Latest news with #infotainment
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
To steal today's computerized cars, thieves go high-tech
These days, cars are computer centers on wheels. Today's vehicles can contain over 100 computers and millions of lines of software code. These computers are all networked together and can operate all aspects of your vehicle. It's not surprising, then, that car theft has also become high-tech. The computers in a vehicle can be divided into four categories. Many computers are dedicated to operating the vehicle's drive train, including controlling the fuel, battery or both, monitoring emissions and operating cruise control. The second category is dedicated to providing safety. These computers collect data from the vehicle and the outside environment and provide functions like lane correction, automatic braking and backup monitoring. The third category is infotainment systems that provide music and video and can interface with your personal devices through Bluetooth wireless communications. Many vehicles can also connect to cellular services and provide Wi-Fi connectivity. The final category is the navigation system, including the car's GPS system. Computers in one category often need to communicate with computers in another category. For example, the safety system must be able to control the drive train and the infotainment systems. One difference between the network in your car and a typical computer network is that all devices in the car trust each other. Therefore, if an attacker can access one computer, they can easily access other computers in the car. As with any new technology, some aspects of today's cars make it harder for thieves, and some make it easier. There are several methods of stealing a car that are enabled by today's technology. One of the high-tech features is the use of keyless entry and remote start. Keyless entry has become common on many vehicles and is very convenient. The fob you have is paired to your car using a code that both your car and fob know, which prevents you from starting other cars. The difference between keyless entry and the remotes that unlock your car is that keyless entry fobs are always transmitting, so when you get near your car and touch the door, it will unlock. You had to press a button for old fobs to unlock the car door and then use your key to start the car. The first keyless fobs transmitted a digital code to the car, and it would unlock. Thieves quickly realized they could eavesdrop on the radio signal and make a recording. They could then 'replay' the recording and unlock the car. To help with security, the newest fobs use a one-time code to open the door. One method of stealing cars involves using two devices to build an electronic bridge between your fob and your car. One person goes near the car and uses a device to trick the car into sending a digital code used to verify the owner's fob. The thief's device sends that signal to an accomplice standing near the owner's home, which transmits a copy of the car's signal. When the owner's fob replies, the device near the house sends the fob signal to the device near the car, and the car opens. The thieves can then drive off, but once they turn the car off they cannot restart it. Carmakers are looking to fix this by ensuring the fob is in the car for it to be driven. The network used by all computers in a car to communicate is called a controller area network bus. It's designed to allow the computers in a car to send commands and information to each other. The CAN bus was not designed for security, because all of the devices are assumed to be self-contained. But that presumption leaves the CAN bus vulnerable to hackers. Car thieves often try to hack into the CAN bus and from there the computers that control the car's engine. The engine control unit stores a copy of the wireless key code, and thieves can clone this to a blank key fob to use to start the victim's car. One method is accessing a car's onboard diagnostics through a physical port or wireless connection meant for repair technicians. Thieves who access the onboard diagnostics gain access to the CAN bus. Another network hacking method is breaking through a headlight to reach the CAN bus via a direct wiring connection. Modern thieves also try the USB hack, which exploits a design flaw in Hyundai and Kia vehicles. This is more of an old-style hot-wiring of a car than a high-tech computer issue. It is named the USB hack because when thieves break into a car, they look for a slot in the steering column. It turns out that a USB connector fits into the slot, and this allows you to turn on the ignition. So all someone has to do is break the window, insert a USB connector and start the car. This technique has become infamous thanks to a loose affiliation of young car thieves in Milwaukee dubbed the Kia Boyz who have gained notoriety on TikTok. Hyundai and Kia have issued an update that closes the vulnerability by requiring the fob to be in the car before you can start it. Given there are so many different car models, and their complexity is increasing, there are likely to continue to be new and creative ways for thieves to steal cars. So what can you do? Some things are the same as always: Keep your vehicle locked, and don't leave your key fob in it. What is new is keeping your vehicle's software up to date, just as you do with your phone and computer. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Doug Jacobson, Iowa State University Read more: How Ukraine has defended itself against cyberattacks – lessons for the US US autoworkers may wage a historic strike against Detroit's 3 biggest automakers − with wages at EV battery plants a key roadblock to agreement Four strategies to make your neighborhood safer Doug Jacobson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Reuters
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Reuters
Porsche to set up R&D centre in Shanghai, local government says
BEIJING, May 30 (Reuters) - Porsche (PSHG_p.DE), opens new tab struck a deal on Friday to set up its China research and development centre in Shanghai's Jiading district, according to a local government statement. Under the deal, Porsche models will be equipped with the first infotainment solution tailored for the Chinese market in 2026, the statement said.
