First BMW integrated the iPhone into the vehicle lineup. Then Audi followed suit with their iPhone-integration announcement. If you’re a fan of German cars (we sure are), it doesn’t get much better than that. Or, does it?

Audi, apparently not satisfied with integrating Apple’s iconic iPhone into their vehicles, has a new concept on their hands. The Audi metroproject concept, dubbed the “Audi Mobile Device,” is an iPhone-like mobile phone that also controls the vehicle’s functions. Keyless entry, heating/cooling, navigation input, audio/video - they’re all controlled from the Audi Mobile Device’s touchscreen. And, once you get inside your car, the 3G and WiFi packin’ device slots right into the dashboard - slick.

But it doesn’t end there. The Audi Mobile Device is wirelessly linked with your vehicle at all times, and will not only notify you of a break-in but also snap a pic of the intruder with your Audi’s on-board camera and wirelessly beam it to you. Then, if said intruder actually makes off with the car, the system will activate its tracking function (think LoJack) - leading you and the cops to the robber’s hideout.

Cars are becoming increasingly more wired these days, so it just makes sense for mobile phone convergence to cross over into the automotive world. Soon your mobile phone will also be your car key, will also be your audio/video player, will also be your vehicle’s anti-theft system, and will also be your car’s remote control. We’re not sure if the Audi metroproject concept will actually make it into production, but we’re crossing our fingers.

More pics of the Audi Mobile Device’s interface.



[Via: Motorauthority]

Labels: Mobile

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