All this in-car iPhone integration is cool and all, but what about the millions of us BlackBerry users that would like for our cars and smartphones to communicate. Finally, someone has recognized the void in the market, and that someone is Jaguar, a brand who seems to be shaking up automotive news almost on the daily as of late.
Debuting at BlackBerry World 2011, Jaguar revealed its new system, developed in conjunction with RIM, Denso, and RealVNC. After porting ones 'Berry directly into the car's dash, the user is given complete control of their phone through a rich, eight-inch touch screen. For those concerned with safety, the system allows owners to configure and "lock out" apps that may be distracting while in motion. Mobile BrickBreaker? Yeah, not a good idea. In addition to phone functionality, music can be streamed via BlueTooth to the Jag's speakers, which if you've opted for a Bowers and Wilkins system, you know will sound nothing short of amazing.
Jaguar says the system could be available in its cars by as early as next year, so if you're a loyal BlackBerry user that's been growing extremely frustrated with the lack of love, hold on. Help is on the way!
Source: Engadget (Video)/Jaguar
Press Release:
PIONEERING INTEGRATION BY JAGUAR LAND ROVER, RIM, DENSO AND REALVNC®
Jaguar Land Rover joins with Research In Motion (RIM), DENSO and Real VNC® to unveil 'Connect and View', the latest generation of integrated mobile phone and in-vehicle infotainment systems.
The level of integration possible between a car and a BlackBerry® smartphone is taking a step further at the BlackBerry WorldTM 2011 conference today with the unveiling of an innovative new system that projects the display of a BlackBerry smartphone onto the central touchscreen of a vehicle.
Demonstrated on a Jaguar XJ connected with a BlackBerry® smartphone, the system, called Connect and ViewTM, provides the usual making and receiving of calls via the phone but adds functionality that can allow applications, such as music and navigation applications operating on the smartphone, to be accessed and displayed on the large, central touchscreen fitted to the XJ. The system only allows approved apps to be displayed and controlled, and data from the vehicle's systems can also be utilised by the smartphone. The system benefits customers with ease of use, greater functionality and the ability to access personal content from their smartphone within the vehicle's systems.
Bob Joyce, Jaguar Land Rover Group Engineering Director said: "We're proud to be a part of such innovation that has efficiency, convenience and clever integration at its core. The system will make a significant difference to the way our customers use the entertainment systems on our vehicles as well as their smartphones."
Connect and ViewTM is being showcased for the very first time at BlackBerry World and on the Jaguar XJ, which has been widely acclaimed for its class-leading technology and design. The XJ was recently awarded the 2011 International Luxury Car of the Year by the International Car of The Year jury.
Tom Blackie, Vice President of Mobile at RealVNC® software added, "We are excited to work with such prestigious brands as BlackBerry, Jaguar, Range Rover and Land Rover. Their choice to adopt VNC and the confidence to move towards production with our solution gives us great belief of the applicability of VNC to the automotive industry."
"We're pleased to work with Jaguar Land Rover, DENSO and RealVNC to support the integration of smartphones with in-car systems," said Tyler Lessard, Vice President, Global Alliances & Developer Relations at RIM. "Many BlackBerry applications can have practical benefits for in-car use, and Connect and View can help make those applications more accessible in a convenient and safe way."
Connect and View TMwill be available in both Jaguar and Land Rover products in late 2012.
JAGUAR LAUNCH IPHONE & BLACKBERRY APPLICATION WITH TELEGRAPH MEDIA GROUP
Jaguar has launched a new iPhone and Blackberry application with the Telegraph Media Group (TMG), to provide users with business, sport and technology-related news around the clock. The application is free to download from the iTunes store.
The Jaguar branded application, named 'Driven Intelligence', is aimed at busy professionals who require information at their fingertips and whilst on the go. It offers individuals the ability to personalise all content ensuring that the news important to them is delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible.
This Jaguar App offers the latest domestic and international news; all the cricket info and updates you could need; technology and lifestyle articles; the ability to create and update your own stocks and shares portfolio plus business news and features, including the twice-daily Business Bullet through a variety of different channels such as live feeds, bulletins, video content or timed update. Jaguar content includes news, photo galleries, wallpaper and video of Jaguar's latest models plus exclusive Jaguar competitions with the chance to win tickets to the Test Match this summer.
Ryan Rummery, On-line Agency Sales Manager, TMG, said: "At TMG we are committed to innovation and development so we're delighted to be partnering with Jaguar on this lifestyle app. The application gives the busy professional and sports enthusiast what they want by creating a condensed, easy to use app with the ability to personalise content, at the click of a button.
"Users with an interest in stocks and shares, for instance, will be able to receive analysis and news in real-time from IST's DeltaStream technology via MoneyAM, whilst sports fans will be able to receive live cricket results for the team they follow."
Geoff Cousins, Managing Director, Jaguar UK said: " With our three new models challenging perceptions about Jaguar – and winning conquest sales from other car brands - it is a key element of our marketing strategy that we reach out to an audience that may not have considered our vehicles before. We are looking at employing a range of innovative channels that will take content about our vehicles – and the all-new XJ in particular – to the heart of the business community. TMG has created a great app that will take daily news plus reviews and imagery of our striking new cars, straight to the Blackberry's and iPhones of this key audience."
Media Agency Mindshare created the opportunity for Jaguar with TMG.
Dana Hadid, Digital Account Director at Mindshare, said "We are delighted to be working with the Telegraph to deliver something so innovative and different for Jaguar. This kind of content creation deal is how we believe brands should be behaving online today, and this has provided an ideal environment to launch the new XJ and reach successful businessman on a platform that is pivotal to their lives."
The 'Driven Intelligence' iPhone application is one element of TMG's ongoing 360 media campaign for the launch of Jaguar's XJ model. The campaign includes display activity as well as in-paper ads that will run for four months and a splash page on the website with info on how to download the app.
The new Jaguar XJ is priced from £53,900. For more information go to www.jaguar.co.uk
