Auto biz tunes up branding engine

Audi MMIBMW ConnectedDriveToyota EntuneChevrolet MyLinkCadillac CueFord Sync/MyFord TouchBuick IntelliLinkKia UVOWith infotainment systems growing popular, vehicle producers hope branding them could make their cars more desirable the means by which Vehicle promoted OnStar (which faces competish from BMW's BMW Assist, Hyundai's Blue Link, Lexus' Enform and Mercedes' mbrace). Right here are a handful of and whatever they offer:Audi MMIThe German automaker's Multi Media Interface appears around the 5-inch black and red-colored-colored or 7-inch full-color screen, the 2nd which shows all entertainment options, Google Earth navigation (in 3d), Sirius Traffic updates and native sights accessible via buttons around a control dial and pad that reads handwriting. T-Mobile provides Audi Connect's high-speed Wi-Fi web service accessible via mobile items for instance Apple's iPad.BMW ConnectedDriveA advanced version was proven off in "Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol," but BMW's infotainment system features all the expected features and connects to the net through BMW Online, a $99 yearly service which has Wiki Local, Wikipedia records on area locations and Yelp restaurant reviews read aloud through text-to-speech functionality. Programs are simply compatible through Apple's apple apple iphone and may soon expand to Android.Toyota EntuneEntune controls media, navigation and cell phones, additionally to programs for instance iHeartRadio, Bing, The earth the planet pandora, OpenTable and MovieTickets.com and info like realtime traffic, weather, sports scores and share values. Offers voice controls. Launched with Prius V.Chevrolet MyLinkSystem connects to phones and will be offering voice instructions to handle media and so on programs because the planet the planet pandora and Stitcher.Cadillac CueThe Linux-based Cadillac Buyer Experience sports an 8-inch Liquid crystal to showcase programs, 3d navigation while offering tactile feedback when scrolling, selecting and swiping, and multi-touch gesturing, similar to a smarphone. It supports two Bluetooth connections and 10 items. Voice controls enable natural language usage. Internet browsing could be acquired when parked. Bows with new XTS and ATS sedans and SRX crossover.Ford Sync/MyFord TouchThe Touch system, made available in Lincoln's luxury cars, will receive a needed update to provide faster response occasions, better voice recognition, compatibility with elevated mobile items, Audible.com's e-books, and clearer phone calls. Fonts are bigger and much easier to determine, because the overall design now's simpler and less cluttered. Navigation includes 3d maps, and photorealistic road signs and knowledge on nearby landmarks.Buick IntelliLinkSimilar to Chevy's MyLink infotainment system, IntelliLink may also be on GMC automobiles concentrating on the same functionality though fancy graphics.Mercedes-Benz ComandMercedes is implementing Siri-like voice controls on Apple's apple apple iphone 4s to energy its Comand system, which will utilize natural language dictation for text texting, emails and web surfing while driving and control programs like Twitter, Facebook, The earth the planet pandora and Google Street View navigation. Handwriting recognition and gesture controls for interior lighting is also inside the works. Kia UVOPowered by Microsoft, the equipment means "Your Voice," and shows around the 4.3-inch screen for hooking up with a phone and media files. Offers voice controls. Contact Marc Graser at marc.graser@variety.com