Honda Jumps into the Car Connectivity Game with HondaLink

RACINE, WIS. (07/27/2012)(readMedia)-- While other automakers have raced to bring in-vehicle connectivity to market with mixed results, Honda has been more deliberate in the development of its forthcoming telematics system. Just like competitors' offerings, the automaker's new HondaLink system will connect drivers to internet radio, social networks and other apps when it finally debuts in the all-new 2013 Honda Accord this fall, but it has been designed to access all that content in a different way.

Many current in-car technologies require some form of interaction with their onboard hardware to update or add apps, but HondaLink will store and update all content in the cloud from the driver's smartphone. Android and iPhone users will simply download the HondaLink app developed on the Aha by Harman platform, which allows users to centrally personalize their entertainment and communication experience with a variety of digital content. When drivers connect their phone to the car via Bluetooth connectivity or a USB cable, those preset favorites can all be accessed by voice recognition, steering-wheel-mounted controls or dashboard buttons.

"HondaLink's use of the Aha by Harman platform opens up access to a lot more apps than other systems, and because it's based in the cloud, future apps can be installed through a basic smartphone update," said Joe Jardina, Sales Manager at Gentile Honda, a Racine, WI Honda dealership. "More importantly, drivers can use their phone to arrange what they want to listen to before they're even in their car, and then they can safely select and play that content while driving by using voice-recognition technology."

With the HondaLink system, drivers will be able to stream Pandora and Slacker internet radio stations, receive recommendations from Yelp on nearby restaurants and listen to NPR podcasts. Thanks to Aha's cloud storage, HondaLink users can even pause their podcast when they arrive at their destination and listen right where they left off when they return to their car.

For those that can't bear to be away from their friends' status updates, HondaLink will also read Facebook and Twitter posts from the driver's newsfeeds out loud. To further prevent distracted drivers from fumbling with their phones, the system will include voice-to-text SMS capability with preprogrammed responses, a feature that was introduced on the 2012 Honda CR-V.

The new 2013 Honda Fit EV and upcoming Honda Accord Plug-in Hybrid will each feature an offshoot of the automaker's new connectivity technology called HondaLink EV, which was specially designed for electric vehicles. HondaLink EV will remotely monitor the vehicle's charging status, initiate charging and help conserve battery power by starting the air conditioning or heater while the car is still plugged in. In the Fit EV, the smartphone app will also show the vehicle's estimated range.

"The HondaLink EV app will make each customer's transition to their electric vehicle a lot more seamless, intuitive and even fun," added Jardina. "That high level of connectivity will also help them get the most out of every bit of electricity along the way."

About Gentile Honda:

With more than three decades of serving Wisconsin motorists, Gentile Honda strives to deliver a high-quality car-buying experience that is second-to-none. Their knowledgeable Honda sales team adheres to a no-pressure mantra, so local car shoppers can make an informed decision and purchase the vehicle that is right for them. With a broad selection of Honda parts and a state-of-the-art service center, Gentile Honda's expert technicians also get customers back on the road quickly and effectively. Visit their Racine, WI Honda dealership at 6801-C Washington Ave., view their inventory online at www.gentilehonda.com or call 866-944-9831 to schedule a test drive. Gentile Honda can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GentileHonda.