A collaboration between mobile phone manufacturers Nokia, its Navteq digital mapping experts and automotive systems and components specialist, Magneti Marelli, will lead to better smartphone integration with in-vehicle infotainment systems.
With smart phone/car system connectivity, key data such as fuel levels, engine status, eco-friendly driving and even location-based services such as e-coupons for nearby petrol stations can be extracted.
The connected car
Once connected, smartphone features, services and applications can be unlocked and driven through the in-car screens and audio systems embedded in the car.
Added to this, ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) based safety features could also be included, such as warning a driver when they are nearing a sharp bend, suggesting that they slow down.
“We are happy to be part of this new innovation and looking forward to the new opportunities this technology can bring,” said Vesa Luiro, head of navigation development, Nokia.
Ovi smart cars
“The infotainment system of a modern car is a natural extension for the capabilities of smartphones. Not only will it simplify the use of turn-by-turn voice guidance from Ovi Maps, but also provide a new and easy way of accessing other content on the smartphone, such as music and delivering automotive specific widgets from the OVI Store.
This technology is known as “Virtual Networking Computer layer” and is in alpha phase. It was developed in collaboration with the Nokia Research Centre in Palo Alto, US.
By Marie Boran
Photo by CBGB-Hoser via Flickr
