There are many developments around connectivity in the digital automotive industry. Ford does a great Job with Sync, but with the crowd sourced OpenXC platform from BugLabs they really do the next step.
The result is OpenXC, a platform that promises to deliver increased integration for third-party software and hardware, like new audio interfaces, safety products and environmental sensors, plugged into Bugs’ hardware and software modules. According to Ford, OpenXC makes developing for Ford vehicles far simpler than before, while lowering the cost and installation difficulty for car owners interested in adding on to their vehicles.
To customize my own car “user” experience seems to be feasible with that groundbreaking technology. Could example from Ford’s presskit:
Personalized, local content
The vision for OpenXC is simple: the car becomes a docking station for Bug Labs interchangeable plug-and-play hardware and software modules programmed with only the connectivity features and services the driver wants. Functions change with the addition or deletion of modules, giving owners the freedom to continually customize their experience without breaking the bank, and at the same time, adding value to their vehicles as new technologies are introduced, purchased and “plugged” in.
The idea was spawned during a trip Prasad took to India where he noticed that while most people couldn’t yet afford a car, they did have affordable feature phones with significant functionality. “Virtually everyone carried phones rich in locally relevant features such as an LED flashlight and applications such as an astrological almanac – all for a cost of about $40,” Prasad said. “So, the challenge became how can we deliver similarly relevant and affordable connectivity inside the car.”
“Imagine you live in India, own a Ford Figo and love the game of cricket,” explained Prasad. “Now imagine that you could purchase a $30 community cricket module from your local Ford dealer that was designed by a local developer and approved by Ford. This module plugs into a master control board in your car and your Figo would then play a community radio channel dedicated to cricket for the season. After the season is over, you could remove the module and replace it with something else.”
Videos with Ford and BugLabs from TechCrunch Disrupt SF 2011:
Source: http://autofspace.com/2011/10/16/hack-your-car-ford-and-buglabs-open-their-cars-with-sdk-kit/
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Posted by: Janeth Smith | October 26, 2011 at 11:44 AM