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]
posted May 21st 2008 2:14AM
just another place to cram in a computer
If cars were as unreliable as computers we'd all be dead.
http://volker.dnsalias.net/Jokes/txt/computers-cars-technology.txt
why not just rock the laptop mounted over the passenger seat Fast and the Furious style?
oh man...that's hella ghetto!
I like the way there's a computer in a car that looks like it's from 1937.
computer? that's a television set (tube style) and an atari.
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!
I only see one 8-track.
Yea, that top one might just be a radio. Sure does look like another 8-track though.
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?
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...
"... 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..
Illegal in a number of states if it displays anything other than GPS or general auto functions.
i give windows 2 years before it dies and linux takes over
I'll see your bet and raise you $500.
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 :)
I'll take it if it comes with that oak paneling.
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.'
Linux in a car? I wish someone had done this over 8 years ago!
www.empeg.com