Counterpoint's Auto 360 Intelligence Tracker August 2026 Edition Overview The Auto 360 Intelligence Tracker provides Counterpoint's perspective on key developments shaping the global automotive industry. Every month, our analysts curate and connect the announcements that matter, from new vehicle launches and semiconductor design wins to software-defined vehicle (SDV) strategies, AI innovations, digital cockpit technologies, autonomous driving developments, connectivity partnerships, and industry events. Every edition is a curated, analyst-written brief. Rather than simply summarizing the news, the tracker explains why each development matters. It connects announcements across OEMs, semiconductor companies, Tier-1 suppliers, software vendors, cloud providers, location-based services companies, and mobility players to identify broader technology shifts, competitive trends, and economic and regulatory factors. By putting fragmented news into context, the tracker helps readers understand not just what happened during the month, but where the automotive industry is heading. What the Full Report Will Cover Analyst Perspectives: Every edition selects strategically important developments within the ecosystem and provides in-depth analysis of what happened, why it matters, and what it means for the months ahead. This edition examines the growing memory supply challenge in the automotive industry and how automakers and suppliers are responding, alongside Ford's strategy behind the new sub-$30,000 Fathom mid-size electric pickup and its broader positioning in the EV market. Event Coverage: Analyst-driven synthesis of key industry conferences and events. This edition covers Qualcomm's 6G Leadership Day, highlighting 6G's potential for robotaxis, AI agents and vehicle sensing, while noting cost and ROI as key barriers to adoption. OEM Developments: Key announcements from automakers. This edition covers Honda's decision to outsource a new vehicle program to Tata Technologies to reduce costs, Nissan and Honda's agreement to standardize ECUs and software for next-generation SDVs, Hyundai's profit-driven growth roadmap, and BMW's expansion of standard active safety features with the Neue Klasse. Supplier
20h ago · via counterpointresearch.com
New Dacia Spring Revealed: Europe's Dirt-Cheap EV Gets A Glow-Up Better than its predecessor in every way, the electric city car offers a lot of bang for the buck. Fall just started in Europe, but at Dacia, it’s Spring time. The second-generation model is completely new from the ground up, but it remains faithful to Dacia’s no-frills philosophy. Better yet, the little boxy hatchback aims to democratize EVs while the European Union continues to pressure automakers to drop combustion-engine cars. By 2035, CO2 fleet emissions must go down by 90 percent compared to 2021 levels. It's all but an ICE ban. The new Spring is the first of four fully electric models Dacia plans to launch by the decade's end. It also marks an important shift for the nameplate, which has racked up more than 210,000 sales across over 40 countries since 2021. This time around, Dacia has moved production from China to Europe, with the new Spring being built at Renault Group’s plant in Novo Mesto, Slovenia. Visually, the transformation is hard to miss. Dacia has given the Spring a more upright and muscular appearance, with a heavily sculpted front end, pronounced wheel arches, and black trim connecting the headlights and taillights. The new model is also substantially wider, gaining a whopping 18 centimeters (7.1 inches) over its predecessor, while overall length increases by a considerable 15 cm (5.9 inches). 2027 Dacia Spring Key Facts - What’s new? The second-generation Dacia Spring is completely redesigned, with a larger, more muscular body. - What’s with the design? The new Spring is 5.9 inches longer and 7.1 inches wider, giving Dacia’s tiny EV a much more substantial look. - What about the powertrain? The Spring uses a single electric motor producing 80 horsepower and 129 pound-feet of torque. - What about
23h ago · via motor1.com
