Connected Android IVI solutions are making inroads
Conjoining of automakers with cellphone companies vying for the same consumer set is inevitable. Various reputed brands like Toyota and Ford have already conjoined and experimented by introducing in-vehicle infotainment. However, there has been a low penetration, mainly because it is a distraction to drivers. Yet, the concept of connected cars is here to stay, if both sectors-telecom and automobile manufacturing need to do business. They have used technology to increase their bandwidth with millions of consumers. Today, connected android IVI solutions are making inroads successfully. In some countries like US and Germany, such solutions are mainstream.
There are practical usages of connected cars that cannot be overlooked. Hence, software solutions will always be welcome. Let’s see how it brings more value to the table and pushes practical consumerism.
A broad glance of the connected content that comprises in-vehicle entertainment and its practical uses.
Automakers need to catch up with telecoms
The design or life cycle of a IVI solution made by an auto company lasts longer and they naturally lag behind smart phone makers to get the latest in-vehicle infotainment. This it self means it is necessary for them to collaborate with telecoms to help consumers to pass time during rush hour. Some technologies remain the key to customizing experiences for consumers. Automakers tie up with vendors whose core competency revolves around hardware and software capabilities with embedded development designs. It offers a proper mix of audio/video, voice recognition and music streaming, and other digital content that operates with multiple platforms. Many IVI patches are not fully integrated to automaker systems available on the car dashboard. Engineers are utilizing their skills to produce systems that have automotive SoC and multiple software versions. It also propels ADAS into the scheme of things. For example, Apple, CarPlay, and ETune belonging to Toyota are already patented versions. Most car makers need to be compliant with either Android version or Apple for proprietary automotive systems with dedicated apps. As they are able to catch up with telecoms better integration is expected in the future.
Yes, the cell phone will be available on wheels
The smart phones are constantly evolving and this creates an opportunity for car makers also to add it to their wheels. Android-based infotainment is now a premium feature in some vehicles of Volvo. They have apps and various services as content creation increases with more innovation. Talks are already on with various entertainment companies to produce specific in-cabin entertainment for automotive settings. As drivers also become riders (of autonomous cars), the immersive experience can be cherished with every journey. More people spend time in their cars and on roads, such infotainment becomes important. As car autonomy gains traction, the need to bring Android IVI solutions is increasing. We already see the practical uses of such connected cars in everyday life.
Going beyond blue tooth entertainment
Cars have gone past the FM radios, blue tooth entertainment as software embedded IVI solutions take center stage. The average landscape of an in-cabin experience now ranges from services like Spotify, Hulu, and Pandora on one end of the spectrum and on the other monitoring systems for fuel leaks, speeding, driver assistance, and advanced navigation systems. Most cars are now fitted with GPS systems which are mandatory in some countries. What’s more connected cars have the advantage to halt at the nearest fuel station if gas needs to be filled. It will be able to track the distance and how much fuel is left. It helps in changing directions if there is information on the traffic situation. It is also enabled to calculate the weather and real time traffic to reach a meeting on time. Past data behavior is monitored to offer selection of news, music and audio. Vehicles are geared to recognize the voice of their drivers and alert if a new voice takes over. In cases of emergencies, the car can become a hotspot or Wi-Fi enabled hub. So, nowhere is the car or its occupants abandoned. Car manufacturers understand the need to build systems where they can give much more than mere physical safety and security to their customers. Network connections add to the pool of entertainment at the fingertips. With so much value coming on the table there is hardly any room to complain.