There’s not much in common between a car and a smartphone at first glance. You sit in one, you put the other in your pocket.
Yet more carmakers are starting to see important similarities between the two, and they’re putting more money into developing the wireless capabilities of these machines that are essentially becoming “mobile devices” that move at speed.
At CES 2013 next week, more than 100 technology companies will present services related to “smart cars.” And at least half a dozen carmakers like Ford , General Motors and Hyundai , will exhibit at the show, the world’s largest devoted to technology and gadgetry that’s held every year in Las Vegas.
Among the trends they are embracing: self-driving technology, parking guidance and better entertainment and information systems.
Apps like Waze might feature decent GPS navigation services on your smartphone, but carmakers want to integrate their own software services to get an edge on competitors when you’re peeking through the windows of new cars on the lot.
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