KIA EV4 vs. Tesla Model 3: a battle of electric compacts under €45.000 We compare the KIA EV4 and the Tesla Model 3 as benchmarks for electric compact cars under 45.000 euros in Spain: range, charging, technology and price-value ratio. The KIA K4 HYBRID is ready to enter the production line and the first units will be delivered in Spain before the end of 2026. The KIA K4 range is now complete with the arrival of the hybrid version . European drivers will be able to enjoy this new variant in a few weeks, which offers improved fuel economy and reduced emissions. El KIA K4 It began to be marketed in Europe in September 2025 and is available in two body styles, one compact with very dynamic lines and a sport wagon which offers additional space for greater comfort and increased cargo capacity. The latter is designed for families and long tripswhich can be done more easily. Both versions are equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies , making this vehicle a connected car ready to face the challenges of the 21st century. As for trim levels, the top-of-the-range GT-Line offers a more dynamic and sporty look . It features a three-spoke steering wheel with paddle shifters and 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels . The exterior mirrors are finished in gloss black, as are the side skirts and wheel arches. The KIA K4 is currently offered with a 1.0-liter T-GDI mild-hybrid gasoline engine producing 115 hp , as well as 1.6-liter T-GDI engines in 150 hp and 180 hp variants . The new KIA K4 HYBRID will offer a 1.6-liter GDI engine , delivering a combined output of 154 hp , paired with a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. This hybrid version will begin production in mid-October and the first
1d ago · via highmotor.com
Android Auto does a great job of putting the things you actually need behind your car’s screen, so you can leave your phone alone and focus on driving. But there are still plenty of moments when your phone is simply the easiest way to get something done. That becomes especially awkward when you’re driving with a passenger who wants to take over for a moment. I'm not particularly protective of my device, but handing over an unlocked phone comes with an obvious problem. I don’t necessarily want to give someone unrestricted access to everything on it. With some tweaks to your settings, though, you don’t have to choose between making your phone convenient for your passenger and keeping some control over what they can access. Android has a couple of ways to make this arrangement much less awkward. Android Auto makes your infotainment system more user-friendly Until you pass your phone to your passenger Car infotainment systems have come a long way in the last couple of years, but most people still prefer to use good old Android Auto. Its simple setup makes using your phone much easier while you're on the move, and it makes your car that much more connected, mirroring apps and sending you notifications without you ever having to lift your phone. However, if your passenger wants to switch up something like the music playing, you can hit a bit of a wall. You still need to use your phone for some things, though Android Auto allows you to have things like Spotify or Apple Music pinned to your infotainment system. This allows you to control your music fairly easily when you're on the move. While you can control certain things pretty easily, if you want to play something from outside your library, the easiest way
1d ago · via howtogeek.com
The Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC) has opened Plugfest #19, a digital key interoperability testing event hosted by Geely Holding Group in Ningbo, China from 7 to 10 September 2026. The four-day event tests CCC Digital Key Version 3 and Version 4 implementations against Bluetooth Low Energy, Near Field Communication, and passive entry scenarios. China installed digital keys in 13.3 million passenger vehicles in 2025, a 58.1% installation rate, with penetration across the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region forecast to exceed 60% in 2026. The scale makes interoperability across vehicles and devices increasingly critical. Earlier this year, the first CCC Digital Key certified vehicles from China were announced, covering Nio, Xpeng, Ingeek, and Geely Holding Group. Mahindra & Mahindra in India and Hyundai Motor Company in South Korea also achieved certification. In a statement, Alysia Johnson, President of the Car Connectivity Consortium, said: “The Asia-Pacific region has always played an important role in shaping the future of digital key technology. As digital key adoption grows, a common global standard is essential to ensuring interoperability across vehicles and devices. CCC Plugfests bring members together to validate implementations and advance interoperability, helping deliver secure and seamless digital key experiences for consumers globally. We’re grateful to Geely Holding Group for hosting Plugfest #19 in China and supporting this important work.” Source: Business Wire
1d ago · via automotiveworld.com
