Mirror Link (control/use smartphone through car) +
1) im not sure if this should go into the audio/video forum or the mobile forum but the auto forum seems like the middle ground to me ;)
2) the article
Sooo there's this car connectivity system that Nokia pioneered along with the Car Connectivity Consortium (nokias a charter member) where automakers and mobile companies are coming up with new ideas of integration (Volkswagon will supposedly be including MirrorLink in their vehicles soon)
where they're attempting to merge your smartphone with your vehicle
kind of like the Motorola Atrix hooking up to computers/displays MirrorLink is connecting your smartphone to your car
so your phones navigation system will be integrated into your cars display so you dont have to look at your phone etc etc
you may have heard about it before when it was called "Terminal Mode" (that was the developing stage; its now called MirrorLink for release)
here's the first video explaining/demoing it from a year ago
anyway Nokia came up with the first working app to showcase the connection but it will be on other phones as well, in the future.
Since HTC and Samsung are also Charter Members and Moto/Sony are members
It just stands to reason that it'll be on Android as well, especially since Nokia says this feature will be on the Meego/Harmattan phone (Linux kernel OS and i think MirrorLink was made in Linux too but Im not certain where i read that)
you'll also be able to control features through your steering wheel etc
Putting Nokia in the driving seat, with Nokia Car Mode
By Pino posted on the 13th of September 2011 at 1:31PM
0187_Nokia_Alpine
FRANKFURT, Germany – Nokia is pressing the accelerator on building mobile phone capabilities into cars with the release of the Nokia Car Mode app. Nokia Car Mode makes it easier for drivers and passengers to access maps, satellite navigation (provided by Nokia Drive), traffic updates, music and voice calls when they are in vehicles, so there’s no need for a separate music player or satnav. Smartphone features and services are designed and displayed to optimise the usability in the car and avoid driver distraction.
The app, written in Qt, will be available for the Nokia 600, Nokia 700, Nokia 701 and earlier smartphones that have been upgraded to Symbian Belle. It will also be available for Nokia N9. Conversations first reported on Nokia Car Mode when it was known as Terminal Mode back in March.
Nokia Car Mode is the first solution supporting the MirrorLink standard that deeply connects phones to in-car screens, steering wheel buttons and speakers. With MirrorLink consumers can control their smartphones via the car dashboard, as if the device and its apps were integrated into the car itself.
In fact, Nokia smartphones with Nokia Car Mode can be connected to Alpine’s new ICS-X8, a dashboard-mounted unit that lets drivers of supported cars use MirrorLink capabilities. http://188.65.36.211/wp-content/uplo...ne-540x359.jpg
Alpine Electronics launches ICS-X8 supporting
MirrorLink standard on Nokia smartphones
MirrorLink, an industry wide standard introduced by Car Connectivity Consortium,
provides seamless connection and control of Nokia smartphones and applications
on the Alpine ICS-X8.
Internationale Automobil Ausstellung (IAA), Frankfurt Germany, September 13, 2011 - Alpine
Electronics, a leading automotive systems and audio specialist, and Nokia, a leading provider of
mobile communication devices, introduced today the world’s first in-car infotainment solution
based on MirrorLink. The new Alpine ICS-X8 App Link Station and Nokia smartphones, both
equipped with the first commercial implementation based on the MirrorLink standard, allow users
to navigate, listen to music and place calls from the car’s dashboard. Controls, display and audio
integration offer a more convenient, pleasant and optimised way of using a Nokia smartphone
and its applications in the car. The solution also provides standard hands-free operation of a
mobile phone via Bluetooth connection. The ICS-X8 has been developed under a strategic
partnership between Alpine and Nokia as announced in March 2010 and is the first aftermarket
solution announced based on MirrorLink.
MirrorLink, formerly known as Terminal Mode, is a recently introduced standard for connecting
smartphone devices to vehicle-based infotainment systems. It is a cross-industry solution
supported by leading automotive manufacturers, system suppliers, consumer electronics
manufacturers and handset manufacturers as part of the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC).
MirrorLink offers seamless and convenient use of smartphone-based applications. For example,
the touch-screen display of the infotainment system and the car audio system offer an optimal
driving and travel experience. MirrorLink based Nokia smartphones can now be connected with
the Alpine ICS-X8 in-car system. Once connected, consumers are able to intuitively and safely
use smartphone applications from its 7-inch high-resolution display.
