For several years, car owners have been bringing an array of aftermarket and consumer devices — from navigation systems to
portable DVD players — into their cars. Initially the pace of technology seemed to catch automakers by surprise. But that
is changing — and changing fast. Increasingly, automakers are offering their own standard or optional equipment that provides
enhanced functionality not available from aftermarket offerings.
The redesigned 2009 Acura TL offers an optional technology package that includes a hard drive that can store up to 2,500 songs
and display real-time traffic and weather on a VGA screen. (PHOTO COURTESY OF ACURA)
|
Among these offerings are USB hookups for MP3 players that let the driver change songs through controls on the steering wheel,
Bluetooth wireless links to enable drivers to control their cell phones via voice command and rear-seat entertainment systems
with viewing screens built into the backs of the vehicle's front seats. Some industry stakeholders use the term "infotainment"
to describe these offerings — and they're a bright spot for automakers. According to Toyota spokeswoman Allison Takahashi,
about half of Lexus ES 250 buyers opt for audio systems ranging in price from $300 for wireless connectivity via Bluetooth
technology to $4,250 for a voice-activated hands-free system that also includes navigation with voice recognition.
The popularity of infotainment systems is not restricted to luxury models, says Richard Robinson, principal analyst for iSuppli
Corp., a research firm that specializes in electronics markets. "Within a year or two, all models will have it as an option,"
he says.
Chrysler's Uconnect system provides voice-activated directions, lets drivers play songs from an iPod using the car's radio
or steering wheel control and offers voice control of a user's cellphone through a Bluetooth link. (PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRYSLER)
|
In 2008, about 11 percent of new vehicles worldwide were equipped with Bluetooth capability, according to iSuppli, which predicts
that percentage will climb to 50 percent by 2015. iSuppli says that about 5.7 percent of vehicles have a USB port, a number
that will climb to about 53 percent by 2015.
Considering the normal development cycle for new car models, it's not surprising that it took a few years to see new cars
factory-equipped with these kinds of features. "In the automotive space, everything is signed off on four years into the future,"
notes Mark Fitzgerald, senior analyst for automotive electronics service for research firm Strategy Analytics. "But the design
and life cycle of consumer electronics devices is much shorter."
Several automakers already offer strong infotainment options. Ford, for example, offers a range of infotainment options under
the Sync brand on 14 Ford, four Lincoln and four Mercury models. Owners opting for the Sync platform can connect their cellphone,
enabling them to answer a call by touching a single button and to place calls using voice commands. Sync's audio capabilities
let drivers select music from their MP3 player or other audio device using voice commands. It also supports streaming audio
via a phone or media player. Some 2010 Ford models offer voice-activated turn-by-turn directions and personalized traffic
reports, news, sports and weather over the car's audio system.
Chrysler now offers an audio jack for an MP3 player on every vehicle model. An optional Uconnect system, available on several
models, provides voice-activated directions and lets drivers play a song from an iPod, using the car's radio or steering wheel
controls. Uconnect Phone provides voice control of a user's cellphone through a Bluetooth link. And on certain models, Chrysler
offers rear-seat entertainment with Backseat TV from Sirius, which streams family-friendly content such as Nickelodeon and
Disney Channel over a satellite link.
