Japanese car maker Honda has added more pizzazz to the 2014 Civic by introducing the next-generation HondaLink Technology and a new Display Audio system, which is a 7-inch built-in touchscreen with certain functions powered by an iPhone.
On Tuesday, December 3, Honda announced that the Display Audio system will offer a smartphone-like functionality - the drivers and passengers can touch, swipe and pinch the display to access maps, contacts and media.
"Display Audio and HondaLink are pioneering technologies that seamlessly and intuitively integrate the power and functionality of a customers' smartphone directly into their vehicle," said Charles Koch, manager of new business development for American Honda. "Staying connected to the latest music, information, news, traffic updates, even friends and family, is a must-have capability for a new generation of car buyers."
Honda also announced four new iOS apps that will allow iPhone users to interact with the new Display Audio interface and get more functionality. They are:
HondaLink Connect app, which will be available for free, can enable users to find point-of-interest locations, save favorite destinations and view weather forecasts. The app will also allow users to be in touch with some maintenance information related to their vehicle such as setting up service appointments and more.
The HondaLink Navigation app has a price tag of $59.99 and can be downloaded to a user's phone. Users can then stream an entire navigation system into their Honda dashboard display. The app provides convenience of in-vehicle maps and routing, which includes continuous update of traffic information for freeways, highways and major surface streets. Drivers can also use the steering wheel controls to interact with the HondaLink Navigation app without taking their eyes off the road.
HondaLink Aha app offers its users access to cloud-based services from their vehicle's dashboard, allowing them to keep their smartphone away when driving. The free-to-download app also offers on-demand radio stations.
HondaLink App Launcher is a free download which will allow users find apps that are compatible with the HondaLink Next Generation platform.
The company also took the opportunity to announce that the 2014 Honda Civic and the 2015 Honda Fit are also the first Honda cars with Siri Eyes Free built-in.
Honda confirmed that the Display Audio system is compatible with Apple's iPhone 5, iPhone 5s and the iPhone 5c. The latest Display Audio is not the full implementation of Apple's iOS in the Car but the display system along with HondaLink apps represents a step forward in smartphone-vehicle integration.
