SimpleDevices, a subsidiary of Universal Electronics Inc. has introduced embedded digital media software called SimpleWare Auto that provides access to digital media through a car's factory-installed entertainment system. “Automotive-grade silicon platforms” should be available in the second half of CY 2006, the company said.

UEI CEO and chairman Paul Arling said SimpleWare Auto will integrate with third-party portable media players and provide simultaneous playing and ripping of CDs in the car. Consumers will use the car entertainment user interface to browse and select digital media that is stored on a portable media player and play it back through the car audio system. Integration with SimpleCenter, a PC application for media management, will facilitate synchronization of digital media between home PC and car.