In-Vehicle Infotainment & Navigation: Part 3

Wireless connectivity in today’s infotainment and navigation devices is mainly via Bluetooth but WiFi will some come into play. In Part 3 (final post) of my series, In-Vehicle Infotainment & Navigation, we’ll look at both.

IV. Connectivity Innovations 2012-2014 – Bluetooth v3.0+HS, The Next Step in Bluetooth Connectivity

The recent Bluetooth v3.0+HS specification looks set to make it into in-vehicle devices in 2012 enabling a new and exciting array of use cases for the infotainment/navigation device designer. CSR’s Synergy software is at the heart of Bluetooth v3.0 and means that the user doesn’t have to choose a specific radio for a file transfer, instead it will automatically switch on the Wi-Fi to complete the transfer of the large file and then switch off after to conserve power.

Consumers will now be able to synchronise a complete music collection, photo gallery, video media collection from a Bluetooth v3.0 compatible device to the infotainment/navigation device hard drive in a fraction of the time it takes traditional Bluetooth radios. For business users maps, telemetric, route and a host of other information taken and or generated on long journeys can now be easily and quickly be accessed via Bluetoothv3.0 from the infotainment/navigation device to a compatible device without the need for physical connections to the vehicle and in a fraction of the time it has taken in the past.

Why Wi-Fi?

While Bluetooth v3.0+HS gains traction in the market, in-vehicle Internet connectivity will follow apace. With internet connectivity via cellular network connections comes the need for Wi-Fi to enable the vehicle access point capability – so passengers can bring those devices normally used in the home into the vehicle and still have access to the internet. In terms of the driver, the link to the Internet will also provide easy access to real-time and relevant location based information such as hotels, restaurant guide, and traffic information while travelling. Recent developments in automotive electronics suggest Internet connectivity will be a must have for most in-vehicle systems from 2012. Autonet Mobile, the aftermarket internet solution, is gaining traction in the US while luxury brand vehicle OEMs in Europe have recently unveiled their internet connectivity devices and strategy (BMW’s connectedDrive). Internet connectivity offers many advantages to vehicle OEMs, drivers and passengers alike, from vendor relationship management to local relevant navigation and search as well as rear seat entertainment scenarios.

Longer Term Trends 2014 and Beyond

Looking a little further into the future we can see connectivity innovations continuing to take place. Bluetooth low energy, the latest Bluetooth SIG initiative to enable a lower power “sensor” use for Bluetooth promises to be a driver of innovation in this space. Imagine an Advanced Driver Assistance System, which could see the drivers being “plugged” into the vehicle for the duration of their journey via Bluetooth low energy, through a wireless sensor affixed to the body (wrist watch/strap) or touching the skin. The infotainment/navigation device could tell the driver when to pull over for a rest when needed, advise the driver to stock up on food or caffeine, or potentially even prevent the vehicle’s use while the driver is intoxicated.

While 2012 will see Wi-Fi deployment in the vehicle mainly for Internet connectivity, this as well as Bluetooth v3.0+HS are the first use cases for this versatile technology in the vehicle.

Read Part 1 and Part 2