Meet the company spearheading the connected car industry—and they don’t make cars

The “connected car” is a technology category that both mobile giants and automakers are still working to pin down. But one company is building a product that leaps far ahead of what car manufacturers have yet explored—and it’s nothing like an “infotainment” system.

Parrot is better known for its high-end gaming headphones and high-flying drone toys, but at CES this year the company expanded its repertoire to include all kinds of new connected product categories. Among them is the RNB6 concept, an unassuming dashboard replacement that tries more within the confines of an automobile than any other company yet has.

The RNB6 runs Android and integrates with many existing car functions—in fact, it’s compatible with more than 90% of existing cars on the road. Like many forthcoming dashboard systems from major manufacturers, Parrot’s rig supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from a connected iPhone or Android device, respectively.

But its similarities to existing concepts or forthcoming products end there. Parrot’s RNB6 also talks with diagnostic systems in the car, interacting with the OBD port and integrating with existing systems like Automatic. If a driver notices a check engine light, the RNB6 can better explain what’s wrong and estimate repair costs—a deeper integration with car systems than many carmakers have previewed themselves.

In addition, the RNB6 debuts a number of consumer features that make the experience of driving more fun and engaging. It includes a dashboard camera that records road trips with time-lapse video, offers lane assist to prevent drowsy driving, and even provides parking assistance based on the video feed.

Cars are perhaps the highest investment gadgets in our lives—but make no mistake, they’re gadgets like any other. The possibilities for connected cars are just beginning to reveal themselves, and companies like Parrot are exploring ground that existing auto giants have yet to cover. The winners of the connected car industry will be those companies that offer drivers new utility and more fun experiences while driving—and for now, Parrot seems like a frontrunner.