CARS.COM — Hot on the heels of Ford’s announcement today that it would offer Android Auto and Apple CarPlay across much of its lineup by year’s end, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles followed suit. FCA said the new-and-improved fourth generation of its Uconnect multimedia system will be available globally in select vehicles this year, and offer the Android and Apple smartphone-integration systems.
Related: Ford Adds Apple CarPlay, Android Auto to Lineup
FCA made the announcement in conjunction with its appearance at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, which runs Wednesday through Saturday. Both systems will allow drivers to pair their smartphone with Uconnect and project the phone on the screen, giving drivers access to phone-based functions and apps with minimized distraction. In offering these systems, FCA and Ford follow the lead of other major automakers like GM and Hyundai.
In addition to the Android Auto and Apple CarPlay upgrades, the next-gen version of Uconnect will include a number of other updates. FCA said the multimedia system’s new features will include a capacitive touch-screen, faster startup time, improved processing power and input responsiveness, enhanced resolution and brightness, and an updated navigation system.
In addition to an introduction to the new Uconnect system, CES visitors can check out an exhibit of FCA’s forward-looking technologies. These futuristic concepts include: predictive technology, which monitors daily driving habits, preferences and personal calendars to deliver timely individualized info; “vehicle-to-X” communication, enabling vehicles to communicate with one another to reduce common types of crashes; workload manager, helping limit distraction by delivering prioritized info in critical driving situations; community tagging, enabling the vehicle to identify hazardous conditions and share that info with other cars; and follow-me mode, allowing drivers to tail other vehicles.
Check back with for more 2016 CES news as it happens.