Google's upcoming update for Android phones will let more drivers use wireless compatibility software with more vehicle infotainment systems, the software developer announced this month. The update to the developer's site was spotted by 9to5Google. When Android 11 is released for the smartphones...Read More»
Not much about BMW screams "Pay for what you need," but the automaker will test that idea soon. On Wednesday, BMW detailed its comprehensive update to its infotainment system, including updated navigation services, wireless Android Auto compatibility, electric-vehicle charging services, and...Read More»
The bond between smartphone and connected car continues to strengthen with Apple's latest operating system for iPhone and updates to Apple CarPlay, the tech giant announced Monday at its annual Worldwide Developer Conference. Apple said its latest operating system, iOS 14, gives users a secure way...Read More»
When they arrive later this year, most new 2021 Audi vehicles will get a significant power bump—at least, behind the touchscreen. This week, Audi announced it would include in most of its 2021 models an upgraded version of its infotainment system, which is called MIB 3. The system, which...Read More»
Here at The Car Connection, we review more than 250 cars every year. We write those reviews with car buyers in mind. We consider several key criteria based on the six categories in our rating system: Design, Performance, Comfort and Quality, Safety, Features, and Fuel Economy. However, beyond those...Read More»
Driver assistance systems such as Tesla's Autopilot and Cadillac's Super Cruise lull drivers into a false sense of security and can increase the risk of a crash, the IIHS found in a report released Thursday. In the wake of high-profile fatalities caused by drivers using driver assistance systems...Read More»
BMW must be angling to be on Santa’s good list. A week after announcing it would no longer charge extra for Apple CarPlay, BMW announced Wednesday that it would finally introduce Android Auto compatibility in its vehicles by July, 2020. BMW’s belated move represented one of the last...Read More»
Forget the fob, use the phone. That’s Lincoln’s message with the Phone As A Key function on the redesigned 2020 Lincoln Corsair. With Android devices and Apple iOS versions 9.0 and higher, owners can unlock doors on approach, start the car, and drive away, while freeing up space in...Read More»
Ford is going all-in on tech this week, announcing both the latest generation of its Sync 4 infotainment and connectivity suite and the availability of advanced over-the-air (OTA) updates starting with its 2020 model year lineup. The big news is the introduction of Sync 4, which now incorporates...Read More»
The 2020 Toyota RAV4 to Android Auto: Can you hear me now? On Monday, Toyota announced that the 2020 RAV4 would include standard Android Auto compatibility across the crossover's lineup. It's been a longtime coming for one of the most popular crossovers on sale to adopt one of the most popular...Read More»
Toyota and Subaru announced Friday that they will be expanding their co-development partnership to include new platforms and connected-car systems, paving the way for new products (and some familiar ones) in both companies' road maps. The companies did not provide fine details of their upcoming...Read More»
Nissan has initiated a recall of more than 1.2 million vehicles due to the rearview camera potentially displaying a blank screen when the affected vehicles are put in reverse. The recall campaign covers almost every model sold under both the Nissan brand and luxury subsidiary Infiniti since 2018...Read More»
A coalition of 20 automakers has promised to implement rear seat reminder technology no later than 2025 in order to combat child heatstroke deaths. In 2018, more than 50 children, mostly infants, died from heatstroke deaths after being left unattended in cars, which is the most annually since 1998...Read More»
General Motors announced Friday that it is moving toward a more connected in-car experience with the upcoming integration of Google Assistant and embedded Google applications, including navigation via Google Maps. With this announcement, GM joins automakers such as Volvo in expanding in-car...Read More»
A year after adding Apple CarPlay compatibility to its cars and SUVs, Toyota announced Wednesday that it will expand Android Auto compatibility to its bestselling sedan for 2020. Toyota spokesman Zachary Reed confirmed to The Car Connection on Wednesday that the 2020 Camry will be equipped with the...Read More»
Active safety features have become key reasons why people choose one car over another, but according to one ownership survey, some buyers may opt out when it comes time to purchase their next vehicle. The survey results were released this week as part of J.D. Power's 2019 U.S. Tech Experience Index...Read More»
Porsche announced Tuesday that its first fully electric vehicle will be the first car available with native Apple Music baked into the infotainment system. The automaker's announcement also gave us our earliest glimpse of the Porsche Taycan's interior as part of the tie-up with the tech company...Read More»
Congress may revisit an overhaul to federal rules for self-driving cars when it reconvenes early next month. House and Senate committees are looking for comments from the public and automakers to standardize federal rules for testing and selling self-driving cars and cars with semi-autonomous...Read More»
Nearly every Hyundai on sale by 2022 will feature rear-seat reminder technology, the automaker announced Wednesday. The technology is designed to remind drivers to check for children, pets, or other items in the rear seats before exiting the car. The brand's technology, called Rear Occupant Alert...Read More»
