In this week’s Brief: OnStar, RealVNC, Clear Channel Radio’s Total Traffic Network, INRIX, Qualnetics, Microsoft, RadioTime, peiker acustic, LexisNexis, Mobile Mark, Morpace, MiX Telematics, InstallerNet, and iparkmycar

More than 750 industry experts, entrepreneurs, and executives arrived in Michigan for the 10th annual Telematics Detroit Conference, which includes telematics talks, critical planning sessions, a buzzing exhibition floor, and an awards ceremony. Everyone from Nokia to NAVTEQ to BMW, Google, and Hughes Telematics are on hand.

OnStar honored

OnStar was honored with the Best Use of Telematics Technology in the Public Sector award. The company announced an agreement with Google to make its eNav feature available through Google Maps. Starting in July, OnStar subscribers will be able to search for and identify destinations using Google Maps and send those destinations to their vehicles. They can then access the destinations whenever they choose and get OnStar Turn-by-Turn directions to the destination. 

“eNav is a perfect solution for subscribers who like the flexibility of being able to use Google Maps to plan their trips in advance but without the hassle of bringing printed maps into the vehicle,” says Nick Pudar, OnStar’s vice president of new business development.

RealVNC ramps up in-vehicle control

RealVNC showcased a mobile solution that provides remote access and control of mobile devices and computers directly from in-vehicle telematics and infotainment systems. With the VNC Mobile Solution installed, any mobile device that enters a vehicle can be automatically detected, accessed, and controlled from the vehicle's touch screen, steering wheel, or head unit buttons and menus. Connection can also be made back to a remote PC or enterprise system, giving instant access to applications.

Clear Channel Radio and INRIX get into predictive traffic

Clear Channel Radio’s Total Traffic Network and INRIX announced a new traffic broadcast—Total Traffic HD Plus—that delivers traffic information at speeds 10 times faster than other broadcast and satellite solutions. Services include real-time speeds and congestion info for all major metropolitan areas in North America, predictive traffic forecasts and travel times based on current traffic conditions and sophisticated analysis of how those conditions will change over time, key route travel times, and pricing and availability of fuel from more than 100,000 gas stations nationwide.

INRIX mobile developer kit

INRIX also announced a mobile developer kit that helps speed to market traffic-enabled navigation and location-based applications that integrate smartphone functionality with in-car display and voice controls. The kit is designed for automotive OEMs, tier one suppliers, and mobile application developers, and provides access to hundreds of sample applications and code libraries, as well as best practices for seamlessly integrating INRIX traffic information into in-car and mobile navigation applications.

Qualnetics and Microsoft team up for embedded development kit

Qualnetics announced a new licensing agreement with Microsoft to offer a hardware development platform for Microsoft Auto 4.1, to be called the Windows Embedded Automotive Development Kit (WE-ADK). The kit will also support Windows Embedded Automotive 7 when the product is released this year. WE-ADK equips development teams with the tools to produce dynamic new platforms and applications for in-vehicle use. The kit is intended to be a developer-friendly platform that gives freedom and flexibility to design positive end-user product experiences.

RadioTime and peiker acustic collaborate on Internet-connected audio

RadioTime and peiker acustic announced plans to collaborate on OEM solutions that integrate smartphones and other Internet-connected audio devices into car audio systems. RadioTime's technology will be offered as part of peiker's connected services platform to leading OEM manufacturers. Incorporating the RadioTime Electronic Program Guide will enable users to see what's airing across AM/FM, HD, and Internet-only radio stations on their in-car audio system displays.

LexisNexis joins the CVTA

The Connected Vehicle Trade Association (CVTA) announced that LexisNexis Insurance Solutions has joined the organization to represent insurance telematics. As an industry leader in the insurance marketplace, LexisNexis will accelerate deployment of the cooperative vehicle environment. The CVTA also announced that Stephanie Stevens, director of marketing and product development for telematics at LexisNexis, has been elected to the CVTA Board of Directors. 
 
Mobile Mark introduces covert antenna

Mobile Mark introduced a new wideband covert antenna for GPS tracking that provides two applications at once: GPS on one cable and any one of several wireless data applications on the other cable. The result is an antenna that covers more wireless applications and more worldwide cellular bands, including UMTS and AWS. The antenna is distinctive for its small profile and its consistent performance across the entire band.

Morpace announces new telematics study

Morpace announced that it has conducted a syndicated study that provides a detailed report of consumer interests and preferences for in-vehicle telematics features across various segments. The multi-client study, called Connected Car B-LinkTM, will be released in the coming weeks and is meant to help OEMs and suppliers make informed decisions on how to invest and market telematics features. The study also will illuminate how important telematics is in the consumer purchase decision.

MiX Telematics and InstallerNet green the fleets

MiX Telematics and InstallerNet announced a partnership to help fleet managers implement green fleet practices, as well as to embrace employee and community safety through telematics solutions. As the leading provider of installation and support services, InstallerNet will offer on-the-ground experts to help fleet managers with the
installation needs of MiX Telematics solutions, which include Driver Behavior Modification, an in-vehicle monitoring system, and in-cab display units.  With these vehicle components in place, fleet owners can improve the safety and
efficiency of their fleets by tracking driver behaviors and vehicle performance in real time via the Internet.

iparkmycar hits the streets in London

The iparkmycar firm launched an iPhone application that offers a comprehensive guide to all the places to park in London. The app uses the iPhone's GPS capabilities to help users make informed decisions on where to park by showing every option—car parks, street spots, pay and display—plus the relevant costs. The service also indicates when parking wardens clock off so users can take advantage of free parking. The app could herald the beginning of real-time parking apps for cities around the world.

Andrew Tolve is regular contributor to TU.