automotive Archives

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

Honda Civics And Installing Software With Android Test Keys

Eric McDonald conducted reverse-engineering on the Android-based infotainment system in a 2021 Honda Civic, revealing a significant vulnerability. The head unit can be updated via USB using accessible standard Android Open Source Project (AOSP) test keys. This exploit, named the EvilValet attack, allows anyone with physical access to the car's USB port to execute arbitrary code signed with these test keys. While confirmed only in the 2021 Honda Civic, similar Android-based systems may also be at risk due to shared technology across different vehicle models. This vulnerability raises concerns about vehicle security as it allows unauthorized users to manipulate the system through a USB connection.

AppWizard

June 16, 2026

Malaysia’s AI agent-powered messaging app Respond.io raises $62.5M, eyes acquisitions

In 2017, Respond.io was founded to help businesses adapt to customer shifts towards messaging applications. It is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and recently raised million in a Series B funding round, following a million Series A round in 2022. The company reported an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of million, a 169% year-over-year increase, with a 30% profit margin. Co-founders include Gerardo Salandra (CEO), Hassan Ahmed (CTO), and Yaroslav Kudritskiy (COO), who initially started the company in Hong Kong before relocating to Malaysia. Respond.io's platform caters to mid- to large-sized B2C enterprises, facilitating customer interactions across various messaging channels and utilizing AI for efficiency. The target market consists of "high-consideration" businesses, with an ideal customer profile of companies having 200 to 10,000 employees. Respond processes 2 billion messages quarterly and has a unique pricing model based on conversation volume rather than per user. The company emphasizes a data flywheel effect that enhances AI capabilities through increased message volume. Plans for growth include hiring, organic expansion, and strategic acquisitions, particularly in Europe and North America, which are projected to become larger revenue segments. Currently, revenue is distributed with 30% from APAC, 30% from Latin America, and 20% from the Middle East and Africa, with the remaining 20% from North America and Western Europe. Salandra expressed a cautious approach to growth and aspirations for a future public offering on Nasdaq.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Wash and Polish Rides! Car Wash Simulator Gets a PC Demo

A free demo of Car Wash Simulator is now available on PC, with the full version set to launch in 2026 for PC and later for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game is developed by Majestic Twelve and published by Wildlands Interactive and Ultimate Games S.A. It features intricate car-cleaning mechanics, business management, and reputation-building strategies. Players can wash cars, upgrade equipment, and make strategic decisions that affect their reputation. The demo, available on Steam starting June 10, showcases key gameplay mechanics. The game supports multiple languages and is designed for a single player. Minimum system requirements for the demo include Windows 10 64-bit, Intel Core i5-7600K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 CPU, 8 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 GPU, and 10 GB of available SSD space.

AppWizard

June 9, 2026

Android Auto vs. Android Automotive: 5 major things that separate the two

Android Automotive is an operating system that runs directly on a vehicle's hardware, allowing access to features like navigation and music streaming without needing a smartphone connection. It manages various car functions, including climate control and seat ventilation, and can interact with Google’s Gemini for system control. In contrast, Android Auto mirrors a smartphone's interface on the car's display and primarily provides access to screen and audio output. Updates for Android Auto are managed through the smartphone, while Android Automotive updates are delivered by the vehicle manufacturer, which can vary in timeliness. Android Auto is widely available across many vehicles, whereas Android Automotive is less common and requires manufacturers to integrate it into the car's architecture.

AppWizard

June 5, 2026

Now There’s Finally a Way to Get Apple CarPlay in Your GM-Built EV

General Motors plans to phase out Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in its electric vehicles. In response, EVPlay has introduced the EVPlay LT, a device that allows users to continue using these smartphone integration features in GM-built EVs. The EVPlay LT costs , requires no subscription fees, and offers both wired and wireless connectivity. It is compatible with various GM electric vehicles, including the 2024–2026 Chevy Equinox EV, Blazer EV, Silverado EV, GMC Sierra EV, Hummer EV, and Cadillac Escalade IQ. The setup involves downloading an app to the vehicle's infotainment system and connecting the device via USB, which takes about two minutes. EVPlay also offers a premium version, the EVPlay Max, priced at 9, which includes additional features like video streaming and gaming. However, EVPlay has noted the risk that GM could disable the software after installation.