I use a lot of ESP32 boards around my home, but they don't always have to be stuck indoors. By putting an ESP32 in my car, I'm able to access live engine data from my car that tells me much more than my dashboard does. Your car's OBD-II port can tell you a lot Mechanics aren't the only ones who can access live engine data The On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) port is a 16-pin diagnostic port that mechanics can use to communicate with a car's computer. They can pull information from the computer to try to determine the cause when your car has a problem. Normally, a lot of the data they can access isn't available through your car's dashboard. One common reason for using this port is to extract error codes that can help narrow down car issues, but the port can also expose a lot of useful measurements, such as coolant temperature, engine speed, throttle position, intake temperature, engine load, and more. The port itself carries the data but also provides power to the connected scanner. The scanner can then pull data from the car's computer when the relevant systems are active. Mechanics aren't the only people who can access this data. You can do the same yourself, and it's surprisingly cheap to do. A cheap adapter can pull the information from the port You can buy one for just a few dollars OBD-II adapters plug into the OBD-II port of your car, which is usually found under the dashboard on the driver's side. These cheap adapters can pull the information from your car's computer and share it over Bluetooth. You can buy one for as little as $7. I bought one of these cheap adapters for my car, which is an aging Volkswagen. It was simple to
1d ago · via howtogeek.com
How to find and hide an app on Android Auto If they're vanishing from the launcher without warning, there's an easy way to bring them back. Android Auto is designed to make driving safer and more connected, offering easy access to essential tools like navigation, music and messaging directly on your car's display. Some 250 million people use Android Auto, so it's become a reliable part of the daily commute for a large chunk of the world's population. The platform isn't without its quirks, of course, and one of the most common issues users encounter is apps vanishing from the launcher without warning. Thankfully, such problems are quite easy to fix. In most cases, a missing app isn't gone for good. It's been quietly deactivated by your phone's battery optimization settings running in the background. Similarly, hiding an app from Android Auto doesn't require any work on your part, as you can simply remedy it via your device settings. Whether you're trying to find an app that's gone missing or want to hide a few you don't actually use, there are only a few steps for you to follow. Why are some apps not showing up in Android Auto? Missing apps are one of the most common frustrations Android Auto users experience, but it's not always down to Android Auto itself. On Samsung phones, in particular, Android has a feature that automatically disables unused apps. This feature automatically disables apps you haven't opened recently to save battery life. The apps are still on your phone, but if they're disabled, they also get removed from Android Auto's app launcher until they're re-enabled. So, if an app you previously used in Android Auto has disappeared, there's a good chance it's simply been deactivated by your phone. How to make apps visible in
1d ago · via engadget.com
The author is senior vice president, broadcast radio & digital audio at Xperi. This is an excerpt from the ebook “Global Radio Update.” Despite a decade of streaming, satellite and connected-car competition, radio has held its ground where it matters most: in the car. Sixty-six percent of U.S. adults listen to AM/FM radio every day, and most of that listening happens behind the wheel. Keeping radio competitive in an increasingly digital dashboard is where HD Radio technology comes in, letting AM and FM stations broadcast a digital signal alongside their existing analog one. Developed by iBiquity Digital Corp., now part of Xperi, HD Radio technology was introduced in 2002 and first appeared in vehicles and aftermarket products in 2005. It has become the digital broadcast standard in the last 20 years, proving that digital broadcast can deliver scalable value within the current ecosystem, improving both experience and economics. HD Radio by the numbers: - Now in approximately 125 million North American vehicles, representing over 60% of new vehicles shipped in the U.S. - By the early 2020s, the technology had become standard factory equipment in the majority of new vehicles sold in North America. - Enables digital radio services on more than 2,700 AM and FM stations across the United States, Mexico and Canada. - Reaches nearly 400 million people across multiple countries. - The ecosystem delivers more than 750 million hours of digital listening every week. Capabilities, benefits and opportunities HD Radio’s most immediate benefit is audio quality. FM HD Radio delivers crystal-clear sound, free from distortion, and AM HD Radio reaches fidelity comparable to traditional analog FM, removing static, pops and cracks. Just as important, a single licensed frequency can carry up to three digital sub-channels (HD2, HD3 and HD4), without any new spectrum, letting stations run entirely
