Japanese automakers collaborate on operating system
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G35x - RWD/AWD goodness
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Japanese automakers collaborate on operating system
Earlier this year, Toyota was reportedly mulling the idea of crafting its own in-car OS, but now the firm -- along with nine other Japanese companies -- will be collaborating with the Economy, Trade, and Industry Ministry to develop "an operating system for automotive electronics." The initiative is supposedly in reaction to similar joint developments going on with a number of European car outfits, and will aim to "create a global standard in the field." Dubbed JasPar (Japan Automotive Software Platform Architecture), the venture will include big shots such as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Denso, and Toshiba, and you can look for a prototype version to reach completion in 2009.
The Japanese tend to be good at embedded software, but usually on a MUCH, MUCH smaller scale than what will be needed in cars going forward which handle hundreds of real time sensors, lots of user input, plus upgradeability and expandability (something the Japanese are less adept at).
In contrast a 'U.S.' car O.S. would probably start out with more bugs, but have the ability to upgrade easily so it can improve over time.
Maybe one of the big 3 should work with GOOGLE or someone on a car O.S.
In contrast a 'U.S.' car O.S. would probably start out with more bugs, but have the ability to upgrade easily so it can improve over time.
Maybe one of the big 3 should work with GOOGLE or someone on a car O.S.
Lexus Test Driver
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From: CA
Overclocker beat me to it. 
Source = DailyTech
Toyota, Honda, Nissan and Toshiba headline Japan's entry into the in-car OS field
In early April, DailyTech reported on Toyota's efforts to create an in-car operating system for its vehicles. Toyota's plan was to create a base operating system that could be used in all of its vehicles with plug-ins for vehicle-specific functions.
Today the Yomiuri Shimbun reports that Toyota's efforts will be rolled into joint OS development team composed of both technology companies and auto manufacturers. Toyota along with Nissan, Honda, Denso and Toshiba will form the Japan Automotive Software Platform Architecture (JasPar).
Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry plans to allocate 1 billion yen ($8.41 million USD) for the project during fiscal year 2008. A prototype for the OS is planned for fiscal year 2009 and commercial availability is expected before the end of the next decade.
Japanese-based companies are not the only ones looking to develop a far-reaching automotive OS. BMW, Mercedes and other European Union (EU) auto manufacturers are developing an in-car OS which will reach the prototype phase in 2008.
The competing Japanese and European operating systems will help to drive down the costs associated with manufacturing automobiles. It is estimated that electronic components and software are responsible for 20 percent of overall productions costs for modern automobiles and close to 50 percent for hybrids such as Toyota’s Prius.
In early April, DailyTech reported on Toyota's efforts to create an in-car operating system for its vehicles. Toyota's plan was to create a base operating system that could be used in all of its vehicles with plug-ins for vehicle-specific functions.
Today the Yomiuri Shimbun reports that Toyota's efforts will be rolled into joint OS development team composed of both technology companies and auto manufacturers. Toyota along with Nissan, Honda, Denso and Toshiba will form the Japan Automotive Software Platform Architecture (JasPar).
Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry plans to allocate 1 billion yen ($8.41 million USD) for the project during fiscal year 2008. A prototype for the OS is planned for fiscal year 2009 and commercial availability is expected before the end of the next decade.
Japanese-based companies are not the only ones looking to develop a far-reaching automotive OS. BMW, Mercedes and other European Union (EU) auto manufacturers are developing an in-car OS which will reach the prototype phase in 2008.
The competing Japanese and European operating systems will help to drive down the costs associated with manufacturing automobiles. It is estimated that electronic components and software are responsible for 20 percent of overall productions costs for modern automobiles and close to 50 percent for hybrids such as Toyota’s Prius.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: WA
The Japanese tend to be good at embedded software, but usually on a MUCH, MUCH smaller scale than what will be needed in cars going forward which handle hundreds of real time sensors, lots of user input, plus upgradeability and expandability (something the Japanese are less adept at).
In contrast a 'U.S.' car O.S. would probably start out with more bugs, but have the ability to upgrade easily so it can improve over time.
Maybe one of the big 3 should work with GOOGLE or someone on a car O.S.
In contrast a 'U.S.' car O.S. would probably start out with more bugs, but have the ability to upgrade easily so it can improve over time.
Maybe one of the big 3 should work with GOOGLE or someone on a car O.S.
As for the Japanese (more importantly Toyota) why fix something that isn't broken? I like Lexus's interface/operating system, it could stand to lose a few buttons here and there but overall it's a great user friendly system.
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xknowonex
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Jun 17, 2008 04:36 AM
