The Rise of Linux In In-Vehicle Infotainment

DeviceGuru writes "The 2014 Toyota Lexus IS reportedly will be the second major automobile to offer in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems based on Linux, following last year's introduction of the Debian-based Cadillac User Experience (CUE) IVI system, which now appears in Cadillac's XTS and SRX models. Cadillac's CUE IVI implementation was developed by GENIVI Alliance members MontaVista and Bosch and uses similar code, but is not listed as GENIVI compliant. Meanwhile, ABI Research projects that Linux will grow to 20 percent IVI market share by 2018, behind Microsoft and market leader QNX."

Re:If you need in vehicle infotainment...

[alen]

try driving for more than 30 minutes with two smallish kids in the car

Re:Flashable?

[spire3661]

I recently bought a new car for the first time. I was PISSED i couldn't get the GPS center console without upgrading to another trim level with a bunch of shitty ground effects, aluminum rims and a spoiler. I even asked about just upgrading after the sale and the dealer was all 'different harnesses, change this blah blah blah."

Re:Flashable?

[h4rr4r]

I recently had the same experience, made worse by my buying a new old stock car. The higher trim level meant getting a brand new one and a much worse deal. Since they were motivated to sell the old stock more.

Buying cars sucks and dealers are the problem. I want to just be able to order one built exactly the way I want from the oem and have it shipped to my house. No need to keep but a single car local to me for test drives.

My Nexus 7 works just fine for that

[erroneus]

With a clever mount and pogo dock, my Nexus 7 loaded with music, GPS software and OBD2 software are all I need in the car. It's effective and inexpensive. Also, when tethered to my Nexus 4, I get internet too if I need it. All these other in-car things are ridiculously underpowered and over-priced. I hope everyone begins to wake up to the gouging car makers put over on consumers. (Seriously, is a Lexus THAT much better than a Toyota? They use mostly all the same parts!!!)

Re:Flashable?

[spire3661]

IM not blind to the realities of the car market. I grew up in Detroit and worked for Kelley Blue Book in CA. All that said, i wasnt aware of the finer details of trim packages until i went to buy. I was a bit shocked is all.

I do disagree that GPS (a navigation tool) should be lumped in with leather seats, fancy rims etc. Its seems like its a pretty obvious addon that every car should have a cheap option for. THAT is what bothered me the most, i couldnt get a practical navigation tool without buying a ton of fluff at inordinate expense.

Re:Flashable?

[shaitand]

Generally I don't want GPS in a car because the tech had been moving too fast but it might be more reasonable at this point than a year or two ago. But it really annoys me that they group ancient and basic technology in with the high end models.

Seriously, what possible excuse is there for not having cruise control in literally every consumer car on the market at this point? This is basic car 101 functionality. It's essential for any long drive. I think the functional options should be decoupled from the luxury and entertainment options.