"Auto 2.0" Weekly Brief—11.14.11

In this week's Brief: TeleNav, Broadcom, NXP Semidconductors, Freescale Semiconductor, Harman International, Intel and Toyota, Toyota, Pioneer, TomTom, HARMAN and Sierra Wireless

TeleNav announced a new version of its automotive navigation platform, TeleNav Auto 2.0, which offers a new navigation platform with mobile phone, cloud and deep vehicle integration.

With TeleNav Auto 2.0, navigation systems can directly interact with Internet-based information for the latest places, search algorithms, mapping data, real-time traffic, and other dynamic content such as weather and gas prices.

Additionally, drivers can send destination information from their phone directly to the car and access information on their phones hands-free.

Other features include off-board places search, 3D map engine enhancements, and calendar integration.

"The lines between off-board and on-board navigation and search continue to merge, allowing for a more connected, personalized experience in the car,” says Sal Dhanani, vice president of products at TeleNav.

“TeleNav Auto 2.0 integrates key aspects of the phone, the cloud and the car to take connected navigation to a new level for drivers around the world."

Broadcom, NXP Semiconductors, Freescale Semiconductor, and Harman International formed a special interest group called the OPEN Alliance, which aims to drive wide-scale adoption of Ethernet-based automotive connectivity.

Jointly developed with founding automotive members BMW and Hyundai Motor Company, the OPEN Alliance will address industry requirements for improving in-vehicle safety, comfort, and infotainment, while significantly reducing network complexity and cabling costs.

Intel and Toyota teamed up to define next-generation in-vehicle infotainment systems that integrate advanced technologies in the vehicle in a more intuitive manner that reduces driver distraction.

To accomplish this, the companies will focus research on developing a user interaction methodology including touch, gesture and voice technologies, as well as information management for the driver.

Intel will also work to optimize these features and services using the performance of the Intel Atom processor family.

A year after the launch of MyFord Touch, Ford announced that it will deliver a broad set of performance upgrades to the system.

The upgrades will make MyFord Touch faster and easier to use thanks to simpler graphics and improved functionality.

The visual enhancements are based on simplifying the graphics with larger, bolder fonts, removing low-priority visual content, and designing screens based on a consistent pattern.

The changes grew out of direct customer feedback and will be sent out to MyFord touch owners on a USB key through the mail, free of charge, in early 2012.

Pioneer Corporation launched Zypr, a voice-powered, unified web application programming interface available at no charge to developers.

Zypr provides a consistent way for developers to access voice UI, maps and routing, local search, social networking, music and radio, contacts, calendars and weather from multiple content providers.

Zypr is a set of RESTful cloud APIs organized by content service category; device makers and app developers can access the API directly via HTTPS calls and potentially implement client applications using common languages and operating system platforms.

TomTom launched WEBFLEET Mobile, a smartphone app designed to provide managers on the move with essential information about their vehicle fleet. The app ensures they stay in control and continue to service their customers.

WEBFLEET Mobile includes a detailed map which provides a view of the current traffic situation using TomTom HD Traffic.

It allows managers to quickly pinpoint the location of their fleet, obtaining information on each vehicle's destination and estimated time of arrival, as well as trip data such as mileage and timestamps.

HARMAN plans to begin road tests through 4G/LTE-networked areas in Europe. Test vehicles will be equipped with the latest infotainment system platform technology integrating an AirPrime embedded wireless module developed by Sierra Wireless.

The collaboration between HARMAN and Sierra Wireless intends to spearhead technological innovation that enables the “always connected car” via online services. Road tests through 4G/LTE-network areas in the US will follow.