Saab has announced a game changing innovation for in car infotainment – a new ‘open innovation’ system called Saab IQon, built on the Android operating system.
The new Saab IQon infotainment concept which is being built to use Google's Android operating system will engage external partners in 'open innovation', meaning that independent developers will be able to create new services and applications for the Saab system in the same way that they currently do for mobile phones.
The new system is a world first for car communications, and will give users unparalleled flexibility and freedom to upgrade and personalise their car's infotainment system. A test fleet of vehicles using a beta version of the new IQon system is already on the road collecting data about everyday use and identifying any possible bugs or problems.
Saab IQon will offer its users a totally new experience of in car infotainment, and aims to combine Saab's own innovative spirit and automotive knowledge with the best practices and providers from the mobile phone industry to create a system that no other manufacturer can match.
Owners of the IQon system will be able to download an extensive variety of multi-media functions, online services and applications through the Saab IQon store, a system which most smartphone users will be very familiar with. The firm will issue an API (Application Programming Interface) to interested third party developers giving them access to more than 500 signals from different sensors in the vehicle to create their applications. These signals will include things like speed, location, direction of travel, steering wheel angle, engine torque, temperature (inside and out), driver workload, yaw rate, barometric pressure and even the position of the sun. All third party apps will be fully tested by Saab before gaining inclusion in the store, to make sure that the highest safety standards are maintained.
The IQon hardware will provide an embedded computer platform within the car, with a modem that automatically connects to the internet as soon as the ignition is switched on, an 8 inch colour touchscreen, audio and entertainment streaming, online navigation and on-board media storage for MP3 music files.
The new system will also be able to communicate remotely with Saab dealerships, enabling extra services such remote diagnostics, or the installation of new in-car options.
The IQon system is being shown for the first time in the Saab Phoenix concept car at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show.
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