1d ago · via radioworld.com
- Formula 2030 previews styling for Polestar’s next-generation 2 and 7 models. - Polestar shares plunged nearly 30 % after disappointing Jan-June financials. - EV brand is also being forced out of the US market while Volvo gets to stay. Polestar has announced a futuristic concept designed to show us where it’s heading by 2030, just as investors are wondering whether it’ll even get there. Called Formula 2030, the concept is intended to preview Polestar’s next design era under design boss Philipp Römers. We haven’t actually seen it in full yet, but the sole image shows a low-slung car with motorsport-style vertical windshield wiper. Investors, retailers and selected customers will get an early peek at Polestar’s Gothenburg headquarters before a global unveiling later this year. Related: $25M Dealer Lawsuit Says Polestar Rigged Its Own US Ban, A Senator Says $35K Per Car Is Why The brand says the car will provide clues to the next Polestar 2, due in 2027, as well as the upcoming 7. Expect an evolution of the company’s familiar minimalist Scandinavian look rather than a complete reset, with signature details such as its Dual Blade headlights sticking around. Unfortunately, Polestar’s accountants have more immediate concerns than headlights. The company’s shares recently dropped 29.4 percent following its first-half 2026 results. Vehicle sales increased just 0.4 percent compared with the same period last year, while revenue slipped 4.4 percent to $1.4 billion. Polestar still lost $842 million during those six months, although that loss was 29 percent smaller than the one recorded during the first half of 2025. The company has also dialed back its planned 2026 production growth, warning that competition remains intense. Polestar 4 SUV Leads New-Model Charge There are brighter spots. New products including the Polestar 4 SUV (below) give the company fresh metal to
1d ago · via carscoops.com
Polestar's Formula 2030 concept points at a Slovakia-built 7 in 2028 Philipp Römers has finally drawn a Polestar from a blank sheet Polestar released a single photograph on Monday, and it is enough to show the brand is changing direction. The car is called Formula 2030, a concept that will be shown in full in October, and it is the first Polestar designed from nothing by Philipp Römers since he took over the studio. What it previews is not on sale for another year at the very earliest. Formula 2030 is the first clean-sheet Polestar under Philipp Römers Römers came from Audi and took over Polestar's design studio in January 2025, replacing Max Missoni, who moved to BMW. Everything Polestar sells today was drawn before he arrived, which makes this concept the first real evidence of where he is taking a brand whose identity has always been its shape rather than its numbers. His own brief was restraint, not reinvention: “Polestar's design and brand is already so strong, it was obvious we needed a bold evolution not revolution of what came before.” The teaser keeps the Dual Blade lights and adds an aero bridge The image shows a low, wide-set car with cambered front wheels, a motorsport-style vertical windscreen wiper and an opening in the bonnet that reads as an S-duct, the aerodynamic trick that pulls air through the nose to press it down. The Dual Blade daytime running lights survive, but they now split above and below a thin headlight slot instead of sitting inside one housing. Investors, retailers and selected customers see the car at Polestar's Gothenburg headquarters before anyone else does. The design lands with the Polestar 2 in 2027 and the Polestar 7 in 2028 Polestar has been specific about what the concept feeds into. The
1d ago · via autonext.co
UST and Italdesign Unite Design, Engineering, and AI to Shape the Future of Mobility UST acquires a majority stake in Italdesign to unite Italdesign's iconic design and engineering legacy with UST's AI, engineering, and transformation capabilities. ALISO VIEJO, Calif. and MONCALIERI, Italy, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- UST, a leading AI and technology transformation solutions company, has completed the acquisition of the majority stake in Italdesign from the Audi Group. As the automotive industry rapidly shifts toward software-defined, AI-enabled and increasingly connected vehicles, the partnership brings together Italdesign's world-renowned design and engineering expertise with US-based UST's strengths in automotive engineering, AI, software-defined vehicles, and digital ecosystem design. Together, the companies will help