Most of us have experienced the digital niceties found within newer model cars. The interfaces control a number of functions ranging from navigation, music sources & preferences, and cabin environment. These interfaces are often referred to as "Infotainment systems". Cars are undoubtedly getting smarter and more connected.
Features include but are not limited to:
- Touchscreen
- Wireless connectivity (3G/4G, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi)
- GPS navigation
- Satellite radio services
- Text-to-speech capabilities
- Cloud & app store access
As consumers obtain Smart phones in record numbers, a need to stay "connected" has brought forth innovative ways to integrate the phones into any and every aspect of their daily lives. In order to attract buyers, car manufacturers have started ramping up the amount of technology offered in their cars. Automakers are seeing how people use their hands and voices to interact with their smart phones, and applying
similar interfaces to their infotainment systems.
First on the list is Ford followed closely by GM. Ford is announcing its developer program which will allow app developers to connect their Android apps to Ford’s SYNC voice-activated interface.
Developers can now register to download Ford’s AppLink SDK.
General Motors, who presented at CES last week, held a hackathon where about 20 projects were developed for the GM mobile platform:
In a recent interview, Jim Zemlin, the executive director of The Linux Foundation stated:
Kia and Hyundai stated last week they intend to integrate Google Maps into their navigation systems. The Infotainment market was expected to exceed $70 billion in 2012 and see as much as $80 billion in 2014.
Ford partners are launching quite a few more apps:
- In social media: Sina Weibo
- In news: Wall Street Journal radio, USA Today and Kaliki
- In music and entertainment: Amazon, Aha Radio, Rhapsody and Greater Media
- In navigation and location: Glympse and BeCouply
By going with Android, car makers can leverage what has already been developed for mobile & consumer electronics and apply it to automobiles. This reduces research and development time and resources. It also helps integration between customers smart phones, laptops and now, their cars.
What Android apps do you feel would be useful if integrated into an automobile? **Anyone who says 'Angry Birds' will deservedly get tarred and feathered**
Via:
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