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Thursday, October 10, 2013

In Car Entertainment - Cars may be about to go Open Source - Network World

This could really open up the Car Entertainment World. With Many Possibilities...

Don

Your car is about to go open source

Automakers want to standardize on a Linux-based OS that would make vehicle infotainment systems act more like smartphones

By Lucas Mearian, Computerworld
October 09, 2013 06:22 AM ET

Computerworld - Automakers are working to standardize on a Linux-based operating system for in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems that would make it easier for cars to act more like smartphones.

[ALSO: 8 apps to keep your car rolling]

An IVI is the "black box" that powers a car's audio and entertainment systems, as well as hands-free phone service and satellite navigation systems. Most IVIs today have touchscreens and can be voice-activated, but many car buyers pass up those options.

"Today, automakers are having a hard time getting their customers to buy informatics systems because they only can do 10% of what a mobile phone can do," said Rudi Streif, who leads the Automotive Grade Linux workgroup for the Linux Foundation.

The main reason for the limited functionality of most IVIs is that car manufacturers use proprietary software developed by third-party suppliers to power their infotainment systems, meaning car-based apps are also proprietary.

Having an open-source IVI operating system would create a reusable platform consisting of core services, middleware and open application layer interfaces that eliminate the redundant efforts to create separate proprietary systems. By developing an open-source platform, carmakers can share upgrades as they arrive.

Automakers could then focus on differentiating their infotainment systems through their user interfaces, which only make up about 5% to 10% of the software in the IVIs.

"We're leveraging essentially an $11 billion investment already made in Linux by many other companies including IBM and Intel," Streif said. "We can essentially get the platform for free.& from a royalty sense. Of course, we have to spend resources to make it work in our particular platforms."

So far, three automakers have rolled out Linux-based platforms on a limited number of models: GM's Cadillac division uses Linux in its Cue IVI; Tesla offers a 17-in. IVI screen in its Model S all-electric cars; and Toyota recently said that it plans to use a Linux-based IVI in the 2014 Lexus IS.

Tesla's Model S IVI system is designed to allow drivers to navigate using Google Maps with live traffic information, listen to streaming music from any online radio station and have access to an Internet browser for news or restaurant reviews. With Google Maps, Tesla drivers can also locate recharging locations.

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http://www.networkworld.com/news/2013/100913-your-car-is-about-to-274656.html