CES 2009: In-car "infotainment" puts more in small packages

There's more to CES than TVs, computers, and cameras. That's the message from mobile electronics companies—makers of GPS devices, satellite and HD radio, and car audio/video systems—who are showcasing their wares despite the woes of their automotive-industry counterparts.

Our colleagues in the Auto department are canvassing CES for new trends and products. Here's what they've seen and heard so far:

Convergence is the buzzword. The focus of in-car electronics companies will be to pack more useful features into existing hardware. From music to real-time traffic, companies are looking to enhance the behind-the-wheel experience.

Product closeup: The first in-dash Internet radio. With the new Blaupunkt radio (available in the second half of 2009) and a Bluetooth-enabled smart phone drivers will be able to beam music from thousands of Internet radio stations through their car's speakers. Since listening to most Internet radio is free and Blaupunkt doesn't require a subscription, this could be a serious competitor to satellite radio.

Our colleagues at Which?, an independent consumer magazine in the United Kingdom, took a quick look at the Blaupunkt radios. (You can watch Which's video using the embedded player on the right.)

Product closeup: Rand McNally's scenic routes and city guides on your GPS. Navigon announced that this spring, users will be able to download more than 250 scenic routes and 1,400 city guides in the U.S. and Canada and access them on select navigators. The guides will include attractions, dining, and points of interest – and how to get to them, of course.

Be sure to check the Consumer Reports Cars Blog for continuous updates on mobile electronics from CES. And of course, we have our own CES coverage here on the Electronics Blog as well.

—Nick K. Mandle