In this session, we explore key trends and emerging technologies essential to achieving success in both the domestic and export automotive markets. To begin, we will discuss new connectivity models that help car infotainment systems integrate more deeply with the BlackBerry, iPhone, and other mobile devices. Through these new approaches, automakers can take advantage of the thousands of “pocket applications” and Internet services available on mobile devices while minimizing driver distraction. We will also look at cloud connectivity and discuss when cloud computing will become a commercial reality for the automotive market.
Other trends will include: the declining role of rear seat entertainment, the growing transition of instrument clusters into cockpit displays, the growing market importance of “green” technologies that help consumers reduce fuel consumption, and changes in the supply chain that will see automakers assume a growing role in software development for infotainment systems.
Today, cars contain hundreds of electronic modules, all communicating through and completely reliant upon a fast and error-free vehicle network. In his presentation, Dr. Feng will explain the architecture of a typical automotive communications network, including the standard features of these networks, and how automotive communication technologies are applied within the vehicle. As these critical technologies are in constant evolution, Dr. Feng will also review what the future holds for automotive communications networks, and how those future developments apply to today's designs.
The introduction of wireless broadband connections will have profound impact on multiple industries, including automotive. The combination of wireless broadband technology and cloud computing won’t simply deliver more entertainment to the car; it will also turn automobiles into powerful computing devices. In this session, we explore how wireless broadband will transform the way automobiles are used, monitored, and managed. We will also discuss how it will ultimately change the business models for both the networking industry and automotive industry.
ARM is well known as the processor architecture that powers the majority of phones around the world. However, ARM technology is also at the heart of a range of exciting electronics inside the car. In this presentation, you will learn about the types of automotive systems where ARM technology is being used today, with a particular emphasis on infotainment systems, and the ARM vision for how these systems will evolve in the future.
As wireless networks migrate from 3G to 4G, network bandwidth to the car will increase dramatically. Moreover, these networks will become more and more IP-based. As a result, in-car infotainment systems will become Internet terminals, allowing drivers and passengers to access location-based services and personal content, including music and video, from anywhere at any time. This technological evolution offers automakers many opportunities, such as performing remote diagnostics and allowing customers to personalize the driving experience. However, automakers must also address challenges such as leveraging features on smart phones and other mobile devices, without duplicating the same features in the car.
Increasingly, application platforms hold the key to creating infotainment systems that can support the latest mobile services and content, while providing a compelling user experience. To be successful, an application platform must satisfy many requirements: it must offer an attractive and intuitive user interface; it must support a large developer community; it must allow for brand-differentiating customizations; it must support secure and reliable in-field upgrades; and it must be scalable across low-end and high-end systems.
The question is, which of the popular software environments should be basis of your infotainment platform? There are several choices available, including QNX CAR with Adobe Mobile AIR and HTML5, as well as Android and MS Auto. In this session, we explore how each approach measures up, in terms of ease of use, ease of development, device connectivity, upgradability, and other key criteria.