The next generation of telematics systems to further computerize cars will be a major theme at CES this year, with announcements expected from headliners such as Ford and Microsoft.

But alongside the big players is Seattle's Airbiquity, a software company working with major telematics providers and car companies.

Airbiquity is also using the show to announce a new version of its telematics software platform and a suite of services for system developers and car companies. The platform builds on technologies such as Airbiquity's system for connecting cars via drivers' cellphones via Bluetooth. The software can also connect vehicle systems through embedded wireless modules or navigation systems.

The company is also pushing into the hot aftermarket navigation device segment, introducing a reference "personal navigation device" design that shows off its software and services.

One of the new applications is likely to get attention: A system for tagging songs heard on a car radio. It stores information about the tagged songs online, instead of on the device. When they're back at a computer, users can choose to buy them from various music stores. The system can also be configured to buy songs as they're tagged.

"Our real-time solution reinforces the link between the discovery process and the final purchase," Chief Executive Kamyar Moinzadeh said in the release. "We can now provide instant gratification for users and an enhanced, interactive listening experience in the car."