The hottest auto tech from CES 2012

Kia unveiled the next generation of its innovative voice-activated infotainment system, Uvo (pronounced "you-voh") eServices, adding some clever functionality to an already-impressive system. Uvo can now notify 911 in case of a crash, use the onboard GPS and a mobile device to guide the driver back to a misplaced parked car, and pull and store Google Maps locations from a user's smartphone. But without a doubt the best part of Uvo is that the voice-activated command system is one of the best we've ever used. Thanks to something called "flat grammar" capability, the system can pick up on simple stated commands for a range of features at any time, without having to pick your way through a list of menus. So rather than jumping from "phone" to "address book" to "call Dave Smith," you can simply say "call Dave Smith" and the system does exactly that.

Read Blog:  CES: Kia Reveals Next-Generation Uvo

Subaru used CES 2012 to announce a new partnership with Aha Radio by Harman to deliver customizable applications and Web-based content directly to the in-car user interface. Aha, which recently added content partners such as Shoutcast, Slacker, Rhapsody, MOG, NPR and CBS Radio, will continuously update its list of available services, streamed directly through the cloud to your vehicle, eliminating the need for a dealer visit or upgrade via USB. Users can choose 25 preferred apps for in-car use. Subaru's aim is to provide a telematics experience that rivals that of a smartphone, but in a streamlined and safe manner appropriate for drivers.

Read Blog:  CES: Subaru Heads for the Cloud

While the Dodge Dart was unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the Dart's next-generation driver interface was front and center at the Dodge booth in Las Vegas. An 8.4-inch touch-screen display occupies the center stack, with information feeding directly into the digitized thin film transistor (TFT) gauge-cluster display. Better yet, the digital gauge cluster can be customized. Not only can you choose between, say, a digital or analog speedometer display, you can choose what peripheral information is displayed alongside it and you can modify the layout. The interface is well designed and intuitive, and does not suffer from the "option overload" problem often seen with attempts at in-depth driver customization. The Dart is the first Dodge with this type of display; we hope it won't be the last.

Read:  Dodge Revives the Dart

Audi showcased a number of ideas at CES, the most impressive of which is the automaker's vision of the heads-up display of the future — a three-part system incorporating visuals for driver, passenger and a shared central screen. Passengers can flip up or down through video, Web or destination-information content on their conventional heads-up display, then "push" the content into the center screen and then onto the driver-side HUD, which translates select content into relevant driving data. Pushing destination information, for example, will not only add the driving directions on the driver-side HUD, but the system will overlay real-time visual cues such as arrows and pedestrian recognition directly onto the real-world environment seen through the windshield.

Read Blog:  CES: Audi's New Infotainment Platform

Mercedes' Dynamic & Intuitive Control Experience is an immersive, interactive interface that uses sensors to pick up information on the world outside the car, then lets the passenger or driver (when in autonomous drive mode) interact with the information directly on the windshield via intuitive hand gestures. It's a scene out of the movie "Minority Report," but without the fancy gloves. For example, the passenger gestures at the windshield toward a restaurant in the distance. The system then picks up the name and type of restaurant, and the user, with another set of gestures, both books a reservation for that evening and downloads the driving directions. This no-touch, gesture-based functionality extends throughout the available applications, including vehicle diagnostics, social media, video and radio and others.

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Ever since it declared the "democratization of technology" a cornerstone in its product strategy — meaning the manufacturer would offer cutting-edge tech throughout its lineup, not just in the luxury models — the Blue Oval has been a major player at CES. This year was no exception, with CEO Alan Mullaly once again a keynote speaker and responsible for unveiling the Fusion Energi plug-in hybrid. Ford considers the Fusion Energi one of the most consumer-tech-focused vehicles ever offered. Its systems include drowsy-driver detection, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, cross-traffic alert and more. Powered by an advanced alternative powertrain consisting of a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and electric motor combination, the tech-heavy midsize sedan reportedly bests the Chevy Volt and Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid when it comes to fuel efficiency.

View Slideshow:  10 Things Your Car Will Have by 2020

The OnStar of today looks fairly similar to the onboard safety and concierge service of old, but that's all about to change with the company's announcement that it will open the service's application programming interface to third-party developers. While it may not seem like much, the move reinforces the fact that many automakers, General Motors included, are putting their money on app- and Web-based telematics systems.

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A hot topic among automakers and aftermarket suppliers at CES 2012 was how to solve the question of recharging stations for electric vehicles. Qualcomm's solution: its next-generation Halo inductive charging platform. The inductive emitter is designed to be installed in or on the street — or a driveway, or in a garage, etc. Simply park a vehicle over the emitter and the Halo receiving plate under the chassis sucks up the transmitted power — about 2 kilowatts worth — with about 90 percent efficiency, all without cables or wires. By now we know that range and recharging issues with EVs won't be solved with a home run, but rather with incremental improvements across a range of technologies. Given that Mercedes-Benz and Nissan are working on induction systems of their own, the technology seems increasingly viable.

Bing: Qualcomm EV Recharging Stations

Josh Condon, editor of MSN Autos' Exhaust Notes blog, has covered everything from nanotechnology to champagne and caviar for the likes of The New York Times, Popular Science, Men's Journal, Cargo and RL Magazine. He's recently relocated from Brooklyn, N.Y., to Los Angeles and is spending way, way more time in his car as a result.

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