As we anticipate a future where self-driving cars traverse the earth, let’s take a look at how companies are planning to make that sci-fi dream a reality, in this week’s Smart Car roundup.

Connected Car Expo

Connected car enthusiasts will be making their way to Los Angeles on November 19-21, 2013 for the LA Auto Show’s Connected Car Expo.

The event is a one-day conference and three-day expo for automotive and technology companies to showcase their designs and innovations for the future of connected cars.  Attendees will have access to personalities, key players and top media constructing the future of the connected car.

Exhibitors include Verizon, Sprint, Qualcomm, Abalta, and Hertz to name a few, and will showcase companies shaping the future of connected cars such as VoicePark, Bluetooth Keyless, and Livio Connect.  Keynote speakers will include Ford Motor Company’s Jim Farley, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, Sales, Service and Lincoln, and Tarun Bhatnagar, Director of Google Maps for Business.

FASTPITCH

Splunk has teamed up with the Connected Car Expo to deliver the first ever FASTPITCH competition.  Entrepreneurs and independent ventures in the seed, startup or early stage of development within the automotive or technology sector have an opportunity to pitch their original business concept to a judging panel comprised of VCs, incubators and CEOs.

Those who were able to sign up for the competition should attempt to solve an issue related to the connected car and/or automotive industry or pitch original ideas that can address topics including automotive data, mapping, emissions, environmental issues, in-car apps, in-car entertainment, parking and telematics.

First place winner will receive a Splunk Start Program Enterprise License which includes 20GB for 12-month term, Splunk education, marketing and support teams valued at $40,000.  Second place winner will get a CCE 2014 Exhibit Space valued at $30,000, and the third place will get a Top Tech Showcase Space at CCE 2014 valued at $9,000.

Chevy now one of Europe’s most connected car brands

Chevrolet introduced the MyLink technology in Europe in 2012, and it quickly captured the hearts of motorists.  It’s easy to use and allows drivers to stay connected while on the road, as well as keeping people safe by ensuring that the driver’s eyes remain on the road and hands on the wheel.

MyLink is a radio that has a 7-8” high-resolution screen, allowing users to access their choice of media, including specialist apps such as phone books, personal playlists, photo galleries, and other stored data, from their smartphone or tablet.  Users can also connect mass storage devices such as MP3 players, iPods and iPads via USB, Bluetooth or aux-in jacks.  MyLink is voice activated, so users won’t have to fumble with it when they want to call someone or play a particular song.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Chevy revealed a few new features for MyLink.  It now includes a text-to-speech feature which allows them to hear mails or text messages, and a rearview camera to improve visuals during parking maneuvers.