Automotive technology was a major theme at the 2013 International CES earlier this month as companies embraced cars as the ultimate mobile devices. “CES is a hardware show stuck in a software world, a point driven home in the automotive booths filling the North Hall,” notes Wired. “There were apps, apps and more apps.” The article highlights eight top products that largely focus on in-car entertainment and navigation.

Volvo’s Android-Based Touchscreen Retrofit: Volvo, Ericsson and Parrot teamed up to create a touch and Bluetooth enabled system, which can be retrofitted to knob-and-joystick controlled screens in post-2010 Volvos. The system supports Google Maps as well as entertainment options like Deezer, TuneIn and Spotify.

MirrorLink, Siri Comes to JVC/Kenwood: JVC has created receivers to interact with Android and iOS devices. The Android receiver allows drivers to access music, navigation, and phone capabilities, while the Apple companion includes Siri integration.

Texas Instruments: TI used its new Jacinto 6 processor to create a dashboard display with multipoint touchscreen capabilities. “The display can be scaled to any size and shape and even include curves,” notes Wired. “It also allows for full-color, high-res video, animations and static images to show vehicle info, navigation, entertainment and HVAC controls, which can be reconfigured to suit the driver and passenger.”

Subaru Starlink: Subaru’s new system is not the most attractive or advanced, but has most of the functionality drivers want. With Yelp, Facebook, Twitter, mapping, and podcast capabilities, Subaru’s system boasts an impressive array of apps.

Inrix Global Parking Navigation Service: This system uses data from ParkMe and Parkopedia to navigate drivers to the nearest open parking space, rather than to a destination. The system currently only exists in the aftermarket, but Wired speculates that a smartphone app will soon emerge.

Garmin K2 Platform: Garmin introduced a new navigation system that Wired praises: “Voice controls read out text messages and e-mails; parking, traffic, weather and fuel prices are all beamed down through a data connection; and customized interfaces provide everything from calendar appointments to music playlists in one incredibly slick package.” Garmin used HTML 5 to render accurate 3D models of buildings on the 10-inch multitouch screen.

BMW ConnectedDrive: BMW has partnered with Harman to create a new system centered around its 1280 x 480 display and 1.3GHz processor. The system has Facebook and Twitter integration as well as 3D city models, voice control and location based services.

Aha: Porsche, Subaru, Honda, Ford and Chrysler have integrated Aha, which allows drivers to “stream podcasts, audiobooks, Slacker and MOG radio and some 30,000 channels (from CNN to NPR) of content directly into their car,” explains the article.