News - 14 September 2010 12:45

Reaching popular Internet services - without updating vehicle Head units

Reaching popular Internet services

- without updating vehicle Head units

The constant request for OEM:s to keep pace with consumer devices and related Internet-based applications is a challenge for the automotive industry. A new car radio may be out-of-date before it reaches the market. End users expect to bring their mobile phones latest connectivity features into the vehicle, which puts pressure on the OEM.

Existing approach

One approach has been to install a specific software or "App" in both the mobile phone and the head unit, assuring the functionality of a popular internet service. This creates a significant amount of different software versions and interoperability testing if acceptable market coverage and sufficient quality shall be reached.

Mecel strategy

Mecel’s recommended solution is to use the capability and strength of the Bluetooth profile - AVRCP1.4. "

The profile was initially designed to allow browsing of audio/video content over Bluetooth, but Mecel engineering experts have come to the conclusion that AVRCP1.4 can be used for several list based mobile phone connectivity features such as Spotify, Pandora, Internet radio, Facebook, Twitter, On-line newspapers, Traffic Information and other Location Based Services."

Jakob Hjelmåker, Business Managar explains.

By simply creating a small application in the mobile phone, which transfers the desired connectivity service over AVRCP1.4, OEM:s can rely on the "application creator" for support of new features. Current and coming connectivity services can now be available and functional in all vehicle infotainment systems with AVRCP1.4 support. No software updates are required in the vehicles, which drastically improves the problematic situation described above.

3GPicture: Overview of an Internet service

handled over Bluetooth and AVRCP1.4

Since more mobile phone manufacturers are using common platform such as Android, iPhone OS, Windows Mobile and Symbian, less phone specific applications will be required. This will also contribute to a more convenient handling of connectivity services within vehicles.

ADVANTAGES:

No specific software needed in vehicle infotainment system

Access the latest and popular end user Internet services without creating specific software for the head unit. Applications in mobile phones will assure that new connectivity trends can be made available.

The major benefit for OEM:s is that they can limit the number of software versions of their car radios, but at the same time keep pace with arising new applications that are desired by the market.

Future-proof head unit

Keeps the infotainment system attractive long after launch on the market, since the user can purchase "apps" to their phones that will make new features available in vehicles only by relying on AVRCP1.4.

OEM:s will be able to provide a large amount of popular end user programs such as streaming services, traffic information, e-newspapers etc. Everything that is list-based is a potential candidate to be transferred to the head unit over the AVRCP1.4 Bluetooth profile.

Topics

Engineering

Contacts

Henrik Häggström

Press contact Managing Director henrik.haggstrom@mecel.se +46 31 7204404

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