manufacturers address the growing complexity of next-generation mobility by accelerating innovation from concept through production. The partnership reflects a shared belief that the future of mobility will be shaped by the convergence of design, engineering, software and artificial intelligence while keeping human creativity at the center of innovation. For nearly six decades, Italdesign has helped shape some of the world's most recognizable vehicles through its unique combination of design creativity and engineering excellence. Combined with UST's expertise in AI, digital engineering and software-defined vehicles, the partnership creates new opportunities to design, engineer, and deliver intelligent, connected products that will define the next generation of mobility. "We didn't invest in Italdesign simply because of its capabilities. We invested because of its people, its heritage, and its extraordinary reputation for turning bold ideas into world-class products. By uniting Italdesign's renowned design and engineering capabilities with UST's expertise in digital engineering, AI, and technology transformation, we're building a platform to help shape the future of mobility," said Vijay Padmanabhan, Chief Financial Officer, UST. "Our customers increasingly need partners who can connect design, engineering, software, and AI. Together with Italdesign, we'll help
1d ago · via prnewswire.com
Audi is set to reorganise its brand operations in China, with a plan that will see SAIC-Audi transition to exclusively managing the four-letter “AUDI” brand – a series of intelligent connected electric vehicles developed specifically for the Chinese market without the traditional four-ring logo. Meanwhile, the iconic “four-ring” brand, covering Audi’s global fuel and electric vehicle lineups, will be fully consolidated under FAW-Audi. Strategic realignment This move marks a significant shift in Audi’s decade-long dual-partner strategy in China. While the core framework of the plan has been established, detailed implementation – including the division of production and sales responsibilities, the transfer of existing user rights and after-sales services for four-ring models from SAIC-Audi to FAW-Audi, and the integration of dealer interests – is still under negotiation. The AUDI brand has launched two models so far: the E5 sportback and E7x SUV. To bolster the AUDI brand, the Audi Innovation Technology Centre (AITC) was established on September 3, 2026. This joint venture, with SAIC holding 49%, Audi AG 41%, and Volkswagen China 10%, is designed to provide the AUDI brand with an independent, end-to-end R&D system, focusing on intelligent cockpits, advanced driver-assistance systems, and AI-defined vehicle technologies. Market adjustments and challenges As reported by Caijing magazine, in anticipation of this transition, SAIC-Audi has begun aggressive inventory clearance for its four-ring models. Recent promotional efforts have seen significant price cuts, such as the Audi A7L, with a guide price of 418,700 yuan (60,700 USD), being offered at 262,800 yuan (38,100 USD), and the Audi Q6, originally 467,600 yuan (67,800 USD), dropping to 279,800 yuan (40,600 USD). Production data indicates that SAIC Audi has largely ceased production of four-ring models as of July 2026. The restructuring comes as Audi faces mounting pressure in the Chinese market. In the first half of 2026, Audi’s
1d ago · via carnewschina.com
Wireless Android Auto is easy to use. You get in the car, and your phone connects on its own — which is what attracted me to it to begin with. However, as I started to use it more, I realized that the wired setup was actually worth all the hassle. I would rather have a phone that always works than the convenience of wireless. Wireless Android Auto made my phone way too hot Running everything over Wi-Fi just cooks your phone My SUV was the first car I had that could use Android Auto wirelessly. It was great, and I used it for years. But my phone started feeling like a hot baked potato after long drives. I remember once that it felt like it was about to catch fire if I didn't take the case off and help cool it down. It felt uncomfortable to hold, and heat was coming through the metal and glass. At first, I thought it was just a weird one-off thing, but it has happened more than once, and I've dealt with enough electrical fires to know that it is an issue. Moving to Texas from Vegas made it way more obvious. Both places turn your car into an oven in summer, but I'd argue Vegas is worse. Dry heat is worse than humidity if you're dealing with high temperatures. I thought that escaping a place where the sun hurt your skin would stop this heat buildup. It did not. With wireless Android Auto, your phone isn't just mirroring a screen; it's doing all the heavy lifting for your car's infotainment. Bluetooth handles the initial handshake and voice calls, but then the actual data stream moves to a 5 GHz Wi-Fi Direct connection. That means your phone's Wi-Fi radio is running continuously while the
