Interchain unveils GWVectra, Android based In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) software
and hardware stack ready for In-Dash and Rear Entertainment consoles.
July 01,
2011
Interchain,
a product company focused towards In-Vehicle hardware and software
products is proud to launch a customized Android platform for In-Dash
and Rear Seat Entertainment applications. Interchain has spent over 2
years in the development of the customized hardware and software
platform christened "GWVectra" which is now ready for OEM adoption.The
GWVectra concept, was showcased earlier in CeBit 2010 where it received
tremendous response. After that the company had spent almost 12 months
in productizing the concept for mass adoption.
Android is one of the most scalable and developer friendly platform
compared to the earlier options that were available for Automotive
System Integrators. But since Android was specifically designed for
mobile phones, its user interface and the application are targeted
towards mobile audience operating out of small screen and touch
interface. When it comes to passengers and drivers who are the users
inside cars, a complete shift in paradigm is required in user
interactions, applications, controls, and the user interface. GWVectra
specifically addresses this problem by coming out with a customized set
of user interface and a completely new set of applications that the
user inside the car will feel comfortable using. This has been achieved
by a new set of core features and a fresh customized set of
applications.
Key Technologies
Interchain addresses the battle between Smart phones and Smart
infotainment by providing all the capabilities on the software stack to
share connectivity, content, preferences and data with other smart
phones, laptops and PMP devices like Apple iPod. GWVectra design
relies on the goal that the user should be able to
utilize all the features of the system with a combination of his
natural communication including gestures, touch, speech, etc just not
limiting to a touch screen interface. In case of In-Dash applications,
the platform focuses on ensuring that the driver's attention is
preserved in driving and not in viewing and operating the screen. To
achieve this, Interchain has leveraged on its home grown technologies
to heavily simplifying the complexity of Android platform, which is
usually targeted towards technical audience.
a) vConnect, Connectivity sharing from and to phones
b) uSpeak, Optimized Voice Recognition Stack
c) vSee, Video based Gesture Recognition Input
d) iKnowYou, Passenger identification and
communication system
e) vPredict, Fuzzy logic based user preferences
prediction system
The user interface is focused only towards the minimalistic features
that a user might use in the car. Leveraging on all these technologies,
GWVectra gives the users a completely fresh interface inside the car
for in vehicle infotainment.
Customized Application
Apart from customizing the standard operating system, the company has
built a software suite which is closely integrated with each other:
a) GWMusic, Music optimized for cars leveraging on
DSP hardware support
b) GWVideo, Extended video format support with
optimized gallery and navigation features
c) GWSync, for moving audio, video and data files
from Cloud and from other physical sources.
d) GWStream, Social Stream converging all social
services
e) GWTrackut, Location Based Services powered by
Trackut
f) GWSensors, for communicating with the car
ECU and other electronics in the car.
g) GWLive, a localized television and radio streaming
solution.
h) GWNavigate, offline and online turn by turn
direction application.
The software stack is aimed to help existing system developers to go
to market with Android based Invehicle platform in shortest time to
market.
Works on Devices of your
choice
The GWVectra software stack works on multiple hardware platforms from
ARM9, ARM11, ARM8-Cortex to dual core derivatives. The software stack
is designed to be platform agnostic thereby letting the OEMs to utilize
GWVectra stack on their existing hardware platforms. So GWVectra is
suitable for
a) Existing In Dash Consoles
b) Android Tablets
c) Rear Seat Entertainment Consoles
d) GWVectra IVI Hardware
Interchain is open to licensing the entire software stack or different
parts of the software stack with OEMS and System Integrators in the
automotive space.
Customized Hardware Development
Interchain has developed a Automotive grade hardware platform which
will help OEMs build customized In-Dash and Rear Entertainment consoles
for their cars. Some of the highlights of the customized hardware
include:
a) Gesture sense sensor on Steering mounted control
b) IPod connectivity (USB & A2DP)
c) High end audio acoustics running on 22 V rail
voltage
d) Support for 2/4 discrete channel and subwoofer
support direct from the head unit
e) Low light camera support
f) Steering mounted biometric sensor
g) 7" High Brightness LCD with Capacitive Touch
h) WiFi, FM, Bluetooth, GPS support
i) CAN, OBD Support
With the competitive advantage of in-house design and development
capabilities, Interchain is targeting the GWVectra hardware platform at
entry level as well as medium luxury cars with price points starting
from $150 which is the arena of the regular MP3/USB player.
Open to partners
Interchain is currently having early previews for Automotive OEMs and
supplier community with the goal of custom branding and launching the
GWVectra powered IVIs on cars across the globe. Should you be in the
Automotive OEM world or Automotive supplier community, please feel free
to get in touch with the Interchain team at gwvectra@interchainsol.com
for early access to demos and further information about the product.d a
fresh customized set of applications.