AppWizard

June 3, 2026

So long suckers! I am leaving to drink heavily and repair cheap cars in Poland

Josh Wolens has transitioned to a new life as a car mechanic near Białystok, where he enjoys vodka. He found inspiration in a game called Cheap Car Repair, which simulates car repair in a Polish village during the '90s. The game involves cutting corners in repairs, pocketing air filters, listening to Slavic pop music, and consuming vodka. It offers a comedic yet meditative experience, similar to Powerwash Simulator, focusing on the process of car restoration. A demo of Cheap Car Repair is available on Steam.

Winsage

June 2, 2026

ARM CEO gifts Nvidia CEO Huang with historic Windows-ARM device

ARM showcased its latest innovations at Computex, highlighting advancements in mobile and embedded computing that enhance performance and prioritize energy efficiency. The company unveiled new processor designs for artificial intelligence, automotive, and IoT sectors, focusing on superior processing power with low power consumption. Notable announcements included the ARM Cortex-X3, aimed at improving mobile gaming and streaming experiences with enhanced graphics performance. ARM also announced partnerships to foster a robust ecosystem for seamless integration of its technologies. The new designs incorporate advanced AI capabilities for smarter devices, are tailored for automotive safety and connectivity, and are optimized for IoT applications.

AppWizard

May 31, 2026

Rivian’s Head Of Software Thinks CarPlay And Android Auto Will Be Replaced With AI Agents You Talk To And I Think That’s Stupid

Wassym Bensaid, Rivian’s Chief Software Officer, advocates for voice controls as the primary means of interaction in vehicles, envisioning cars as platforms for conversational AI. He describes physical buttons as an “anomaly” and emphasizes a shift towards digitized interfaces, with Rivian currently using touch screens for controls. Rivian avoids integrating features like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to maintain control over the user experience, as Bensaid believes screen mirroring solutions take over the car's interface. He envisions voice commands enabling seamless interactions, such as opening the trunk with verbal prompts, although this raises practicality concerns. Bensaid also discusses potential AI integration for calendar and email management in cars, which critics argue may complicate rather than simplify user interactions. The automotive industry faces challenges in balancing innovation with user preferences, especially considering the average car lifespan in America exceeds 12 years, raising questions about the longevity of integrated software solutions.

AppWizard

May 29, 2026

I tried different Android Auto weather apps – these 3 are best for storm nerds like me

The selection of weather applications for Android Auto is limited, with MyRadar and Weather & Radar being the primary options. MyRadar is a comprehensive weather app that provides live radar tracking, various mapping options, and a premium feature called RouteCast for forecasting weather along a route. Weather & Radar offers hourly and daily forecasts, interactive maps, and severe weather alerts but lacks advanced route projection features. There is also a basic Weather widget for Android Auto that provides limited information.

AppWizard

May 28, 2026

Rivian Software Chief Says Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Are Redundant in the World of AI

Rivian's Chief Software Officer, Wassym Bensaid, has stated that the integration of artificial intelligence in vehicles may soon replace dedicated app integration, moving beyond traditional screen mirroring methods. He argues that current reliance on screen mirroring detracts from the user experience designed by automotive engineers. Rivian plans to use voice commands to enhance user interaction and create a more cohesive experience. Bensaid believes that with Rivian's level of integration and convenience, traditional systems like CarPlay and Android Auto may become obsolete. This shift could allow automakers greater control over customer experiences and new revenue opportunities, although the transition will take time as the necessary tools are still being developed.