Nokia partners with Harman to 'standardize' cellular infotainment
By Sean Hollister 
posted May 17th 2010 10:41PM
posted May 17th 2010 10:41PM
Update: It appears that this is part of Nokia's Terminal Mode initiative, which -- as some have noted in comments -- we've actually told you about before. Whoops!
Harman International Automotive Division and Nokia Pave the Way for standardised Interface Between Smartphones & Car Infotainment
Mobile technology and services to be available via in-car systems
KARLSBAD, Germany--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Harman, the global market leader in high-end Infotainment and Audio Systems, is working together with Nokia, the pioneer in mobile telecommunications and the world's leading maker of mobile devices, to develop technology which seamlessly integrates smartphones into in-vehicle infotainment systems.
"Beside our well equipped infotainment systems, standardized interface solutions between Smartphones & Car Infotainment will provide a rich set of additional applications and are particularly interesting for Entry- and Mid-Level Infotainment Systems to allow best connectivity via the head unit for attractive use of smartphone functionality in vehicle applications"
In addition to providing the full range of smartphone features, services and applications through the high resolution screens and audio systems embedded in the car, the connection also supports information exchange between the smartphone and the car; and information retrieval through GPS functionality.
Hence, location based services could be enabled by combining GPS information from the smartphone or car with key vehicle data such as low oil or fuel warnings – in this case the nearest garage or service station would be sourced and displayed with the option to navigate directly there. Hotel or parking searches, for example, could be backed up with details of availability and pricing and, where appropriate, booked online or by telephone. In addition, ADAS*-based safety features may also be supported, for example, to warn drivers to slow down for a sharp bend or to indicate when it is safe to overtake the vehicle in front.
*ADAS – Advanced Driver Assistance System
"Beside our well equipped infotainment systems, standardized interface solutions between Smartphones & Car Infotainment will provide a rich set of additional applications and are particularly interesting for Entry- and Mid-Level Infotainment Systems to allow best connectivity via the head unit for attractive use of smartphone functionality in vehicle applications" stated Hans Roth, Director Global Business Development & Marketing, Harman Automotive Division.
"We are happy to be involved in creating an industry standard to connect smartphones to in-car systems. It is a totally logical step and we believe this standard will fuel the creation of innovative new services for drivers," said Vesa Luiro, Director, Automotive, Nokia. "The infotainment system of a modern car is a natural extension for the capabilities of smartphones. Not only will it simplify the use of turn-by-turn voice guidance from Ovi Maps, but also provide a new and easy way of accessing other content on the smartphone, such as music and delivering automotive specific applications from the Ovi Store."
The smartphone display is copied on the larger, infotainment system screen and commands can be given either by voice, touch or traditional in car controls to enable ease of use. For short journeys and convenience, wireless connection can be made by Bluetooth however for more stable, longer periods of use, the USB alternative will provide faster connection and refresh rates and preserve the smartphone battery.
Who is Nokia?!
Only the largest global mobile phone manufacturer and seller.
your display pic says it all
@Almo didnt Android just team up with audi or bmw?
@Almo sorry nope it was Blackberry... Android SHOULD team up with BMW tho
@unknownsolo : Ask urmom! :)
@SteveyAyo
I think BMW started working with MeeGo project.
@Suomaa yup android is officially with GM now, this is awesome
I'd rather have Nokia's Ovi maps over the Droid's cloud based Google maps for in-car navigation any day.
@ERROR Now that people have google maps on their phones, I'm always helping them.... actually read the map. I really get the feeling people are idiots, especially when there is a compass on the f**ing map. At least when people had no map, or a paper one upside down, I felt they were deserving of help... Nowadays... L2read ?
@ERROR
I'll just stick with my Mercedes, like the one in the picture, thanks.
Pretty cool..better be secure though if it allows for remote unlock or start.
I would rather have a linux core... more secure and more stable;;; if virus' can affect automobiles, this looks like the opening of the box for that opportunity.
If you get a virus on your cars dashboard operating environment, then you're doing it wrong.
