The functional aspects mostly revolve around feedback and personalized media. If a voice command didn't work and you reach for the touchscreen, for example, that could tell an automaker that their voice system is flawed. You could also get customized music and news without having to lift a finger.

However, Adobe is more than happy to talk about the ad potential. Those preferences you supplied earlier? They could be used to deliver restaurant promos when you're driving nearby, or pitch you on a new car lease when your existing lease is running out. And importantly, there's a big focus on targeted audio ads. You might hear an ad for an upcoming album on a streaming radio service if it's clear that you like the music genre, for instance.

The concept of targeted in-car advertising isn't new. GM's OnStar Go uses IBM's Watson to personalize ads and other info. The difference, as you might guess, is that Adobe is launching a generalized platform -- theoretically, any car brand or app developer could use this info. Adobe is careful to stress that privacy and safety are important factors, but those aren't the biggest issues as it is. Rather, it's that this could make personalized in-car ads relatively ubiquitous. Many people see their cars as the last refuges from the targeted ads that pervade their phones and PCs, and they might just lose that solace if Adobe's technology proves popular.