Volkswagen Pioneer, the new year in-car Product

The year 2014 saw Google's Android Auto capture the airwaves in the in-car products. However,  CES 2015 event finally revealed how firms were incorporating the platform in their cars and in-car products. In addition, Apple's Android Auto counterpart, CarPlay, has also been stealing the spotlight as several of the in-car systems have been designed for both platforms.

It is worth mentioning that Android Auto will also be arriving in vehicles from other popular automobile brands including Audi, Bentley, Chrysler, Hyundai, Maserati, Renault, Nissan and more.
Big car manufacturers as well as the automobile accessory-making firms at CES 2015 have shown off products using Google and Apple's automobile-centric offering at CES 2015. Volkswagen, Kenwood, Parrot and Pioneer are some of the brands that have introduced their Android Auto and Apple CarPlay-enabled in-dash receivers, multimedia receivers and other infotainment systems at the event.

Android Auto was launched back in June last year alongside Android L and has been designed to work in coordination with the Android-based devices in the cars. The service will let users easily access functionalities like Maps, Music, and other apps including TuneIn Radio, WhatsApp, Spotify and more. Android Auto is equipped with the Google Now voice-based service to access certain features via voice command to prevent drivers from getting distracted. The firm also released Android Auto APIs for developers to create audio and messaging apps for the platform in November last year.
CarPlay, on the other hand was also announced last year, includes a voice command system along with other features like call alerts, messages, and music.

German automobile giant Volkswagen confirmed that it will ship its "modular infotainment platform" (MIB II) (seen above) in the United States and Europe later this year, with its App-Connect system featuring MirrorLink compatibility, which will allow users to control the car's infotainment system and its apps in the same way as they do on their linked smartphone. Devices from companies like Samsung, LG, HTC and Sony, will be compatible with the system. Volkswagen adds that the MIB II system will also be compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The Mercedes-Benz F 015 Luxury in Motion.

 Mercedes-Benz’s latest F015 self-driving car with swivel chairs and touchscreens

Mercedes-Benz has given a trailer of what the future of motoring might look like by unveiling electric F015 self-driving car with swivel chairs and touchscreens.

The F015 was shown to technology enthusiasts at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas yesterday, and was branded by Mercedes-Benz directors as more than just a "means of transport" but a "mobile living space."

The magnificent sedan, which measures 5ft high and 17ft in length, includes technology at the forefront of autonomous vehicle design and a number of exclusive features.

The car is powered by an electric motor and a hydrogen fuel cell which according to Mercedes-Benz, will allow drivers to travel 685 miles (1102.4km) after just one charge. 

The self-drive to manual mode also allows drivers to regain control of the wheel if required.


The outside of the car is made from a mixture of carbon, aluminium and high-strength steel, with a single pane of glass stretching from the car’s windshield to its sunroof.

Its exterior also includes a set of 26-inch wheels placed on the far corners of the vehicle to ensure the inside of the car is as spacious as possible.

The car’s interior consists of four seats that can swivel up to 30 degrees, as well as six high-resolution touch screens that can be controlled by passenger’s gestures and eye movements.