Push to Start, Push to Park, Push to Drive?

It’s again the week that brings us the latest in tech from the CES convention in Vegas and the latest from the automobile industry at the NAIAS in Detroit. But this year the lines between the two seemed to blur as automobiles took a prominent spot at CES and technology was booming at the Detroit Auto Show. We’re not just talking about your standard car stereo or car navigation system; almost every automaker introduced better-than-ever entertainment systems that connect the driver like never before.

Chevrolet, Toyota, Audi, Hyundai and Ford are among the many automobile companies that have recognized the growing importance of technology while driving. Chevrolet’s “MyLink” offers wireless phone compatibility which can link your calls and address book directly to the vehicle. The car also offers wireless streaming of music from your phone including the use of Pandora and other music apps. Toyota’s “Entune” offers the same features, but also has built in apps including Pandora, iHeartRadio, Bing search and more. Audi Connect will feature a pop-up 7-inch touchscreen display, connected wirelessly and automatically to your phone to access a multitude of features. The knob by the driver’s side can scroll through screens and text, making it easier to operate than a traditional display screen. With this system you can store and track flights, view and play your phones entire music library, get news, weather and gas prices, and even create a Wi-Fi hotspot in the vehicle! Almost every new model offers a remote-link app for your cell phone which allows you to unlock, lock, sound the alarm, and sometimes start your vehicle from anywhere in the world. The days of car keys are slowly becoming a thing of the past.

Almost nothing excites me more than the progression of technology, especially when it comes to entertainment. For years the capabilities of our phones and other gadgets have exceeded that of our vehicles and it’s about time these features were incorporated into our cars.  I wonder how long it will be until our cars are the ones doing all the driving; they can already park themselves.