Nokia Car Mode
Nokia Car Mode is an optimized UI (User Interface) for in-car usage. It provides direct access to
key applications such as Nokia Drive (Navigation) and music player. Music and voice guided turnby-
turn navigation are actively managed and sent to the car infotainment system to ensure
smooth audio transitions across different applications. For example, the music player mutes when
voice guided navigation is required. Via the ICS-X8’s high-resolution touch-screen display, drivers
can enjoy a highly intuitive navigation experience. Controlling navigation and music player
become even easier and more comfortable on the head unit’s display. Different kinds of
information can also be displayed simultaneously. Nokia Drive will also connect to the car’s GPS
receiver, allowing even more accurate navigation in areas of weaker signal strength.
Bluetooth Wireless Technology
Hands-free calling is available from the ICS-X8’s built-in Bluetooth module. Features such as
echo cancellation and microphone gain adjustment provide the ability to fine-tune the Bluetooth
sound quality to match virtually any vehicle interior. Contacts in users’ phonebooks can be rapidly
scrolled through or searched by name. It also remembers the last call volume, supports call
waiting, and can be configured to announce navigation guidance during a phone call. Users can
keep navigation map on-screen and make a call at the same time.
Sound Quality Features
The ICS-X8 continues Alpine’s legacy of high sound quality, featuring a 50W x 4 amplifier, three
high voltage pre-amp outputs, 9-band Parametric EQ, digital time correction, and digital
crossover. To tackle the lossy nature of compressed digital music, Alpine’s exclusive
MediaXpander™ technology ensures richer music playback more true to the original recording.
These sound quality features are available as well for Nokia Music playback.
Nokia Phone Compatibility
Connection between the ICS-X8 and a Nokia smartphone is achieved through the ICS-X8
supplied USB cable, which also will charge the smartphone battery while driving. MirrorLink
connection will be available for compatible Nokia smartphones with Symbian Belle, such as Nokia
701, Nokia 700, Nokia 600 and it will also become available for Nokia N8, Nokia E7, Nokia C7,
Nokia X7 and Nokia C6-01 models at a later date. Support for the Nokia N9 is also planned.
Future-Proof Design
The Alpine ICS-X8’s operating software can be updated via USB connection to ensure
compatibility with future smartphones and other new smartphone based applications designed for
use in car.
Availability
The ICS-X8 will be available in November at Alpine authorized dealers. Please visit www.alpineeurope.com to locate a retailer.
The MirrorLink app for Nokia smartphones will be available for download soon from
store.ovi.com.
About Nokia
Nokia is committed to connecting people to what matters to them by combining advanced mobile
technology with personalized services. More than 1.3 billion people connect to one another with a
Nokia, from the most affordable voice-optimized mobile phones to advanced Internet-connected
smartphones sold in virtually every market in the world. Through Ovi (www.ovi.com), people also
enjoy access to maps and navigation, a rapidly expanding applications store, a growing catalog
of digital music, free email and more. Nokia's NAVTEQ is a leader in comprehensive digital
mapping and navigation services, and Nokia Siemens Networks is one of the leading providers of
telecommunications infrastructure hardware, software and professional services globally.
About Alpine Electronics
Alpine Electronics is an automotive electronics manufacturer that supports drivers in over 60
countries and provides the world's leading auto makers with audio, video, navigation and driver
assistance products. The company specializes in system integration solutions with innovative
vehicle entertainment and information technologies. Alpine's R&D and manufacturing facilities in
Japan, China, Europe and North America ensure that all products address the real world
requirement of drivers in each market. The company is committed to developing products that are
safe, easy to use, and eco-friendly for the automotive environment.
For more information about Alpine Electronics, visit www.alpine.com. For more information about
Alpine’s aftermarket product, visit www.alpine-europe.com.
About Car Connectivity Consortium
The Car Connectivity Consortium is dedicated to cross-industry collaboration in developing global
standards and solutions for smartphone and in-vehicle connectivity. Car Connectivity Consortium
members are among the world’s leading automotive, mobile communications and consumer
electronics industry companies including Alpine, Clarion Co. LTD., Delphi, Denso, Daimler,
Garmin International, Inc., General Motors, Honda R&D Co, Ltd., HTC, Hyundai Motor Company,
Ixonos, J & K Car Electronics Corp., Jambit GmbH, LG Electronics, Motorola Mobility, Nokia,
Panasonic, PSA Automotive, Samsung, Sony Corporation, Sony Ericsson AB, RealVNC Limited,
Toyota and Volkswagen. The Car Connectivity Consortium is open for any industry member to
join.
MirrorLink is the recently announced commercial trademark for the technology previously known
as Terminal Mode and owned by the Car Connectivity Consortium who are responsible for the
development of the specification, certification and branding of MirrorLink type of smartphone to
vehicle integration.