@cosmicinglewood Then buy a MeeGo phone ;)
While it isn't spelled out this way, it doesn't seem to be an "ovi" powered car to me. It's a smartphone powered car, and if you happen be in possession of a Ovi powered Nokia handset *then* it's an ovi powered car.
I very much doubt that Harman would like to rest all of their future into one smartphone OS. Harman isn't the brains of the operation, just the display, that's just my guess though.
@juanvaldez I say that knowing how big that OS is, especially in EU, still I don't see it as the only thing that can power Harman.
@juanvaldez
I think this is old news. Engadget itself announced this many moons ago:
http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/04/nokias-terminal-mode-spotted-in-the-wilds-of-the-geneva-motor-s/
@naashak yes...
This new intern here tried to take a cheap shot at Nokia after Savov saying already that was a good design and everything. Felt kinda weird didnt?
Hey intern, get the hell out and on the way tell Savov or Ricker to write something okay kiddo?!
Ugh, Nokia.
I don't see promise in this venture. They may be the world's leading phone manufacturer but they also lead the market in the most outdated phones in the market.
@Stake
Actually they do not, their N900 is in a class of its own, functionality wise.
Ovi services in cars is a good idea.
@travisonfire Just that I will not drive my car with a mobile phone.
I really hope these systems allow apps that can read data from OBD-II. So that apps can give feedback of miles per gallon, stats on braking, acceleration events, engine performance, etc.
Now, this would only work if they give you a free handset when you buy a car.
@MNX1024 I'd prefer a free car when I get a new handset.
Ugh. This crap is getting on my nerves.
I can see it now - your expensive new infotainment system in your car won't work because you don't have the right phone to control it's features.
I am all for phone-makers (and other electronics companies) voicing their opinions about features and how this should all work, but these have to be OPEN STANDARDS so any phone from any company can interact with your car.
@Hazdaz
Nokia has been developing phones for a long time and they have impressive history for working together for industry wide open standards.
I have a lot more faith in this being actually open than with certain other manufacturers.
Great. I hope they aim for MeeGo compatibility from the start. I would really like to have something like this with open interface for my next phone.
America vs. Europe, GM vs. Mercedes/BMW/Porsche, Android vs. Nokia....this is shaping up quite nicely.
However, I prefer Japanese autos, so I'll have to see if they will support my Droid (or, for joke's sake, will they go WinMo?).
Nokia will benefit from an open standard that supports devices from all manufacturers. So would everyone else. Even if they had to go the same route as radio head units, which sometimes require adapters to fit a particular car, that would be OK. In fact, that might be the only possible answer since we know Apple will use proprietary connectors so long as Steve-O runs the the joint. Imagine a paperback-sized recess, maybe half an inch deep, centered on the top of your dash (where GPS units are often mounted). Into that recess you plug an adapter that supports your particular brand of phone or gadget. The adapter could be adjustable so your phone could stand upright or lay at an angle (flat would probably be bad..you don't want that screen getting direct sunlight through the windshield if you leave it in the car). Now imagine that most of your dash controls are on a single touchscreen, with most of your phone's functions fully integrated. Auto manufacturers could decide which controls became virtual and which remained physical depending on type of car, target market and other factors. They could also prevent texting while the car was moving, a huge boon to auto safey. Who loses here? Seriously.
@psycros Hint: Paragrahs
I'm sorry but where exactly are the cup holders? There's no point for entertainment if there's no place to put your drink.
@jappleng
you shouldn't really be drinking while driving, or eating, reading, doing your makeup, texting, talking on the phone etc. you should just be DRIVING !!!
Can't believe how badly Motorla have fallen in 5 years. Nokia keeps rocking and Samsung keeps brigning quality products.
Hey, Nokia! Is this going to be a nice open standard like the Remote Sim Access Profile (RSAP) you managed to get built into all VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda head units? The one that you patented so that no other phone manufacturers could use? Thanks guys!
@Landwomble
Even though all of those brands are just 1 company, VW.
This will test people's loyalty. Get a car brand you trust most or get the car brand run by the operating system you love most.
I've always bought Ford, but I would rather see Android in my car.