Connectivity Strategy - AVRCP1.4
FUTURE-PROOF HEAD UNIT
Access the latest and popular end user Internet services such
as Spotify, Pandora, Internet radio, Facebook, Twitter, On-line
news-papers, traffic information and other location based services,
without creating specific software for the head unit. Use the strength
of the Audio Video Remote Control v1.4 (AVRCP1.4) Bluetooth profile,
capable of handling mobile phone connectivity services - for a
future-proof head unit.
Background
The constant request for OEM:s to keep pace with consumer
devices and related Internet-based applications is a challenge for the
automotive industry. A new car radio may be out-of-date before it
reaches the market. End users expect to bring their mobile phones
latest connectivity features into the vehicle, which puts pressure on
the OEM.
Existing approach
One approach has been to install a specific software or "App"
in both the mobile phone and the head unit, assuring the functionality
of a popular internet service. This creates a significant amount of
different software versions and interoperability testing if acceptable
market coverage and sufficient quality shall be reached.
Mecel
Strategy
Mecel’s recommended solution is to use the capability and strength of
the Bluetooth profile - AVRCP1.4. The profile was initially designed to
allow browsing of audio/video content over Bluetooth, but Mecel
engineering experts have come to the conclusion that AVRCP1.4 can be
used for several list based mobile phone connectivity features such as
Spotify, Pandora, Internet radio, Facebook, Twitter, On-line
newspapers, Traffic Information and other Location Based Services.
By simply creating a small application in the mobile phone, which transfers the desired connectivity service over AVRCP1.4, OEM:s can rely on the "application creator" for support of new features. Current and coming connectivity services can now be available and functional in all vehicle infotainment systems with AVRCP1.4 support. No software updates are required in the vehicles, which drastically improves the problematic situation described above.
Since more mobile phone manufacturers are using common platform such as Android, iPhone OS, Windows Mobile and Symbian, less phone specific applications will be required. This will also contribute to a more convenient handling of connectivity services within vehicles.
ADVANTAGES:
No Specific software needed in vehicle infotainment
system
Access the latest and popular end user Internet services
without creating specific software for the head unit. Applications in
mobile phones will assure that new connectivity trends can be made
available.
The major benefit for OEM:s is that they can limit the number of software versions of their car radios, but at the same time keep pace with arising new applications that are desired by the market.
Future-proof head unit
Keeps the infotainment system attractive long after launch on
the market, since the user can purchase "apps" to their phones that
will make new features available in vehicles only by relying on
AVRCP1.4.
OEM:s will be able to provide a large amount of popular end user programs such as streaming services, traffic information, e-newspapers etc. Everything that is list-based is a potential candidate to be transferred to the head unit over the AVRCP1.4 Bluetooth profile.
