Japanese Auto Makers Teaming Up To Create Standard OS 266
CNet is reporting that Japanese car manufacturers are teaming up to develop a standard automotive operating system. "Just as computer operating systems [...] allow multiple applications to communicate with one another, an automotive operating system enables different driving systems to work together. The standard automotive operating system from Japan will include everything from fuel injection, brakes and power steering to power windows. Currently, certain mechanical car parts are interchangeable from model to model. Smart car parts that operate off a common software standard would enable that kind of convenience to continue, while allowing them to communicate more easily with other smart components in a car."
Comment removed (Score:2, Insightful)
Its been done (Score:3, Insightful)
Goddamn, you people are clever. (Score:4, Insightful)
Re:A day late and a dollar short... (Score:4, Insightful)
What about the stereo? (Score:5, Insightful)
This means you're stuck with the limited quality and features of the headunit, and adding things like an amplifier, CD changer, MP3 player and extra speakers (e.g. a subwoofer) are hard or impossible.
With a standard OS, it should be possible to separate the head unit from the rest of the car, and still use the HU to interface with the car.
Re:Oh, yeah, I love the idea of an OS on my car. (Score:3, Insightful)
Oh no, I know they're there....but, I'm just that comfortable with it frankly. I was a little weird on my Vette when they came out with the C5. The salesman was taunting that the accelerator was 'drive by wire'. Frankly, I'm just a bit more comfy with mechanical control...I know how computers can blow up and be buggy.
My car after that, was an '86 911 Turbo...not a lot of computer on that one, and I really enjoyed it. It just felt more connected to the road being more mechanical.
But, alas, those are the things of yesteryear. With the damned stringent emissions getting more and more tight, about the only way you can wring out decent power in a car is with computer management. I know that ABS helps you stop better, but, I can't stand the damned things. I'd much rather brake mechanically...I know how to adjust for slide, etc if I lock it up.
I don't like that so much computer control takes a lot of wind out someone wanting to become a real shade tree mechanic. It is difficult to do these days. Back in the day, a person could get some basic tools, and do mods to their own cars to get performance, etc. Now, well, you need a lot more equipment and knowledge than simple mechanical know-how, and it makes it difficult for the avg. Joe Sixpack to power up/customize his car.
But, since this is the way we're going...if they could make a common OS for the car, common non-propietary methods of component interaction, at least it would help it in todays world, for the new shade tree mechanic to be able to work on, mod and customize his car. If it were an open source type system...there could be a sourceforge type site for people to work on mods for cars. Download a module....and redo the powercurve and air/fuel mixture so you could get more power, and not be as restricted by factory environmental settings.
How about a standard driving UI (Score:4, Insightful)
I drive different rental cars every week and I am amazed at how dissimilar the controls are.
I suggest that the automakers, or our government, make the controls and indicators for:
gear shifter, emergency brake, lights, turn signals, wipers, speedometer, fuel gauge, pedals, gas cap, side mirrors, window controls, emergency flasher, panel dimmer, power locks and cruise control, standardized on all cars.
How many accidents have occurred because the driver was looking for or trying to use a control incorrectly.
Why do this? (Score:3, Insightful)