By William Damsky
According to CNET, Toyota’s (NYSE:TM) European Touch Life infotainment system is the first OEM platform permitting a true mirror image of the smartphone on the car’s in-dash display. It uses the MirrorLink standard (previously called Terminal Mode).
Actually Alpine Electronics (TYO:6816) has also shown a MirrorLink system, due in November in Europe, that also mimics the smartphone capabilities on the car’s display.
Toyota’s new car radio works best with certain Nokia (NYSE:NOK) phones (running Symbian Belle) for full mirror imaging of the phone. Drivers can use the phone’s telephone and map features, and audio functions all from the car’s touch screen while driving. Other apps may be accessed but only when the car is parked.
The system will also work with an Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) iPhone to a limited degree, permitting access to Facebook, Stitcher and Twitter and other Internet radio and news apps as well as Garmin (NASDAQ:GRMN) StreetPilot.
No information on Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) Android compatibility with the Toyota system was available.
CNET says BMW, Audi (ETR:NSU) and General Motors (NYSE:GM) are also using MirrorLink but in a stripped down fashion because of U.S. liability issues.
Toyota Touch Life is available on European Toyota Avensis, Prius, and Verso models.
Source: CNET
William Damsky is an Author and Editor at CEoutlook.