1d ago · via howtogeek.com
UST and Italdesign Unite Design, Engineering, and AI to Shape the Future of Mobility PRNewswire Aliso Viejo (California) [US] / Moncalieri [Italy], September 7: UST, a leading AI and technology transformation solutions company, has completed the acquisition of the majority stake in Italdesign from the Audi Group. As the automotive industry rapidly shifts toward software-defined, AI-enabled and increasingly connected vehicles, the partnership brings together Italdesign's world-renowned design and engineering expertise with US-based UST's strengths in automotive engineering, AI, software-defined vehicles, and digital ecosystem design. Together, the companies will help manufacturers address the growing complexity of next-generation mobility by accelerating innovation from concept through production. The partnership reflects a shared belief that the future of mobility will be shaped by the convergence of design, engineering, software and artificial intelligence while keeping human creativity at the center of innovation. For nearly six decades, Italdesign has helped shape some of the world's most recognizable vehicles through its unique combination of design creativity and engineering excellence. Combined with UST's expertise in AI, digital engineering and software-defined vehicles, the partnership creates new opportunities to design, engineer, and deliver intelligent, connected products that will define the next generation of mobility. 'We didn't invest in Italdesign simply because of its capabilities. We invested because of its people, its heritage, and its extraordinary reputation for turning bold ideas into world-class products. By uniting Italdesign's renowned design and engineering capabilities with UST's expertise in digital engineering, AI, and technology transformation, we're building a platform to help shape the future of mobility,' said Vijay Padmanabhan, Chief Financial Officer, UST. 'Our customers increasingly need partners who can connect design, engineering, software, and AI. Together with Italdesign, we'll help our customers move from concept to production faster while preserving the creativity and engineering excellence that define great products,' said Gilroy Mathew, Chief
1d ago · via bignewsnetwork.com
For years, automotive retailers have debated the threat posed by digital disruptors. But according to David Spisak, CEO and President of Disruptive Growth Solutions, the bigger risk for dealers may be refusing to learn from them. In the first part of a three-part Inside Automotive series, Spisak argues that Carvana’s expansion into new-vehicle sales offers dealers an opportunity to examine what consumers increasingly expect from the buying process. Rather than dismissing the company or blindly admiring its growth, dealers should study the processes behind its success and identify where traditional retail unnecessarily complicates the vehicle-buying process. Carvana’s rapid recovery following a dramatic stock decline proves that clear, decisive planning can overcome major industry headwinds. By doubling down on transparency, simplicity, and convenience, Spisak said that the company built a brand around consumer confidence. He notes that customers can complete nearly the entire transaction remotely, purchase vehicles without seeing or driving them first, and rely on return policies to mitigate risk. This behavior aligns with broader expectations set by ecommerce giants like Amazon and Wayfair, which have conditioned shoppers to demand frictionless, low-pressure transactions. Redefining the experience & interactions A visit to a Carvana location in California reinforced a shift for Spisak. By operating with minimal inventory and a small staffing footprint, the store positioned its employees not as traditional salespeople but as customer advocates. That distinction, he suggests, reflects a fundamentally different philosophy. Instead of focusing primarily on selling, the process is designed around explaining the vehicle, financing and transaction so customers understand what is happening at each stage. "Nobody likes to be sold, but everybody loves to buy… An advocate helps guide the customer, whereas a salesperson implies you're about to be sold.” Spisak believes traditional dealers can adopt this advocate mindset without sacrificing profitability. Rather than rushing through
1d ago · via cbtnews.com
