At the annual Consumer Electronics Show, held last month in Las Vegas, both Apple and Google demonstrated new systems that allow drivers to plug their smart phones into their car’s USB port and access the Internet via on-board infotainment touch screens.
The systems are powered by Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android operating systems, respectively. That’s significant because the companies currently are negotiating with car companies to allow their vehicles to be compatible with either one or the other. Apple already has signed deals with Mercedes, Volvo, Jaguar and BMW. Hyundai is developing an on-board infotainment unit that can accommodate both systems.
Some car makers have been reluctant to offer the service because of concerns that Apple and Google could use it to gain data about the car owner’s location, purchases and other personal information. Still, expect the technology to be available on some 2015 model cars.