Additionally, popular services like Pandora, MOG and Stitcher can be easily and safely streamed into and controlled by the BMW vehicle interface.

ENGADGET: BMW and Mini cars add iOS integration for Audible, Glympse, Rhapsody and TuneIn

Residing in hall space a fair distance away from the likes of the Toyota and Sony, the automotive division of Alps Electric was demonstrating a forward-looking vehicle interface at CEATEC 2012.

ENGADGET: Alps Electric integrates motion sensors and eye detection into vehicle cockpit of the future (video)

The on-board monitor in BMW and MINI provides users with the simplicity and familiarity they have come to trust in their iPhone and iPod touch and the intuitive and integrated iPod navigation menu can be safely operated through the vehicle's interface controls.

ENGADGET: BMW supports iPod Out, fills your 2011 auto with 2001's finest user interface

For example, the same interface could be made adaptable to both an office environment and a moving vehicle, with the system dynamically making the necessary changes to user interface behavior as the environment changes.

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This proprietary interface represents Hyundai's vision for future vehicle HMI and sets a new benchmark in active driver safety technology.

ENGADGET: Hyundai unveils HCD-14 Genesis concept: suicide doors, gesture and eye controls

The new SYNC AppLink will seamlessly integrate apps using the vehicle's voice and user interface controls, including buttons on the steering wheel, increasing eyes-on-the-road and hands-on-the-wheel time.

ENGADGET: Ford's Sync AppLink bringing in-car voice control to Android, BlackBerry apps

Mustang will be the first vehicle that will offer AppLink with the standard SYNC interface, as well as be integrated into the optional Voice-Activated Navigation System, providing the additional convenience of an 8-inch touch screen for control.

ENGADGET: Ford SYNC AppLink hands-on in a little green Fiesta

As part of the alliance with Pecan Street, OnStar will make its smart grid interface available so researchers can develop new services and gather data on driver and vehicle behavior.

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