Intel working on Linux car-computing initiative

We've been hearing about in-car computing forever, it seems, but it looks like the concept might finally be taking off: Microsoft is busy with Auto, there's a proposed .car TLD, BMW is working on in-car internet access, and now Intel is looking to smart up your ride with a vehicle-oriented version of its Moblin OS. The Linux-based system will run on -- what else? -- Atom processors, and carmakers are expected to use it to control everything from in-car systems to nav and multimedia functions. What's more, third-party developers will be able to build apps and services for the platform, in contrast to the mostly-closed systems being proffered by competitors. That's pretty cool, but let's hope there's some virtualization going on between the userspace and the in-car systems controller -- we're not exactly ready to run Firefox on the same machine that's in charge of the brakes.

[Image is of that Atari-fied 1979 Buick Riveria]

[Meridimus @ May 21st 2008 2:19AM]

just another place to cram in a computer

[Jayden @ May 21st 2008 2:21AM]

If cars were as unreliable as computers we'd all be dead.

[LondonConsultant @ May 21st 2008 5:07AM]

http://volker.dnsalias.net/Jokes/txt/computers-cars-technology.txt

[waiownsyou @ May 21st 2008 2:24AM]

I like the way there's a computer in a car that looks like it's from 1937.

[Colin Potter @ May 21st 2008 2:29AM]

computer? that's a television set (tube style) and an atari.

[John @ May 21st 2008 5:31AM]

In a Buick Riviera no less. In addition to the CRT with attached Atari console, it appears to also have a CB radio and dual 8-track players!

That's pimpin' it 70's style!

[Andir3.0 @ May 21st 2008 6:25AM]

I only see one 8-track.

[John @ May 22nd 2008 11:30PM]

Yea, that top one might just be a radio. Sure does look like another 8-track though.

[Colin Potter @ May 21st 2008 2:31AM]

why not just rock the laptop mounted over the passenger seat Fast and the Furious style?

[crow610 @ May 21st 2008 2:34AM]

oh man...that's hella ghetto!

[Rob @ May 21st 2008 4:03AM]

Is there any reason for any of this besides basic GPS functions? (Which, last time I checked, were readily available. Also, I prefer my Garmin which I can put in my glovebox instead of hanging a big "break into me" sign on my car.) If you have time to use "multimedia" or browse the web, why haven't turned off your car and cracked open a laptop?

[BollockChops @ May 21st 2008 4:20AM]

It's an entertainment system you tard. Intel aren't going to attach it to hte brakes (although you may get engine management data). That's like suggesting that the entertainment system on a plane that shows the route you are going allows you to modify the actual flight path...

[netwerk @ May 21st 2008 9:32AM]

"... and carmakers are expected to use it to control everything from in-car systems to nav and multimedia functions..."

To me that sounds like they are actually considering something as stupid as lacing all the various systems together with a single processing core. So yea, given that, I would hope that they at least keep the braking system seperate..

[Notme Officer @ May 21st 2008 6:58AM]

Illegal in a number of states if it displays anything other than GPS or general auto functions.

[superaktieboy @ May 21st 2008 7:14AM]

i give windows 2 years before it dies and linux takes over

[Earl Jr. @ May 22nd 2008 12:07AM]

I'll see your bet and raise you $500.

[whatphone @ May 21st 2008 8:49AM]

fuel prices are currently at approximately £1.27 for diesel. =/~ £4.80695 per US gallon = 9.44774 USD

by the time they are done with this, nobody will be driving anymore :)

[coffee @ May 21st 2008 11:03AM]

I'll take it if it comes with that oak paneling.

[Beedub @ May 21st 2008 5:24PM]

All kinds of trouble could emerge if somebody could hack into your wifi in the car, crack ssh/openssl, gain a root shell and say 'hey, what does "cceb" do?' (car control - engage brakes)

Or at a red light... 'Wtf my car's got a mind of it's own! Nooo!'
This was all assuming that EVERYTHING had to go through the computer.

One more thing...

'Open the car doors, HAL."
'I'm sorry Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that.'

[Dignan17 @ May 22nd 2008 11:30AM]

Linux in a car? I wish someone had done this over 8 years ago!

www.empeg.com