Ford, Toyota mull joint approach for app integration
The two OEMs currently draw up a scenario that aims at introducing the Open Source Platform “Smart Device Link” (SDL) into Toyota vehicles including Toyota’s luxury brand Lexus. Involved is also Ford subsidiary Livio who developed the SDL technology. “The market for in-car apps is evolving rapidly,” comments Toyota Senior Managing Officer Shigeki Terashi. “For us, the development of stable, flexible, secure and user friendly connectivity plays a major role. SDL is one of the technologies we are believing in.”
SDL supports the integration of smartphone apps into the vehicle’s infotainment and communications systems with focus on simple, intuitive HMI elements including voice control, screen display and dashboard instruments. An advantage of SDI is that smartphone apps only need to be developed for a single platform, doing away with the current platform variety. This helps developers to save time and makes it easier to offer a given app to large user audiences.
The current agreement between Toyota and Ford is based on an earlier decision from 2011 when both companies agreed to jointly develop in-car telematics services.
Related links and articles:
Opel Astra: High-end connectivity for the masses
Audi connects to Baidu, Huawei at CES Asia
Smartphone integration shifts automotive processor demand
Sync 2 again with Microsoft O/S
If you enjoyed this article, you will like the following ones: don't miss them by subscribing to :