CES 2015: Audi and LG show-off smart watch collaboration

One of the highlighted keynotes today was from car maker Audi. During their hour long session they announced in-car partnerships with Android Wear manufacturers LG, Samsung and NVIDIA. Exciting, yes, but it wasn't the subtle Easter egg that caught a sharp journalists eye. No, something else had people talking -- the watch Ulrich Hackenberg had on during the presentation. Bearing a striking resemblence to the in-market LG G Watch R, the yet-to-be-named watch looked strikingly more refined with a stainless steel bezel and leather strap. 

The Verge reached out to LG for comment, to which they confirmed that the watch was made specifically for Audi and runs a customized version of Android Wear.

Want.

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Audi, Mazda, Jeep, Chrysler and Alfa Romeo rally behind Apple's CarPlay connected platform

The connected car platform wars are heating up. Audi, Mazda, Jeep, Chrysler, Fiat and Alfa Romeo have joined the growing list of Apple CarPlay partners whose upcoming models will offer the ability for users to plug in their iPhones and control various functions and apps right from their car's touchscreen or via Siri.

Many of these manufacturers and sub-brands are also part of Google's Open Automotive Alliance which means the type of smartphone you own may be a big determining factor on the next car you buy. CarPlay has 31 partners so far and companies like Pioneer and Alpine are creating CarPlay head units for those of us with older cars but who want the latest tech. Check out our video demo of Apple's CarPlay on the sexy $300,000 Ferrari FF.

Source: Apple

Janelle Monáe and M.I.A. will use holograms to perform together live at Audi launch

After 2Pac’s holographic resurrection at Coachella in 2012, we know the definition of live performances have been changed forever. Audi wants to carry on the tradition at the launch of the new A3 on April 3. M.I.A. and Janelle Monáe will be performing a cross-country duet of two new songs with the help of holograms. Monáe will be playing her set in Los Angeles, while M.I.A. will perform in New York. They will close the show together with the two songs.

According to the press release, "The set utilizes 3D projection mapping to add layered depth of field perception with animated graphic content, the result of which will be an electric never-before-seen 3D bi-coastal performance." We’d have to see for ourselves how they’re going to pull this off though.

Source: Spin

Expect more Android-equipped cars with new Google Open Automotive Alliance

Seems the Google and Hyundai Glass app integration was just the start. Google partners with some big automotive industry names to start what is called the Open Automotive Alliance. Google and NVIDIA is teaming up with Audi, Hyundai, GM and Honda to integrate Android further into cars. The alliance aims to push the boundaries of car innovation and help develop more intuitive and safer car technology. They plan to release new projects as early as this year so expect to see more of Google in your next automobile.