Continental is to soon offer a system that will see Android-powered head units getting you connected in your car.

The Android-powered AutoLinQ system (one small element of which is rendered in the video above) is a new "connected services platform" that car makers could choose to install in their motors.

The head unit is capable of downloading existing Android applications while Continental also plans to release an AutoLinQ SDK in the first quarter of 2010 with a specific app store due in the second half of the year.

As well as offering connectivity whilst in the car, the AutoLinQ system will offer remote connectivity to the car via a mobile view from a phone or PC that will let users check the status or location of a vehicle.  

On the obvious map, traffic and location applications, Continental has teamed up with Navteq while a "half-dozen" partners are also already working on early prototype applications said to "combine vehicle and social information to create exciting new experiences".  

These will include "location based social networking applications that can safely be used in the vehicle". We will keep you posted with more as we get it later in the year.

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