Volkswagen Beetle
IN PHOTO: Classic Volkswagen Beetle cars are displayed during the 3rd annual "Classic Volkswagen Show" in Karachi February 1, 2015. Around 100 cars and jeeps were displayed at the classic Volkswagen car show organized by the Motorheads Pakistan and Volkswagen Club of Pakistan (Karachi Chapter). Reuters

The 2016 models of Volkswagen will get the combination of Android Auto, Apple Carplay or MirrorLink in its new infotainment systems. Volkswagen announced on July 29 that its MIB II second-generation modular infotainment platform will support all the three car interfaces in all its 2016 models, except for the 2016 Touareg and Eos models.

Besides smartphone integration, MIB II platform has higher-resolution screens, faster processing speeds, and better graphics than MIB I, which made its debut in 2015 Volkswagen Golf models. While the lower end system has a 5-inch, 400x240-pixel resistive touch display, the high end option has an 800x480-pixel capacitive touch screen, which can range in size from 6.3 to 8 inches, reports PC World.

“The all-new infotainment system not only creates the foundation for the next generation of Volkswagen’s Car-Net connected vehicle services platform, but also offers one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle services and features available in the automotive industry today,” said Volkswagen. The automaker also explained that the new technology will make it easier for consumers to access information and the first 2016 models featuring the new infotainment system will reach showrooms late July 2015.

Volkswagen was the first automobile company that had announced support for MirrorLink. The number of automakers that are working towards supporting Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink are increasing and in the 2016, these safer driving options are likely to gain momentum, reports PC World.

Google and Apple have already expressed their interest in the automotive sector. While Google is reportedly working on its "Driverless car," Apple is working towards its "Electric Car." Besides that, the tech giants are trying to compete against each other as the mainstream automotive companies are embracing the idea of connected cars and advanced technologies. With the automakers coming up with new auto products or the facelifted versions of their existing products, inclusion of "connected car" platforms could be one of the factors influencing consumers’ decision.

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