A car has become a very sophisticated machine.
Computers not only control the various components built into the vehicle at the factory, but have to communicate with parts installed afterwards. In the past, software protocol were proprietary. This meant that it was difficult, if not impossible, for a new component to be added that was not manufactured by the company that owned the protocol.
But now more companies are opening things up. They are sharing protocol which allows companies to develop products that will mate with different platforms.
Now comes word that Wind River Systems, a leader in Device Software Optimization, is partnering with computer chip manufacturer Intel to create an open source platform for cars to be used for in-vehicle infotainment. The platform, which will be using the free Linux operating system, will be optimized for the Intel Atom processor.
Wind River will make the open source specification and code from the platform available to the open source community at a community website called Moblin.org. The website is used by software vendors and Linux users to collaborate, share solutions and contribute code. What this means in plain English is that Wind River and Intel will make it easier to add electronic components to the car after it is manufactured.
Our take? No wonder Microsoft has been showing such an interest lately in auto infoentertainment.