Consumer electronics solutions

Wireless technologies, networking alternatives vie for acceptance as the auto industry scrambles to keep up with consumer demands for infotainment options.

Though the drive to integrate MP3 players and video into ears is well under way, questions over consumer technologies are popping up faster than answers. Competing networks and wireless communication schemes offer automotive engineers something of a Beta-VHS question, with video playing a major role in the decision that will eventually evolve. One bright spot for developers is that, as they roll out various solutions to these and other questions, they will be able to add functions without taking more of the precious space behind dashboards.

Chipmakers continue to jam more onto semiconductors, letting system designers offer more options. They will need to offer many, since MP3 players and other new technologies emerge at warp speed, making flexibility the watchword for automakers.