After the media alvalanche from Android Auto, announced at Google I/O, it is important to note that infotainment systems designed by carmakers can be safer and better for drivers. Scott Frank vice president of marketing for Airbiquity in an interview with AUTO Connected shared his views on infotainment systems.
Choreo is software system for cars that includes a cloud and backhaul for carmakers as well as infotainment software for the head unit, apps, and emergency support. Airbiquity calls it a suite of global, regional, and local smartphone apps and cloud content to give drivers a cutting edge connected car experience. Various forms of Airbuiquity services are found in over 30million cars around the globe.
Airbiquity’s Choreo has won awards for its ease-of-use. Airbiquity recently announced that it will be working with Continental to provide Choreo to carmakers that use Continental head units. Airbiquity will announce a new automotive partner in the fall after 2015 models are introduced. The company is currently working with carmakers for 2017 and 2018 models.
Scott Frank noted that Nissan Connect already works with both Android and iPhone as well as Google Search, Facebook, Pandora and iHeart Radio. Choreo was specifically designed by Nissan for automotive use with built-in safety features.
Frank says that CarPlay and Android Auto mirror minor functions on smartphones while Choreo systems can be deployed with special safety features such as disabling functions when the car door is open or when the car is driving at a speed of 55mph or more.
The apps of CarPlay will be controlled by Apple while Android Apps are open, the advantage of Choreo is that the carmakers determine what apps are best for their drivers. Because Choreo implements a TCU, diagnostic data from the car can be delivered to the carmaker noted Frank. Software updates can be pushed to the vehicle over-the-air.
The big gray area in the connected car space is who or what is legally responsible for problems associated with connected car features. Say, if someone using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay is distracted and causes an accident who would be responsible?
In the case of GM and the ignition switch recall, although GM bought faulty ignition switches, it deployed them in GM cars. GM was held responsible not the ignition switch maker, noted Frank. He said that the law has not caught up with car technology.
Choreo has been working to make things safe and also has the added benefit of driver assistance in cases of emergency. The built-in TCU can insure safety, calling for help when air bags are deployed.
CarPlay will make cars more expensive and add an additional hardware cost of $20 reported Frank in a white paper.
Some people see the smartphone as the center of connectivity, Choreo and Airbiquity see the car as the center connected integrated device.
Last year, Scott Frank at the Los Angeles Auto Show, demonstrated the Nissan Connect system on a Nissan Rogue. The system appears easy to use while driving while offering Pandora and Facebook.