Ford pushes its latest bell and whistle as an “industry exclu-
sive,” but its competitors certainly have their own solutions. Mercedes-Benz continues to push its mbrace2 Control Module that allows the driver to connect to his or her Facebook page via BlueTooth or WiFi. The mbrace2 Mobile App, meanwhile, also allows the driver to link the phone’s address book to the car’s GPS, and the where the car is parked can be seen on the cell phone, which can lock or unlock the doors. But what’s really cool from M-B is its Drivestyle iPhone app concept, an infotainment solution that also syncs with a user’s social networking accounts. The pixel digital media stream make it potentially extendable to other platforms, an engineer told us. But owners will have to wait for features that include
Google location searches and large font formats that ostensi- bly make it easier for a driver, or more aptly (and safely) their passengers, to navigate, as the company gave no timetable on availability. Kia displayed a concept that enables the driver to control
virtually everything from the A/C to navigation to Pandora. The Korean automaker also features hands-free dialing, online sharing of music and access to the app store. Additional dash- mounted displays show weather, calendars, trip info and stock tickers, just to name a few, all controlled by buttons on the steering wheel. Kia also offers iPhone integration, crash notifi- cation assist, parking assist and vehicle diagnostics. Audi was also on hand in the CES North Exhibit Hall, featur-
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