Motor 1
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Chevy's Infotainment System Is Excellent—Especially With CarPlay: Review
At the risk of beating a dead horse, Chevrolet deciding to ditch Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility in its electric cars has to be one of the most short-sighted moves in automotive history. As CarPlay grows to become even more expansive, buyers of Chevy's excellent new EVs are left with no choice but to fiddle with the brand's native interface. It should be said: Chevy's infotainment system is excellent, CarPlay or not. The screens are big and beautiful, the graphics are crisp, and there are a ton of features. Chevy even baked some genuinely useful tools into the Google Maps interface for charging. But the system only gets better with smartphone mirroring. Quick Specs 2025 Chevrolet Suburban Touchscreen 17.7 Inches Instrument Cluster 11.0 Inches Apple CarPlay / Android Auto Wireless Subscription Costs $10-$65 / Month Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 The screens look lovely regardless of what's projected onto them. In this Suburban , a massive 17.7-inch landscape display occupies the center of the dash while an 11.0-inch digital instrument cluster sits just ahead of the driver. These are the two biggest screens Chevy offers in any of its cars, with smaller 11.0- and 13.4-inch screens also available throughout its lineup. Chevy's native graphics are modern and crisp, with a blue-tinged background that makes it all feel a bit more futuristic. Options on the home screen are arranged neatly and require only one or two taps to get you where you need to go, which means you can quickly parse things while on the move. No need to go digging. Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control systems both come standard, and they work about as well as any modern in-car voice command system, which is to say, hit or miss. Google Maps is the native navigation, and it's no different here than it is on your smartphone—give or take a few tweaks to fit the larger screen. It's completely seamless. Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 Pros: Looks Beautiful, Easy To Use, Seamless Maps, Many Useful Features Of course, buyers who still want their phone projected onto the screen can do that. That's the beauty of choice. With Apple CarPlay or Android Auto activated, the smartphone projection looks absolutely pristine atop Chevy's massive center stack. Maybe second only to BMW, Chevy accepts the smartphone interface like no other. And it takes up the same amount of screen real estate as Chevy's native system, too. Blissfully, the Suburban still offers a row of tactile buttons and dials for fan speed, temperature, and window defrosting just below the middle air vents. They're so easy to use. But, there's also a row of touch controls at the base of the screen that offers many of those same functions, with added seat heating and ventilation, and fan adjustments. It's the best of both worlds. Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 Any problems are trivial. When you're using Apple CarPlay, there's no home button, which means you have to scroll to the second screen and hit the "Chevrolet" app to get back to Chevy's UI. Not a huge deal. And when you're listening to a podcast over Bluetooth, there's no clear "15-second rewind" or "30-second fast forward" option. But, the on-screen arrows offer the same functions nonetheless. And then there are the costs. Chevrolet just recently updated its OnStar pricing structure for 2025, with the most basic "Connect" plan starting at $10 a month for native apps like audiobooks, music, news, and podcasts. The "Connect Plus" plan adds a Wi-Fi hotspot and in-vehicle games for $20 a month, while the most expensive "OnStar One Super Cruise" adds things like roadside assistance, stolen vehicle assistance, and Super Cruise for $65 a month. Super Cruise is otherwise a $25 per month extra on those other packages. Photo by: Jeff Perez / Motor1 Cons: Expensive Subscription Costs Beyond some very minor complaints and pricey subscription costs, Chevy's infotainment system is probably second only to Toyota's interface in 2025. It's clean, it's quick, it's easy to use, and it has most everything you want (assuming you're willing to pony up). Yes, you still need Apple CarPlay and Android Auto if you want the same simplicity of a smartphone. Or, you definitely still want it at a minimum. But Chevy has done an excellent job of offering users everything they could ask for without it feeling too much of a downgrade from what's in their pockets. More Infotainment Reviews The Nissan Rogue's Base Infotainment Proves Simpler Is Better: Review Volvo's Infotainment System Looks Good, But Falls Short: Review Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
The Verge
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Verge
Android Auto will get Spotify Jam and support for video apps and web browsers
Android Auto is getting more than just Google's Gemini assistant after the Google I/O developer conference. The company has also announced or otherwise shown off a slew of changes coming to the infotainment operating system, including an updated Spotify app, a light mode, and the introduction of web browsers and video apps. Let's start with Spotify. Google revealed in a video last week that the Spotify app for Android Auto is getting an overhaul through new media app templates the company is making available to developers. One feature the music service is adding to Android Auto is Spotify Jam, a feature that lets users share control of an audio source from their individual devices. In cars with Android Auto, that means anyone with Spotify will jump in by tapping a new 'Jam' icon on the car's touchscreen, then scanning a QR code to start adding upcoming songs to the playlist. Being a Spotify feature, it's much more inclusive than Apple Music's similar SharePlay feature, which requires everyone to have an Apple device to participate. Spotify Jam will be available 'in the coming months,' the company says. Also in the video, Google says it's adding support for Quick Share to cars with Google built-in soon, letting users do things like add stops to in-progress Google Maps routes. The company also says it's going to add passkey support for its infotainment OS. Through a Google Figma kit Google made for prototyping Android Auto app UI, we also have a new look at a light mode theme the company is working on for Android Auto. Google didn't actually say it's rolling out a light mode in its blog post about all the changes coming to Android Auto, but as 9to5Google notes, the UI option has been in the works for years. One thing that Google did mention — and briefly at that — is that browser and video apps are coming to Android Auto. The company says that app category, along with video apps, will be available 'soon' for Android Auto and that gaming apps are available already available in beta. Naturally, Google says these features will only work while a car is in park. The browsers feature is already available in beta for cars with Google built-in, while video apps are already available in that version of its infotainment system. The company also announced that support for weather apps is officially out of beta.
