Japanese Auto Makers Teaming Up To Create Standard OS

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

[account_deleted]

Comment removed based on user account deletion

Its been done

[BitZtream]

Its already been done by others, hell even microsoft made some Windows CE modifications to make it automobile friendly. This is really only useful if they all actually USE the same protocols across the board. If everyone comes in and makes their own unique way of controlling each individual component it won't be real helpful.

Goddamn, you people are clever.

[RandoX]

Ha ha, crash? Crash? Get it? I think I'll punch myself in the face so that I can sleep through the next few retards that respond with the same lame ass joke.

Re:A day late and a dollar short...

[yog]

Well the Japanese pretty much dominate the world automotive market so it's likely that their standard will win eventually. Besides, if the OS they are developing is for Japanese systems, why would they even care if BMW and Daimler come up with one for their own cars, unless there's some competitive advantage to marketing the OS to other cars, like Windows on PC's. I don't see any advantage here; it's just a way to share development resources.

What about the stereo?

[hcdejong]

An annoying side-effect of all the electronics in current cars is that it's become impossible to replace the sound system (or at least the head unit): all too often, the head unit is linked to the satnav display, and on more expensive cars, the stereo is a main interface element for the entire car (BMW iDrive and similar systems). Also, the HU is built into the dashboard, instead of being in a DIN slot.
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.

[cayenne8]

"You seem to be under the illusion that your car doesn't already have one."

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

[Ropati]

It is great that the software in cars will be standardized, but how about the driving experience.

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?

[nurb432]

Really, why would different manufacturers want to make things more interoperable? This would in the long run reduce the need to buy particular brands, especially for repair parts, and cut into thir bottom lines.