Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a verbal request to active an audio playback application on a remote device wirelessly connected to the processor. The processor is also configured to relay the request to the remote device for handling. The processor is further configured to receive a request from the remote device for audio playback. The processor is also configured to select a source channel for incoming audio. The processor is additionally configured to receive incoming audio from the remote device over the selected source channel and playback the incoming audio over a vehicle output.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a vehicle computing system, a notification that an incoming communication is being sent to a wireless device in communication with the vehicle computing system. The method also includes determining that a do not disturb function is active in the vehicle computing system and blocking a notification to a driver regarding the incoming communication. Finally, this method includes sending a command from the vehicle computing system to the wireless device to silence any notification that the wireless device provides in conjunction with the incoming communication.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to receive a request to activate a voice input responsive function on a mobile device. The processor is further configured to send indicia of an incoming call to a vehicle computing system (VCS), responsive to the request. Also, the processor is configured to receive access to an open voice channel originating at the VCS as part of a VCS hands-free call handling for a virtual phone call established by sending the indicia and receive voice input over the hands-free call channel. The processor is additionally configured to pass the voice input to the voice input responsive function. The processor is also configured to receive output from the voice input responsive function and pass the output to the VCS for output to the user.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, an apparatus for transmitting vehicle information to a portable personal communication device (PCD) is provided. The apparatus comprises a communication module positioned in the first vehicle. The communication module is configured to transmit a first signal including static information and dynamic information to the first PCD. The static information includes one of a first vehicle serial number and a vehicle type and the dynamic information includes one of a connect status, a driver alert rating, and a silent alarm. The first PCD is arranged to control operation thereof based on at least one of the static information and the dynamic information.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a vehicle computing system, a notification that an incoming communication is being sent to a wireless device in communication with the vehicle computing system. The method also includes determining that a do not disturb function is active in the vehicle computing system and blocking a notification to a driver regarding the incoming communication. Finally, this method includes sending a command from the vehicle computing system to the wireless device to silence any notification that the wireless device provides in conjunction with the incoming communication.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a vehicle computing system, a notification that an incoming communication is being sent to a wireless device in communication with the vehicle computing system. The method also includes determining that a do not disturb function is active in the vehicle computing system and blocking a notification to a driver regarding the incoming communication. Finally, this method includes sending a command from the vehicle computing system to the wireless device to silence any notification that the wireless device provides in conjunction with the incoming communication.

Abstract: A testing method includes pairing a BLUETOOTH device and a vehicle computing system (VCS) and setting the device to a preferred device. The method also includes streaming audio from the device to the VCS, such that the audio is played by the VCS. The method includes suspending the VCS and verifying that the VCS and the device are disconnected, then resuming the suspended VCS. The method further includes instructing the audio to play from the VCS, if the audio does not resume play. The method additionally includes instructing the audio to move to a next track, using the VCS in conjunction with an audio video remote control profile (AVRCP). Also, the method includes validating the operability between the device and the VCS contingent at least on the discontinuation of audio playback when the VCS is suspended and the establishment of an audio connection resulting in audio playback upon resumption of the suspended VCS.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for transmitting information to a personal communication device (PCD) is provided. The system includes a communication module for being positioned in a vehicle. The communication module is configured to generate a vehicle status signal indicative of the vehicle being in a moving state and to generate a device name signal indicative of an identity of the communication module in the vehicle. The communication module is further configured to transmit the vehicle status signal and the device name signal to the PCD for limiting the operation of the PCD.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method, executable by a vehicle computing system (VCS), includes determining that a connection between a wireless device and a VCS has been lost. The method further includes determining if a driver is present in the vehicle, upon a lost link detection. The method additionally includes waiting until an enter-event occurs and then attempting to re-establish a connection between the wireless device and the VCS. This last step may be conditional upon a determination that a driver is not present.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a vehicle system comprising a vehicle communication module is provided. The vehicle communication module is configured to receive first global positioning system (GPS) data indicative of a location of a vehicle and to receive a first signal indicative of the vehicle being in a drive state. The vehicle communication module is further configured to transmit the first GPS data to an occupant communication device (OCD) in response to the first signal to restrict at least a portion of the operation of the OCD and to reduce power consumption of the OCD.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes receiving, at a vehicle computing system, a notification that an incoming communication is being sent to a wireless device in communication with the vehicle computing system. The method also includes determining that a do not disturb function is active in the vehicle computing system and blocking a notification to a driver regarding the incoming communication. Finally, this method includes sending a command from the vehicle computing system to the wireless device to silence any notification that the wireless device provides in conjunction with the incoming communication.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment an apparatus that includes a communication module is provided. the communication module is configured to enable a driver to control the operation of a portable occupant communication device (OCD) in a hands free mode and to transmit a first command to the portable OCD to disable the hands free mode and to activate a privacy mode for enabling the driver to control the OCD via switches positioned on the OCD. The communication module is further configured to receive a driver performance signal that is indicative of the driver's performance while the privacy mode is active and to transmit a second command to the portable OCD to deactivate the privacy mode and to reactivate the hands free mode based on the driver performance signal.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, two or more devices may interface with a computing system over multiple communication channels. A connection may be established between a computing system and two or more devices communicating data using different communication protocols. The communication protocol of the two or more devices may be determined and a general transport protocol for communicating data with the two or more devices based on the respective communication protocols may be imposed on the communication protocol of the two or more devices. Data may be communicated with the two or more devices based on the general transport protocol. An event may be performed at the vehicle computing system or the two or more devices based on the data.