Nokia has certainly been a busy little bee, making strategic partnerships left right and centre. The latest announcement sees the Finns working with Alpine Electronics to integrate smartphone handsets into the car dashboard – so you can make the most of those free Ovi Maps with turn-by-turn navigation.
The technology will see car electronics working directly with Nokia handsets by either Bluetooth or a USB cable, so you don’t have to worry about draining the battery. A number of built-in hi-res screens will work in conjunction with audio systems in the vehicle so you can see and hear maps and directions without squinting at your smartphone screen.
Other handy uses will be playing MP3s from your handset through the car’s audio system, and accessing location-based services. For example, if you were running low on fuel in an unfamiliar area you could find your closest petrol station or if your tummy was grumbling you could find your closest drive-thru.
According to Alpine, the technology is ‘close to release’ so you could be trading in for a smarter car sooner than you think.
[via Engadget]
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