CES Wrap-up: Car Tech and GPS (photos)

2010 will go down in the history books as the year that the internet finally came to the car. However, what's more important is just how automakers choose to use that robust data connection. One such solution came in the form of this Chevy Volt smartphone app.

OEM supplier Visteon displayed its framework for in car apps, including this demonstration of in-car internet radio.

While Visteon's demo was more of a proof of concept, Ford was displaying the real deal with a new Sync apps platform and a new interface called myFord Touch that will debut in production vehicles later this year. We were so impressed with this new tech suite, that we picked it as our Best of CES winner in the Car Tech and GPS category.

Kia showed off a number of future technologies, such as haptic controllers and digital mobile television.

However, the real draw at Kia's booth was the automaker's new UVO voice command interface that will debut on the 2011 Sorento.

The AVIC-X920BT gave Ford's myFord Touch a strong run for its Best of CES money, with Pandora Internet Radio connectivity, an upgraded driving economy tracker, and a plug-in called MusicSphere that creates custom playlists based on mood.

Alpine refreshes its mech-less line of receivers with Pandora Internet Radio connectivity via iPhone app.

Speaking of mech-less, 2010 is also the year that other manufacturers, such as Pioneer, started to see the appeal of dropping the often unused CD slot.

Sony's mech-less solution is a bit, er, unconventional, featuring an internal storage bin for your Zune or iPod.

Kenwood sticks with a more traditional single-DIN form-factor for it's mech-less unit, but adds value with in-dash video playback.

GPS devices ranged from the huge Motonav TN700, with its integrated Google Search...

To the minuscule TomTom Ease, which brings advanced features such as TTS to an entry-level price point.

Garmin's GPS offering wasn't a portable navigation device, but an add-on module that connects your current Nuvi to your car's computer and sensors.

Although best known for its radar detectors, Escort displayed a GPS solution at CES. The Entourage is a security device keeps track of your car's position on the web when you're away from the wheel.

The SafeDriver and EconoDriver are key fobs that do more than just hold your keys together. These little devices connect to a wireless OBD-II reader to tell you how safely and how efficiently you're driving.