Later this year, the iPhone will interface with the Beetle and Beetle Convertible via a specially developed app and a docking station.

The iBeetle is the first model line from the Volkswagen Group in which the iPhone will become an integrated component.

Volkswagen offers two different ways to acquire the interface between iPhone and Beetle: as an app or as a standard feature of the new iBeetle and iBeetle Convertible.

Both special models will be launched at the beginning of 2014.

The app, docking station and iBeetle made their world debut at the 2013 Shanghai Auto Show.

Volkswagen said the newly designed docking station is located centrally on the dashboard of the Beetle: the iPhone simply snaps in to integrate it with the car. Essentially, all iPhone functions can be used in the Beetle; the iPhone can be used to navigate, make calls hands-free, listen to music, and much more.

The Beetle app

When this app is launched on an iPhone, it can either connect the phone to the Beetle via the docking station or wirelessly.

Each option allows for different app functions to be accessed, as described by Volkswagen:

• Spotify: lets users stream media such as new songs, customized playlists or online radio stations into the Beetle. Those who wish can post their favorite music directly to friends. In addition, users in the Beetle can switch between “Spotify” and “iTunes” at any time.
• Expert: offers five functions which make the iPhone an extended on-board instrument of the Beetle, such as a G-Meter (for measuring lateral acceleration), oil and coolant temperature gauges for the engine, a chronometer, and a compass.
• Trainer: can be used to compare driving times, distances, and fuel economy values for different routes between any two destinations. Here, too, tips can be posted via social networks like Twitter and Facebook — such as which route is faster to the office.
• Reader: lists the latest messages from social networks like Facebook, and reads iPhone messages aloud.
• Postcard: Sends the current location of the Beetle to friends as a digital postcard with a map motif.
• Photo: Sends photos taken inside the car to numerous social networks. Simply activate it, and the app does the rest.
• Milestones: Available when the smartphone is undocked. Rewards its users with virtual “milestone stickers” for the Beetle when certain tasks have been completed.

The iBeetle

Volkswagen said the iBeetle is one of the first cars in the world to have a genuine integrative interface for the iPhone that was coordinated with Apple.

As mentioned, the special model will be available as a Coupe and Convertible. The colors and equipment features of the iBeetle are stylistically linked to the Cupertino-based US company, bringing its smartphones into harmony with Volkswagen’s iconic Beetle design.

The iBeetle, which will be available in early 2014, will come with other customized features in addition to the standard iPhone interface.

On the exterior, they include standard features such as 18-inch “Disc” alloy wheels (painted in “Galvano Grey” with chrome wheel covers), door mirror housings and side trim panels (above the sill) in “Galvano Grey”, black door sill plates with the “iBeetle” signature, “iBeetle” chrome badges (on the front fender) and a “Chrome pack” (includes chrome trim strips on the sides).

In a nod to the iPhone’s color scheme, the new iBeetle can be ordered in “Candy White”, “Oryx White Mother of Pearl Effect”, “Black Monochrome”, “Deep Black Pearl Effect”, “Platinum Grey”, or “Reflex Silver.”

Inside, steering wheel accents and the dash pad are executed in “Galvano Grey”. The iBeetle is also upgraded by a customized shift lever grip, black sport seats in “Vienna” leather, and contrasting seams in light “Ceramique”.

The post Apple And VW Create The iBeetle appeared first on HybridCars.com.

Siri is a voice-based intelligent assistant well known for its presence on recent Apple iPhones.

“The Chevy Sonic and Spark are the first vehicles to offer Siri Eyes Free integration,” said Cristi Landy, Chevrolet marketing director for small cars. “Safe, easy, reliable and portable connectivity is a top priority for our customers, and Siri complements MyLink’s existing capabilities to help deliver an incredible driving experience.”

Chevrolet said through the cars’ standard Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, customers with a compatible iPhone running iOS 6 can direct Siri to perform a number of tasks while they safely keep their eyes on the road and their hands on the wheel. To further minimize distraction, Siri takes hands-free functionality even further with an Eyes Free mode which enables drivers to interact with their iPhones using nothing more than their voice while keeping the device’s screen from lighting up.

Owners simply connect their iPhone with the MyLink radio via Bluetooth, pair with the system, and use the steering wheel voice activation button to begin and end sessions with Siri.

In the 2013 Spark and Sonic vehicles equipped with MyLink, owners can use Siri in Eyes Free mode to:

• Make voice-activated, hands-free calls to Contacts on their iPhone
• Play songs in their iTunes libraries, and even switch music sources automatically from AM/FM/XM radio to iPod mode
• Listen to, and compose and send an iMessage or text message to a phone number or anyone in saved Contacts
• Access Calendar and add appointments
• Minimize distraction even more by keeping the screen of the iPhone from lighting up even when Siri answers simple questions such as game scores or the dates of national holidays

Both the Spark and the Sonic also come with six months of OnStar’s premium Directions and Connections service.

Most smartphone owners can also download the RemoteLink Mobile App, which allows OnStar subscribers to control and manage certain vehicle functions from their phone.

Current 2013 Chevrolet Spark and Sonic owners will be able to upgrade existing MyLink radios for Siri capability beginning in March.

The post Siri Comes To Spark And Sonic appeared first on HybridCars.com.

The EV charger company said that with a new user experience and redesigned look, the ChargePoint EV charging station app now features all EV charging stations installed in the United States, not just those on the ChargePoint network.

Additionally, EV drivers can now easily identify which stations have pricing and exactly how far they are from their location.

The updated ChargePoint EV charging station app is available for free and is said to provide EV drivers direct access to their social network accounts including Facebook and Twitter.

“ChargePoint is the world’s largest electric vehicle global charging network,” said Pat Romano, president and CEO of ChargePoint. “One feature EV drivers have requested is the ability to navigate, access and charge at any electric vehicle charging station, not just those on the ChargePoint network. With more than ten thousand EV charging spots on the ChargePoint network and thousands more out of the network this is the easiest way to find any EV charging station anywhere in North America.”

ChargePoint says it provides the industry’s first and only EV charging station mobile app that give drivers real-time charging station status, detailed station information including pricing and the ability to view your home charging station. EV drivers can make EV charging station reservations, payments and find location information through this app.

According to the company’s website, the revised app allow users to:

• Find charging stations near you or near an address you specify

• Get turn-by-turn directions to charging stations

• See whether a charging station is available before you go

• See station details such as price

• Display a list of stations with a 1,000 foot radius of where you are

• Locate reservable stations and make, view and cancel reservations

• View charging stats while your car charges

• Receive notification when your car is fully charged

• View your ChargePoint account details

The post New ChargePoint EV Charging Station Mobile App appeared first on HybridCars.com.