Abstract: A vehicle includes an onboard controller(s) coupled to a wireless transceiver, which are configured to connect to a remote server, and to respond to a remote software update message for a vehicle from the remote server(s). In response, the controller(s) download a software update to the vehicle from the remote server(s). The controller(s) are further configured to detect a vehicle idle state, to determine whether the vehicle is unattended, such that the software update may proceed. If the idle state is detected, and in response to the remote software update message, the controller(s) configure the vehicle to a program mode, having vehicle conditions that include key on, transmission in park, and engine off. If the program mode configurations are successful, then the controller(s) update and/or flash the downloaded updates to in-vehicle, onboard computer processing systems and controller(s), which may include for example an engine control unit (ECU), among others.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to determine available vehicular connectivity options in response to a data transfer request. The processor is further configured to determine a preferred option from the available connectivity options based on previously stored connectivity policies, if multiple connectivity options exist which can be utilized to fulfill the request, and utilize the preferred option to fulfill the request.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an onboard controller(s) coupled to a wireless transceiver, which are configured to connect to a remote server, and to respond to a remote software update message for a vehicle from the remote server(s). In response, the controller(s) download a software update to the vehicle from the remote server(s). The controller(s) are further configured to detect a vehicle idle state, to determine whether the vehicle is unattended, such that the software update may proceed. If the idle state is detected, and in response to the remote software update message, the controller(s) configure the vehicle to a safe mode, having vehicle conditions that include key on, transmission in park, and engine off. If the safe mode configurations are successful, then the controller(s) update and/or flash the downloaded updates to in-vehicle, onboard computer processing systems and controller(s), which may include for example an engine control unit (ECU), among others.

Abstract: A system includes a processor configured to determine available vehicular connectivity options in response to a data transfer request. The processor is further configured to determine a preferred option from the available connectivity options based on previously stored connectivity policies, if multiple connectivity options exist which can be utilized to fulfill the request, and utilize the preferred option to fulfill the request.

Abstract: A method of enhanced compression rate for a multi-disc CD player includes the step of determining a last data position on a CD being played by the CD player. The method also includes the steps of determining a last playable data position and whether the last playable data position is being played. The method further includes the steps of storing data in a buffer memory at a compressed rate if the last playable data position is being played and playing the data from the buffer memory while transitioning to a next CD to be played.

Abstract: A method of enhanced data compression rate for a CD player includes the steps of determining whether a skip is detected and setting a timer to a predetermined skip time-out period if a skip is detected. The method also includes the steps of determining whether another skip is detected during the skip time-out period, storing data from a compact disc at a predetermined compressed rate into a buffer memory if another skip is detected, and playing data at a playing rate from the buffer memory.

Abstract: A combined compact disc/radio system for an automobile includes a multiple compact disc player, a radio receiver, and a controller. The multiple compact disc player is provided with a magazine having n individual slots for storing n compact discs. The controller has a bezel provided with an eject button, a load button, n memory buttons each corresponding to a respective one of the slots, an information display area, and a single compact disc opening for inserting and removing compact discs from the multiple compact disc player. The memory buttons function as radio tuning preset station memory switches when the radio receiver is operating and function to identify slots to be loaded and unloaded when the multiple compact disc player is operating.