By proceeding, I acknowledge that I have read and agreed to the Privacy Policy, Terms & Conditions, consent declaration, and the sharing of my information with lending partners, dealers, OEMs, and for marketing communication via Phone Calls, SMS & WhatsApp. Maruti Suzuki has launched the Baleno facelift at a starting price of Rs 6.10 lakh, ex-showroom. The new model brings a refreshed front fascia, a new 1.2L Z-Series engine, and high-end features, including the LEVEL 2 ADAS and front ventilated seats. This premium hatchback delivers an ARAI certified fuel economy of up to 24.77 kmpl in Petrol and 33.61 km/kg in CNG, making it one of the most practical options in the premium hatchback segment. The Maruti Suzuki Baleno facelift is powered by a 1.2L 3-cylinder, naturally-aspirated petrol engine producing 83hp and 112Nm. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed AMT. It also gets a factory-fitted CNG kit, which produces 70 PS and 102 Nm, and is paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox. The base Sigma variant targets customers focusing on essential daily utility and standard safety compliance. Safety Tech: 6 Airbags, Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Hill Hold Assist, ABS with EBD, 3-point ELR seatbelts for all seats, ISOFIX child seat mounts, and Rear Parking Sensors. Exterior: Halogen Projector Headlamps, Body-Coloured Bumpers, Rear Spoiler, LED Tail Lamps, and 15-inch Steel Wheels. Interior & Comfort: Automatic Climate Control with Panel Illumination, All 4 Power Windows, Driver Auto Down Window, Tilt Steering, Keyless Entry and Digital MID with Tachometer. This variant gets additional key infotainment and convenience features. Exterior: Body-Coloured ORVMs (Outside Rear View Mirrors) with Turn Indicators, Body-Coloured Door Handles, and Full Wheel Covers. Infotainment: 7-inch SmartPlay Pro Touchscreen, Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Steering-Mounted Audio Controls, 4-Speakers, and Onboard Voice Assistant. Convenience: Electrically Adjustable & Foldable
1d ago · via carlelo.com
5 Of The Biggest Mistakes People Make When Using Android Auto The purpose of the Android Auto framework is to make it easier to connect your Android smartphone to your car and utilize its features through your onboard infotainment system. Compared to manually messing with your phone and car's settings, it's definitely a more streamlined approach, though as with any system meant to facilitate conversation between two devices, things can sometimes get a little lost in translation. While the whole point of Android Auto is to handle all the minutiae of connecting your phone to your car for you, if you just leave the whole thing to manage itself, you could end up making a handful of different mistakes that would diminish the overall usefulness of the system. Not everyone is comfortable with these kinds of newer systems, and it's normal to experience hiccups, but so long as you avoid these mistakes, your Android Auto experience should be substantially better, as well as more convenient for your particular needs. Only connecting wirelessly Depending on your vehicle, Android Auto allows you to connect your smartphone to your car in one of two ways: either with a regular USB cable, or via a local wireless signal. Modern convention would dictate the latter to be the optimal option; everything's better when it's wireless, after all, and it does mean you don't need to take your phone out of your pocket. However, in contrast to that sentiment, Android Auto is actually a little better off with a wired connection. Connecting wirelessly puts more of a strain on your phone's resources, as it requires a constant battery-draining wireless connection to transfer data, and the connection may not always remain stable. On the other hand, plugging your phone in has the dual benefits of charging its
1d ago · via slashgear.com
Western coverage of Chinese artificial intelligence still tends to treat the competition as a model contest: can a Chinese company match the best American system? China is certainly in that race. But it is also pursuing a quieter route. Chinese companies are putting AI into cars, robots, cameras, smartphones, appliances, and industrial equipment already manufactured at an enormous scale. “Made in China” once meant where the hardware was assembled. Increasingly, origin also involves who wrote the software, where the data travels, and who can update the product after it has been sold. The product’s identity is no longer settled when it leaves the factory. Software provenance is becoming a second country of origin. The border has moved inside the machine. From model to machine Before examining China’s strategy, it helps to make a brief distinction. Most people encounter AI through a website or an app. They type a question into a chatbot, which sends their query to a distant data center, where a large model processes