A battle of formats is nothing new in the electronics or the automotive industry, and the latest is a bit of both as Apple and Google have come to dominate the platforms for in-car apps.
Now Ford, Toyota, Peugeot-Citroen, Suzuki, Subaru
parent company Fuji Heavy Industries and a group of suppliers want to
change that by offering an open-source software platform to give users
more choice in how they connect and use smartphone apps in their
vehicles.
The
SmartDeviceLink Consortium plans to use Ford's AppLink software, which
is currently used in more than 5 million vehicles, as the basis for the
new open-source platform. The new platform will allow smartphone app
developers to better integrate their app functions into in-vehicle tech
including infotainment screens, steering wheel controls and
voice-activated features.
"Encouraging
innovation is at the center of Ford’s decision to create
SmartDeviceLink, and this consortium is a major step toward that goal,"
said Doug VanDagens, global director, Ford Connected Vehicle and
Services. "Consumers will win with new, innovative app experiences from
increased collaboration and developer engagement."
This
new uniform standard will not only benefit developers but also
consumers, as the open-source format will promote greater software
security.
“Connectivity
between smartphones and the vehicle interface is one of the most
important connected services. Using SmartDeviceLink, we can provide this
service to our customers in a safe and secure manner," said Shigeki
Tomoyama, president of Toyota’s Connected Company. "We are excited to
collaborate with many auto manufacturers and suppliers who share our
view."
Toyota plans to offer a telematics system in its cars based on SmartDeviceLink, or SDL, around 2018.
