P3 and VNC Automotive join forces to enable seamless integration of consumers’ favorite phone standards, brings Apple CarPlay to SPARQ OS infotainment platform
STUTTGART, GERMANY, January 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Highlights:
• A new solution incorporating pioneering phone mirroring connectivity technology from VNC Automotive pre-integrated into SPARQ OS, P3’s flagship in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system, will be demonstrated for the first time at CES 2026
• Now launching onto the international marketplace, the new collaborative solution combines VNC Automotive’s Cobalt Link phone connectivity technology with the SPARQ OS to enable seamless integration of popular connectivity standards such as Google Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and VNC Automotive’s Cobalt Link+
• With SPARQ OS pre-integrated with Cobalt Link+, drivers and passengers enjoy a more user-centric in-vehicle experience, with greater convenience and flexibility through access to full smartphone functionality from a vehicle’s embedded infotainment system
• Currently being deployed for a major OEM, the joint solution enables vehicle manufacturers to benefit from accelerated and expert system deployment, faster service launches, and earlier monetization opportunities
Cambridge, UK and Stuttgart, Germany – 7 January, 2026 – CES 2026 West Hall LVCC Booth 6719 – P3 digital services, a technology leader in in-vehicle infotainment (IVI), in partnership with phone mirroring technology specialist VNC Automotive, together announce the worldwide commercial launch of their pre-integrated technology solution that brings full mobile phone connectivity to SPARQ OS powered in-vehicle infotainment.
The new pre-integrated solution, announced earlier this year, brings Apple CarPlay connectivity to SPARQ OS for the first time, along with full Android Auto functionality. CES 2026 visitors will get the first opportunity to experience for themselves the capability of this enabling, future-ready solution.
Through this collaborative IVI offering, automakers who choose SPARQ OS platform to drive their infotainment strategy can now benefit from pre-integration with Cobalt Link+, VNC Automotive’s cutting-edge mirroring solution that seamlessly brings full smartphone operation and user experience into the connected vehicle environment. This capability brings transformative flexibility to users, with greater choice elevating the utility of the in-vehicle experience, along with enhanced safety.
Following extensive in-house trials, the solution is now being deployed for a major OEM.
Cobalt Link+ mirrors smartphone interfaces into the embedded infotainment environment, allowing users to access mobile apps, services, and content directly through their vehicle’s infotainment system. Customizable user interface options provide greater flexibility and choice for OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, enabling them to craft their infotainment systems to meet operational and commercial requirements, and to deliver a unique and coherent user experience tailored to the particular OEM’s own specifications, retaining brand identity and differentiation.
Integrating mobile devices with core IVI technology delivers many benefits to drivers. They can easily and safely access essential apps for navigation, entertainment, and communication tools through voice and touch controls, while maintaining performance, safety, and quality standards of SPARQ’s advanced AAOS-enabled platform.
The OEM can derive long-term operational benefits through partnership with P3 and VNC. Carrying out the processes required for infotainment system certification by Google and Apple can be a time-consuming and resource-intense exercise.
VNC Automotive’s Cobalt Link+ requires no external certification. With the new combined SPARQ-Cobalt Link+ enhanced solution, the pre-integrated solution is ready go from the outset. Any specific OEM requirements such as UI customisation and branding undergo extensive testing and QA overseen by subject specialists well versed in what’s needed to achieve system ratification successfully and efficiently.
Freed from the need to independently manage these essential but complex certifications, OEMs can reap significant savings in cost and management time. The new joint solution enables OEMs to benefit from accelerated and expert system deployment, faster in-car service launches, and earlier revenue generation.
By choosing the SPARQ OS platform, vehicle manufacturers benefit from all P3’s expertise accumulated from over two decades of Android Automotive integrations in cars and other vehicles for Tier 1 OEMs. They can also rest assured that development and innovation are constant at P3 and VNC Automotive and that by deploying this pre-integrated platform, OEMs and their customers reap the benefits of all the very latest SPARQ infotainment innovations.
Cobalt Link+ offers a unified interface for device detection and management, seamlessly handling multiple devices and protocols running in parallel. Its modular architecture allows users to select only the necessary functionalities, simplifying integration while maximizing the reusability of individual modules.
“We started working with P3 in 2024 and it soon became clear that we share the same passion for challenging what’s possible in next-generation in-vehicle infotainment,” said Tom Blackie, VNC Automotive Founder and CEO. “It’s wonderful to collaborate so successfully with P3 to help OEMs leverage state-of-the-art connectivity and infotainment technologies to deliver these game-changing advancements to drivers.”
“Consumers have long dreamt of being able to move between home, office to car seamlessly and without interruption to the smartphone experience: Now, for SPARQ OS users, that dream is reality,” commented Marius Mailat, CTO & Managing Director of P3 digital services. “The all-encompassing smartphone connectivity enabled by VNC Automotive is a powerful enhancement in the SPARQ OS ecosystem; full phone access and functionality can transform a car’s usability, and we look forward to working ever closer with VNC Automotive so more OEMs can benefit from the latest SPARQ OS innovations, with embedded seamless support for consumers’ favorite phones.”
SPARQ OS is the dynamic and rapidly developing IVI solution developed by P3 based on Android Automotive OS, the fastest growing in-vehicle operating system in the world today. SPARQ OS’s cockpit platform includes a diverse app store, smart navigation, digital and personal voice assistant, charging, media and entertainment. It features fully automated over-the-air software and firmware updates, ensuring always-up-to-date functionality and promoting sustainability.
About VNC Automotive
VNC Automotive is a leading provider of connectivity and telematics software solutions for the vehicles of tomorrow. Specializing in enhancing in-vehicle experiences, their innovative solutions offer entertainment and productivity features while ensuring safety and security. They provide a range of products, including the Cobalt Cube, Cobalt Link, and Cobalt Share, which enable seamless integration between smartphones, multimedia systems, and vehicle telematics. VNC Automotive works with global clients to deliver advanced connectivity solutions, supporting vehicle fleets, infotainment
Cynthia Ritchie
P3 digital services
+44 20 4518 7555
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