it and returns an answer. This is cloud-based AI: the intelligence lives elsewhere, and the device is only a window. Embedded AI is different. Here, the intelligence travels inside the product itself. A car’s voice assistant, a factory robot’s vision system or a smartphone’s camera software all process data locally, on the device. Embedded AI can still connect to the cloud for updates or complex tasks, but its core functions run onboard. Why does this distinction matter? Because embedded AI turns software into a physical presence. A chatbot can be replaced by switching apps. A car’s AI layer, once integrated into the vehicle’s sensors, diagnostics and update systems, is much harder to change. The software becomes part of the machine — and whoever controls that software gains a degree of control over the machine
1d ago · via asiatimes.com
3 Android Auto Problems That Are Almost Always The Cable's Fault Android Auto (AA) has had problems with USB cords for years, but it's often not Google's fault, or even your car manufacturer's — many times, it comes down to the cable you're using. That's not to say AA doesn't suffer its own connection issues, as we recently saw with the release of version 17.4, a patch for the previous patch that failed to fix reported connection irregularities. But rather than leave users guessing if their cable or Google's programming is the culprit, Android Auto includes a new feature that runs a diagnostic on your plugged-in cable. It's known as "USB Startup Diagnostics," found in the app's settings under "Connection help," designed to alert you to any cable issues. Beyond Google's new diagnostic tool, the company recommends you use the cable that came with your phone. Short cables are also recommended, cutting down on the space where the wires within can degrade the signal. You may also be using the wrong port in the car, or using a cable with a loose fit that drops its connection when things get bumpy on the road. In other words, there are plenty of reasons why a particular USB cable may be causing most of your problems with Android Auto. If you've ever asked yourself why Android Auto isn't working with your cable, today's roundup of the most frequent USB cable issues may help you finally find a setup that works reliably. For anyone who has experienced data issues, connection irregularities, or signal degradation with sound and GPS that continually cuts out when using Android Auto, the first place to look is the cable you're using. The specific problems we'll discuss below are often the cable's fault. Android Auto won't connect at all
Sep 7, 2026 · via bgr.com
| News - Stellantis Maserati eyes Chinese lifeline in Huawei-JAC talks Advanced negotiations could see Chinese-developed vehicle wear Maserati badge globally 7 Sep 2026 By MATT BROGAN MASERATI could turn to Chinese technology giant Huawei and vehicle manufacturer JAC Group for a sweeping industrial partnership that may underpin its next generation of vehicles – and potentially reshape the century-old Italian luxury marque more profoundly than any previous ownership-era change. Stellantis is understood to be in advanced discussions with Huawei and JAC over long-term cooperation involving its struggling luxury division, according to multiple reports emerging from Italy and China and subsequently confirmed to Reuters by two sources familiar with the negotiations. The proposal is considerably more substantial than a conventional technology or component-sharing arrangement. Reports suggest Huawei could provide its Harmony Intelligent Mobility technology, software and electronic architecture, while JAC would contribute engineering and potentially manufacturing expertise. Maserati would meanwhile supply design, luxury positioning, and access to its international distribution network. Perhaps most strikingly, the partners are reportedly considering a dual-brand arrangement under which a common vehicle could be sold as a Maextro – JAC and Huawei’s luxury marque – in China and as a Maserati elsewhere. The first jointly developed model could enter production before the end of 2027 should the parties reach a final agreement. Such an arrangement would give Maserati rapid access to the highly developed electric vehicle, software, and connected-car technologies now emerging from China while dramatically reducing the cost and development time associated with creating an all-new architecture independently. But it would also raise fundamental questions concerning the future engineering and manufacturing identity of one of Italy’s most historic automotive brands. Stellantis has neither confirmed nor denied the talks. Responding to Reuters, the automotive giant said that as part of normal business it holds discussions with
Sep 7, 2026 · via goauto.com.au