Five
years ago mobile phones were at the forefront of technology, by 2010 the focus
was on tablet computers and now billions of yen, dollars and pounds are being
invested in what is seen as the next digital playground - the car.

Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving a car has been illegal in the UK
since 2003.

But 10 years later, car manufacturers are hoping that the technology regularly found on
smartphones could change the way we use our cars.

Technology is helping motorists drive safely by sensing nearby vehicles.

What this means is app-culture infiltrating the dashboard - from a parking space finder to a
way to get coupons for local restaurants, or directions that can pop up on the
windscreen.

It all relies on the car being connected to the internet, allowing all this information to
arrive without too much searching or button pushing and a lot more focus on
voice commands.

The connected car is already the third fastest growing technological device after phones and
tablets, Intel believes.

"By the end of 2014, every vehicle [big brands] sell will offer some sort of
connectivity”- Jack Bergquist
"Ford has categorically stated that this is selling more cars for them," says Jack
Bergquist of information company IHS.

"Over 50% of consumers would be swayed by the presence of an internet-capable
device."

The phrase currently being used to describe all this connected material is "infotainment".

At present, headlines often focus on the use of social media, integrated internet radio or
clever ways to use voice commands. But the internet could be used for much more
simple - and practical - things.

Science fiction has regularly shown examples of what a more intelligent car could
accomplish

There are already apps that can show local petrol stations and their prices, allowing
drivers to keep going for a few more miles to save a few pence a litre when
filling up a car.
There is also an app to find a car parking space in some major cities, using electronic sensors,
or analysing an aerial view of local street spaces.

Perhaps more interesting are the things you never knew you could find out.

When stopped at a traffic light, trials have shown a system where a time can pop up on the
dashboard letting drivers know how long until it changes.

This is not a cheap business. It is thought billions of pounds have been spent so far on the
development of these services.