Control Saab BioHybrid with Sony Xperia Phone?

Ssaabhybrid.jpgaab and Sony Ericsson will offer the ability  to control some features
of the Saab 9-X Air from the Xperia phone, suggests some sources. 
The 9-X BioHybrid concept car uses ultra-efficient power from a 200 hp (147
kW), 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine backed by GM's next-generation
Hybrid system.
It runs on E85 fuel (85% bioethanol/ 15% gasoline).

Saab has worked with Sony Ericsson to
provide seamless in-car connectivity for a range of nomadic devices with a wireless interface for streaming data, entertainment
and satellite navigation functions for display and use.
The interface also allows the simultaneous use of multiple devices when passengers are in the car.

Some expected  features to be controlled:
- Ambient lighting

- Front and rear seat settings

- Locking of the car

- Open the rear compartment

- Switch on and off the lights (blinkers, main lights...)

It has been reported that car controls such as lights, seat adjustment and car locking functions are built into the Sony Xperia.

Comment from Wireless and Mobile News

Here's
where it could get interesting in California and other states that
don't allow texting while driving, could someone holding an Xperia and
driving using the keyboard for some kind of SAAB Control be
fined?  In general, the keyboards on most phones really hard to
use while driving cars and trains.

Recently in Japan, Nissan and Sharp are working on unlocking cars from a cell phone.

Recent releases

March 3, 2008

Saab 9-X BioHybrid:

Boosting Efficiency in Compact Design and Performance

The Saab 9-X BioHybrid concept is a vivid
vision of what a future compact car from Saab could look like. It is
designed to reflect the priorities of youthful customers who seek
progressive looks, responsible performance and high-tech
communications, all in a sporty, fun-to-drive package.

Exploring design themes from Saab's
award-winning Aero X and earlier 9X concepts, the 9-X BioHybrid also
demonstrates the potential for ultra-efficient power from a 200 hp (147
kW), 1.4-liter BioPower turbo engine backed by GM's next-generation
Hybrid system. Projected combined cycle CO2 emissions of just 105 g/km
on E85 fuel are testimony to the promise of this package (see separate
release for details).

The interior showcases an entirely new
expression of Saab's driver-focused cockpit design, together with
innovative, seamless connectivity for personal nomadic devices and a
rear cargo deck with a 'low friction' loading system.

"This car is all about efficiency in design and
performance," says Anthony Lo, Director of Advanced Design at General
Motors Europe, who led the 9-X BioHybrid design team in co-operation
with the Saab Brand Center in Sweden.

With its 'turbine' wheels placed at all four
corners, minimal bodywork overhangs and an extended roof line, the
proportions of the three-door Saab 9-X BioHybrid bring a dynamic, new
dimension to conventional compact 'hatchback' looks.

The smooth 'fuselage' bodywork, now without any
visible handles or door mirrors, the bold 'wraparound' window graphic
and deep front grille are all themes inspired by the Aero X coupé
concept shown at Geneva two years ago.

The car's distinctive 'shooting brake'
silhouette and rear functionality are developed from the 9X multi-role
concept shown at Frankfurt in 2001. "You could say we designed this car
from back to front, "says Lo. "The shape of the 9X is right for a car
of this size, and the longer roof line helps the aerodynamics as well
as providing more rear headroom and interior space."

Echoing Saab's roots in aircraft design, the
9-X BioHybrid also explores the potential for using active aerodynamics
to reduce drag - and fuel consumption - at cruising speeds. Above 70
kph (43 mph), the upper and lower bodywork is reshaped as the roof
spoiler automatically extends to further lengthen the roof line and an
underbody diffuser is deployed from the bottom of the rear bumper.

The four-seater cabin introduces an entirely
new execution of Saab's driver-focused cockpit design. The central,
floor-mounted console, with its angled controls and displays, is now
eliminated. Instead, the driver- focused layout incorporates a main
instrument panel that sweeps out from the top of the door moulding,
arching across the driver. The embedded 3-D graphics appear to be
'frozen' in ice, continuing a Scandinavian design theme first seen in
the Aero X.

Reflecting the needs of youthful customers, who
expect easy access to multi-media both inside and outside the car, Saab
has co-operated with Sony Ericsson in providing seamless in-car
connectivity for a range of nomadic devices. The result is a wireless
interface for streaming data, entertainment and satellite navigation
functions for display and use. The interface also allows the
simultaneous use of multiple devices when passengers are in the car.

At the rear, the cargo deck features an
electrically-powered slide-out floor, which is activated when the
bottom half of the split tailgate drops down The floor, and the back of
the folding rear seats, is covered by 'high friction' rubber carpeting,
which 'grips' items and holds them securely in place. For easy loading
and unloading, aluminum bars automatically rise up and down as the
tailgate is opened and closed.

The treatment of light is an important part of
Scandinavian design and this is evident in the use of variable, white
ambient lighting inside the cabin. The level of suffused illumination
can be changed in intensity from bright, cold to warm and soft. It's a
personalized feature that could even be programmed, for example, to
reflect the pattern of the changing seasons.

"This car shows how our concept work can be
carried forward into a compact format," adds Anthony Lo. "It has a
number of features which we will be developing further, such as the new
driver-focused design theme, the importance of clean, uncluttered
surfaces and the easy, seamless connectivity inside the car."