Phone maker Nokia has teamed up with two different car makers to build phone linkups into their cars. Just add a phone, and the car becomes one.
In separate announcements, Nokia has partnered with both Ford and Nissan to offer phone connectivity the the respective company's automobiles.
The Ford Focus and C-Max, in addition to other future Ford models, will include Nokia-designed phone integration based on a Bluetooth phone or a phone connected via a special mobile holder and cable. Most major phone options can then be accessed via in-car controls. These functions include searching the phonebook, initiating and taking calls, as well as reading and sending text messages. Incoming calls and messages are shown on the radio display for easier viewing. Many functions can also be voice activated, using various speaker-dependent or speaker-independent commands, depending on the phone. Those car models will also include an external GSM antenna to improve reception.
The Nissan Pirmera will include a different system that offers essentially the same functionality. The Nissan system, also developed in conjunction with Nokia, is based on the car company's N-FORM control system and OS. It is built around a 7-inch LCD display, and also supports phone book access, speed dialing, taking calls, etc. The Nissan system includes a baseplate onto which different mobile holders can be attached in order to support phones from different manufacturers. Whether the connection is via Bluetooth or cable is unclear.
The Nissan system is already being deployed n Europe, while the Ford system will be available in Europe by the end of the year. Availability in other markets is currently unknown.
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