Geeky Gadgets
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Geeky Gadgets
Your Car's Secret Gaming Console: The BEST Android Auto Games Revealed!
Android Auto has taken a significant step forward in redefining in-car entertainment by introducing support for third-party mobile games. This feature, part of a recent update, allows you to play games directly on your vehicle's infotainment screen. Whether you're waiting in a parked car, charging your electric vehicle, or simply passing time, this addition transforms idle moments into engaging and interactive experiences. Popular titles like *Angry Birds*, *Beach Buggy Racing*, and *Candy Crush* are now compatible, offering a mix of casual and immersive gameplay options. However, the performance of this feature depends on factors such as your phone's hardware capabilities and connectivity setup, making it essential to optimize your device for the best experience. The video below from HotshotTek gives us more details. Watch this video on YouTube. What's New in Android Auto Gaming? The latest Android Auto update expands its functionality beyond traditional navigation and music streaming by allowing you to download and play games directly on your car's infotainment system. This seamless integration ensures that the games are easy to navigate and accessible from the screen, providing a user-friendly experience. Designed with convenience in mind, this feature is particularly appealing for families, passengers, or anyone looking to make the most of downtime during stops. By blending interactivity with practicality, Android Auto is reshaping how in-car entertainment is perceived, offering a glimpse into the future of connected vehicles. Which Games Are Compatible? Android Auto currently supports a selection of popular mobile games, including: *Angry Birds* *Beach Buggy Racing* (1 & 2) *Candy Crush* *Farm Heroes* These games are free to play, though some may include optional trials or in-app purchases. The current selection, while limited, reflects Android Auto's commitment to providing entertainment options that cater to a wide audience. The inclusion of these well-known titles not only enhances the platform's appeal but also sets the stage for future expansion. As the library grows, you can expect even more diverse and engaging options to become available, further enriching the in-car gaming experience. Enhanced Gameplay Features One of the most notable aspects of Android Auto gaming is its support for external controllers. Devices such as Xbox or PS5 controllers can be connected to enhance gameplay, offering a more precise and familiar gaming experience. This feature is particularly beneficial for games that require quick reflexes or intricate controls. The games rely on your phone's CPU for processing, meaning performance may vary depending on your device's specifications. Android Auto supports both wired and wireless connections, giving you flexibility in how you set up your gaming experience. While wireless connections offer convenience, they may introduce input lag, which can affect gameplay. For smoother performance and reduced latency, a wired connection is often the preferred choice. These features collectively ensure that Android Auto gaming is not only accessible but also adaptable to different user preferences. Performance Factors to Consider While Android Auto gaming introduces exciting possibilities, there are several performance factors to keep in mind to optimize your experience: Overheating: Prolonged gaming sessions can cause your phone to overheat, especially in warm environments. Positioning your phone near air vents or using a cooling accessory can help manage temperature. Prolonged gaming sessions can cause your phone to overheat, especially in warm environments. Positioning your phone near air vents or using a cooling accessory can help manage temperature. Latency: Wireless connections may result in input lag, which can disrupt gameplay. Opting for a wired connection can significantly reduce latency and improve responsiveness. Wireless connections may result in input lag, which can disrupt gameplay. Opting for a wired connection can significantly reduce latency and improve responsiveness. Device Specifications: The performance of games is heavily influenced by your phone's hardware. Older or less powerful devices may struggle to deliver a smooth gaming experience, making it important to ensure your device meets the recommended requirements. By addressing these factors, you can enhance your gaming experience and minimize potential frustrations, making sure that Android Auto gaming remains a reliable and enjoyable feature. What's Next for Android Auto Gaming? The introduction of gaming on Android Auto signals the beginning of a new era in in-car entertainment. As more third-party developers embrace the platform, the range of available games is expected to expand significantly. There is growing anticipation for the inclusion of classic titles, such as *Grand Theft Auto*, which could add a nostalgic and immersive element to the gaming experience. Beyond gaming, the potential integration of media streaming apps like YouTube, Netflix, or HBO Max could further enhance Android Auto's versatility. These additions would transform the platform into a comprehensive entertainment hub, catering to a wide variety of preferences and needs. This evolution underscores Android Auto's commitment to innovation, offering users a dynamic and multifaceted in-car experience. Safety First: Gaming with Responsibility Safety remains a top priority for Android Auto, making sure that gaming and other interactive features do not compromise driver focus. To this end, games and similar apps are automatically disabled when the vehicle is in motion. This precaution ensures that gaming remains a safe and enjoyable activity for passengers or for drivers during stationary periods. By prioritizing safety, Android Auto strikes a balance between innovation and responsibility, making it a trustworthy choice for in-car entertainment. This thoughtful approach not only enhances the platform's usability but also reinforces its commitment to providing a secure and enjoyable experience for all users. Master Android Auto games with the help of our in-depth articles and helpful guides. Source & Image Credit: HotshotTek Filed Under: Android News, Mobile Phone News, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
