today’s cars are packed with technology based on a strong ecosystem of software and hardware components specifically developed and approved for the automotive industry. Moreover, every major automaker has connected cars on their road map, with critical mass expected to start from 2016.

Toyota and Microsoft were the first to announce this concept last week, but there are many others looking to do the same. Watch this space!

George can be contacted at: techtalk@neoskosmos.com.au

 

Test Drive:
Orion AVR 6.1 Car Audio System
It’s always good to have a play with new gadgets and gizmos, but it’s even better when they are built by people you know. Especially when the developer is a Greek-Australian!

Steve Siolis, a good mate of mine and fellow scotch drinker, is the Managing Director of Directed Electronics Australia. Steve’s company has just announced the release of a new car audio product called the Orion AVR 6.1, which his team spent over 18 months and bag loads of capital to bring to market.

The product is designed and developed in Australia and will be sold to a global market. Promoted as a world first, the Double-Din unit offers a host of features including DVD / CD / MP3 / WMA, AM / FM / Digital Radio (DAB+), SD / USB Multimedia, Auxiliary Input, Bluetooth, GPS Navigation (NAVTEQ), and Reversing Camera (up to three cameras).

I’m not really sure why you would need three reversing cameras, unless you plan to become a professional stunt driver and need to practice your reverse driving skills? In any case, you’ll have plenty of angles to view what you’re about to hit before you hit it.

The AVR6.1 also features full iPod/iPhone control, with SD / USB Multimedia and Auxiliary Input, as well as Bluetooth 2.0 Hands free Mobile Phone connectivity. Perfect for the quintessential European driver who loves to drive and talk and make hand gestures to passing motorists.

The product also has a built in GPS Navigation using the latest NAVTEQ maps, and Steve’s also thrown in three years of mapping updates at no additional cost.

The Orion AVR6.1 is available now with a RRP of $1999.00 from Orion stockists, and is pitched as a true all-in-one model for those wanting the very best.

Verdict:
This product ticks boxes you didn’t think you had; everything you can imagine is included. If there’s something missing, you probably don’t need it!
The Greek-Australian connection is enough for me to go out and buy one.