The 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) recently took place in Las Vegas. As the biggest event of the year for the technology industry, it brings together 2,700 exhibitors and more than 20,000 products.
For a few years now, a number of automakers have been showcasing their latest innovations to the 140,000 people in attendance. Here's what some of them had on display this year:
Ford at the CES
The Blue Oval is serious about technology. Its newly announced research lab in Silicon Valley will ''drive innovation in personal mobility and make technology affordable for millions.'' The facility, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2012, will be surrounded by renowned tech companies such as Microsoft, Google, Hewlett Packard, and Facebook.
As far as new applications are concerned, the famous TuneIn Radio app for iPhone will soon offer Ford drivers more than 50,000 voice-activated radio stations (AM, FM, HD, and Internet) from all over the world.
Also available with SYNC AppLink, Scout by Telenav will provide a more personalized navigation experience for each driver by allowing them to access various smartphone apps using voice commands and buttons on their steering wheel.
Ford has sold 4 million SYNC-equipped vehicles since 2007 and expects to sell an additional 9 million by 2015.
Mercedes-Benz at the CES
As reported by Auto123.com, Facebook integration will come standard in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. The German manufacturer plans to add the social media service to the telematics system of its entire 2013 model lineup, while deepening its partnership with Google in order to enhance the Google Maps feature of its vehicles.
Wait, there's more. Mercedes-Benz is also rolling the DICE (Dynamic & Intuitive Control Experience) with a futuristic infotainment system that allows a highly interactive and user-friendly driving experience.
For a few years now, a number of automakers have been showcasing their latest innovations to the 140,000 people in attendance. Here's what some of them had on display this year:
Ford at the CES
The Blue Oval is serious about technology. Its newly announced research lab in Silicon Valley will ''drive innovation in personal mobility and make technology affordable for millions.'' The facility, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2012, will be surrounded by renowned tech companies such as Microsoft, Google, Hewlett Packard, and Facebook.
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| SYNC AppLink (Photo: Ford) |
As far as new applications are concerned, the famous TuneIn Radio app for iPhone will soon offer Ford drivers more than 50,000 voice-activated radio stations (AM, FM, HD, and Internet) from all over the world.
Also available with SYNC AppLink, Scout by Telenav will provide a more personalized navigation experience for each driver by allowing them to access various smartphone apps using voice commands and buttons on their steering wheel.
Ford has sold 4 million SYNC-equipped vehicles since 2007 and expects to sell an additional 9 million by 2015.
Mercedes-Benz at the CES
As reported by Auto123.com, Facebook integration will come standard in the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class. The German manufacturer plans to add the social media service to the telematics system of its entire 2013 model lineup, while deepening its partnership with Google in order to enhance the Google Maps feature of its vehicles.
Wait, there's more. Mercedes-Benz is also rolling the DICE (Dynamic & Intuitive Control Experience) with a futuristic infotainment system that allows a highly interactive and user-friendly driving experience.
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| Mercedes-Benz futuristic infotainment system DICE. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |