Tag

Infotainment

All articles tagged with #infotainment

technology3 days ago•11 min saved

Tesla UI Themes: A New Spin on In-Car Personalization

The piece argues for optional UI themes in Teslas, suggesting themes could alter layouts and aesthetics (neon Cyberpunk, minimalist, earthy) and potentially affect functionality. Given Tesla's Linux-based infotainment stack and use of HTML/CSS/JS across apps, swapping CSS stylesheets could implement themes. Tesla already allows customization (lock sounds, wraps, car visuals), and themes could improve usability with high-contrast or accessibility options and could be exposed in Display/Toybox settings as opt-in skins.

via Not a Tesla App|

#customization #infotainment #technology

technology20 days ago•1 min saved

BMW Infotainment Becomes Spider-Man Promo Surface

BMW is rolling out a limited-time Spider-Man promotional video inside its post-2020 infotainment systems. When drivers start their car, a prompt triggers an ad for Spider-Man: Brand New Day that can be skipped but remains accessible via the display, as part of a Marvel-BMW partnership.

via The Atlantic|

#bmw #in-car-advertising #infotainment

technology20 days ago•2 min saved

BMW hits infotainment with surprise Spider-Man ad, prompting driver backlash

BMW started displaying a promotional Spider-Man ad on its in-car infotainment screen during startup in more than 70 markets, with a skip option but a QR prompt that drivers must see before using maps or audio. The intrusive campaign drew widespread complaints as a breach of trust, and runs through August 10, reflecting BMW’s ongoing forays into monetizing features; Jeep faced similar criticisms last year for in-car ads.

via Futurism|

#backlash #bmw #in-car-advertising

technology23 days ago•3 min saved

Toyota's Hidden Diagnostics Screen Revealed in Infotainment

A TikTok reveals that newer Toyota models hide a diagnostic screen inside the infotainment system. Access requires turning the radio off, enabling the display, and swiping edge-to-edge five times in one direction and five in the opposite until the hidden diagnostic menu appears, which can check mic, touchscreen, backup camera, sensors, and production info. The feature is finicky and should only be used by certified Toyota technicians, since changing settings without expertise can cause issues.

via Motor1.com|

#customization #diagnostics #infotainment

technology24 days ago•7 min saved

Fixes to get Apple CarPlay working again, fast

A practical CarPlay troubleshooting guide that walks you through simple fixes: restart your iPhone and your car, make sure CarPlay opens on the car’s display, verify Siri is enabled and that iOS is up to date, and allow CarPlay while the phone is locked. For wired CarPlay, test a different USB port and a data-capable cable, inspect and clean USB ports, and avoid adapters; for wireless CarPlay, ensure Bluetooth and Wi‑Fi are on and Auto-join is enabled. Check Screen Time restrictions and your car’s own CarPlay settings, then re-pair the connection (forget this car, then pair again) and, if needed, update the car stereo firmware or perform a factory reset as a last resort. If problems persist, contact Apple or the car maker.

via Engadget|

#apple #carplay #cars

technology1 month ago•3 min saved

Android Auto Secret Menu Lets You Tinker with Wireless Playback and Sideloaded Apps

Android Auto hides a developer menu that can be accessed quickly, giving options like a wireless toggle and an Unknown Sources switch to allow non‑Play Store apps on the car display, plus features to force video resolution. While useful for power users to gain more control, some options (e.g., saving video/audio or microphone input) can strain the phone and aren’t meant for everyday use; for many drivers, enabling wireless and Unknown Sources offers practical benefits without official endorsement.

via Engadget|

#android-auto #developer-settings #infotainment

technology1 month ago•4 min saved

DIN Car Stereos Were Simpler—and the Upgrade Isn’t Better

A Jalopnik columnist argues that the old DIN and double-DIN standards for car stereos enabled cheaper, DIY-friendly upgrades and simpler, more reliable audio in dashboards, while modern integrated infotainment systems are slower, uglier, and harder to upgrade; the piece laments the industry shift away from standardized head units and suggests keeping or returning to DIN-like solutions for true customization and easier repairs.

via Jalopnik|

#aftermarket #automotive #car-audio

business2 months ago•8 min saved

Lexus Tops 2026 Reliability Chart as Software Woes Spread Across Brands

Lexus again leads the JD Power 2026 Vehicle Dependability Study with just 151 problems per 100 vehicles, with Buick and MINI following; the industry average rose to a record 204 PP100 as software, infotainment, and connectivity issues dominated owner reports. Plug-in hybrids were the least dependable powertrain, while gasoline vehicles improved, and brands like Volkswagen, Volvo, and Land Rover posted higher problem rates.

via Visual Capitalist|

#business #infotainment #jd-power

technology2 months ago•4 min saved

Hyundai revamps Kona EV with rugged, tech-forward overhaul

Hyundai is launching a completely new third-generation Kona EV with a bolder, boxier, rugged look (mirroring the Santa Fe/Tucson family and inspired by the Crater Concept) and a refreshed Pleos Connect infotainment system. Prototypes spotted in Korea, the US, and Europe suggest a design shift from a mid-cycle refresh, with a launch expected around 2027 for the 2028 model year and powertrain options including pure electric, hybrid, and gasoline.

via Electrek|

#design #electric-vehicles #hyundai

technology2 months ago•5 min saved

Chevrolet Revamps Silverado 1500 With New V8s, Diesel And A Big Passenger Screen

The 2027 Silverado 1500 debuts with a refreshed design and a broader powertrain lineup, including two new V8s (5.7L and 6.6L), a 2.7L turbo, and a Duramax 3.0L diesel; interior tech gets a major upgrade with an 11.5-inch passenger screen on higher trims, plus a 12.2-inch gauge cluster and a 16.3-inch center display on the base Work Truck. It will be offered in seven trims and built in Flint, Michigan and Tonawanda, New York, with pricing and on-sale timing to be announced; Super Cruise Level 2 is highlighted for towing.

via Jalopnik|

#chevrolet #infotainment #pickup-truck

technology2 months ago•3 min saved

Rivian bets on AI-infused infotainment to eclipse CarPlay and Android Auto

Rivian's Chief Software Officer argues that AI-powered, agent-like infotainment will replace traditional app mirroring—reducing reliance on CarPlay/Android Auto and giving automakers tighter control and new monetization paths—though the tech isn't ready and consumer adoption remains uncertain.

via The Drive|

#ai #android-auto #carplay

business5 months ago•2 min saved

VW Named Least Dependable Brand in JD Power's 2026 Reliability Study

JD Power's 2026 reliability study ranks Volkswagen as the least dependable brand, reporting 301 problems per 100 cars (vs. 204 industry average) largely due to infotainment and exterior issues; Volvo, Land Rover, Jeep, and Audi also ranked poorly, while Lexus and Buick had the fewest problems, and Toyota’s overall score was middling amid rising software-driven complexities in modern cars.

via SlashGear|

#business #car-brands #infotainment

technology5 months ago•11 min saved

Ford Announces 1.74-Million-Vehicle Recall for Rear-View Camera Flaws

Ford is recalling about 1.74 million U.S. vehicles over rear-view camera display issues caused by overheating in the infotainment module or inverted imagery. The recall covers 2021–2026 Broncos and 2021–2024 Edges, plus 2020–2022 Escapes, 2020–2024 Corsairs, and 2020–2024 Aviators and Explorers. Ford will provide a free APIM software update for Broncos and Edge; a remedy for the other models is under development with owner notices to follow. Drivers can check VINs on the NHTSA or Ford recall sites; no injuries have been reported.

via HuffPost|

#ford #infotainment #nhtsa

technology5 months ago•18 min saved

Apple CarPlay Could Bring AirPlay‑Style Apple TV to Dash, Strengthening Tesla Tie‑ins

iOS 26.4 beta code suggests Apple is building an AirPlay-like feature for CarPlay that would let users stream Apple TV to a car’s dashboard, with a parked‑only restriction to keep driving safe. Apple TV would be available first, potentially followed by other apps like YouTube or Twitch. If realized, this could deepen iPhone ecosystem lock‑in as Tesla and other automakers pursue CarPlay integration.

via Not a Tesla App|

#apple #apple-tv #carplay

technology6 months ago•8 min saved

Mazda's 2026 CX-5 grows bigger with Google-powered tech

Ars Technica reviews the 2026 Mazda CX-5, which grows in size for more interior space and introduces a Google-based Android Automotive OS infotainment system with a large touchscreen and a new touch-based interface (no rotary controller). It’s a global model starting at $29,990, powered by a Skyactiv-G 4‑cylinder (187 hp) with a 6‑speed automatic, and while refined to drive, it remains more of a comfortable family SUV than a performance model; real-world fuel economy sits in the low- to mid-20s mpg, with a Hybird version coming next year and lifetime software updates to the system.

via Ars Technica|

#android-automotive-os #cx-5 #hybrid