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Honda's got some brand-new tech (photos)

With the launch of its new Civic, Honda brings out a new navigation system along with a new music interface. Paired smartphones can play Pandora through Bluetooth and users can browse music on all connected devices at once.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
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Honda's 2012 Civic update not only includes new styling and engine improvements, it also brings in new cabin tech. At long last the company has replaced its aged DVD-based navigation system, and designed a modern new music interface.

Back to 2011 New York auto show.

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These new controllers on the steering wheel spoke let the driver control audio on a full-color auxiliary screen just below the windshield. Buttons for voice command and the Bluetooth phone system sit below the spoke.

Back to 2011 New York auto show.

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For years, Honda relied on a DVD-based navigation system, but this new one is flash-based, making for quicker response times and better resolution. Honda also integrates traffic information into this navigation system.

Back to 2011 New York auto show.

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The main touch screen shows the available audio sources, a new graphic design for Honda that will be easy to operate while driving. Unlike in the previous version, the CD slot is at the top of the faceplate, rather than behind the LCD, a change that makes it more easily accessible.

Back to 2011 New York auto show.

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With a connected iPod, the library interface breaks down music into artist, album, and genre categories. The system populates screens quickly as you scroll down through the various categories.

Back to 2011 New York auto show.

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The auxiliary screen, up at the top of the dashboard close to the driver's range of vision, is a smaller screen that lists audio sources sequentially. This screen flows sideways when the driver pushes the source button on the steering wheel.

Back to 2011 New York auto show.

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When playing a track from a connected iPod, the auxiliary screen shows song information, including album cover art when available. This auxiliary screen also shows route guidance information when a destination is programmed into the navigation system.

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