This is also acknowledged by information technology expert Jeff McDough, who has been developing mobile applications and software for Inrix and Amazon for many years. He believes that if a person sees Apple iOS or Android in a car, they will associate themselves and their car with these brands, not with the specific car brand. That’s why companies like Peugeot in France spend a lot of time and energy creating unique cars, with features that are recognizable without even seeing a logo. And this visibility is also created by a convenient, intuitive and fast multimedia system.
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Jeff Macdaf also recalls an important fact. As smartphone applications are not designed specifically for motorists, no one can guarantee a high level of safety when using them.
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Agris Dulevičs, head of the leading car history testing company AutoDNA and car expert, believes that in the case of multimedia systems, several aspects must be taken into account. “As we know, the life of the machine is incomparably longer than that of a smart device, so the multimedia system must meet higher standards. The machine is subject to vibration, large air temperature fluctuations, humidity, etc. The manufacturer and the supplier are responsible for ensuring that the device works in all conditions. “The protection of personal data is a very sensitive issue. Modern services – streaming, navigation, traffic information – are constantly transmitted, and if the data processing processes are controlled by the manufacturer, they are more secure,” explains Agris.
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He adds that there are other important aspects. For example, if you had Android on your car, would that allow you to fully sync Apple products? Manufacturers such as Peugeot, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are investing heavily in making multimedia systems compatible with a wide range of brands and models of smart devices.
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“Finally, there is another fact. Car manufacturers do not want to become dependent on suppliers and lose control of their products, as this would create a variety of risks. Therefore, the only option is to create their own software,” concludes Agris.
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Technology giant Continental, which has been working with the Peugeot Group for many years to develop multimedia systems, also emphasizes the importance of meeting standards. Continental spokesman Johann Hybl explains that a good car operating system must not only be intelligent and constantly connected to both the mobile network and mobile devices, but also guarantee a certain level of standardization. In other words, the systems installed in the machinery must be safe for the person behind the wheel and must provide certain information in a stable manner. For example, real-time alerts for traffic, weather and fuel prices. In addition, if a smart device can be connected to the car, the car manufacturer guarantees that telephone calls will be secure.
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Finally, Johann Habe reminds us that car multimedia systems focus on human needs and allow the driver to control the functions with the buttons on the steering wheel and the voice. Many experts, on the other hand, believe that large platforms fail to provide such specific functionality in line with automotive industry standards.
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