Symbian smartphone: BMW wants to deploy Linux in all cars

BMW would develop in collaboration with other computer manufacturers a captain open-source. The German already advanced telematics system (navigation, telephony, multimedia) with knob multifunction, large screen and head-up display that enriches recently Connected Drive technology, which allows for location based services through Internet.

The manufacturer has indicated, however, under the Convergence 2008 conference on embedded electronics in cars that looked for partners in order to develop a platform car open-source Linux-based and developed by BMW Intel and others. Like Google with its open platform Android, BMW hopes that various vendors develop applications for information or entertainment that will be added to the system. Although no manufacturer has yet responded to the call, Chrysler, Ford, General Motors or Honda have already discussed this desire by attending the same conference. BMW has sold 200 000 vehicles carrying such a system within five to seven years.

We are open to trade with others, "Gunter said Reichart, vice chairman of the department of assistance to the driver, electronics and electricity for BMW. Chris Thibodeau, director of technology systems at General Motors has also said: "This is an excellent opportunity for us. I think this is proof of many innovations in vehicles. " Ford recalls for its part through Jim Buczkowski they have already 280 000 vehicles on the roads with an "open system" through their partnership with Microsoft.Ford does provided by participating in the operation.

Remains to make these technologies affordable, navigation systems and other multimedia computers edges are actually still charged several thousand euros while some GPS devices perform these functions for the tenth of the price. TomTom offering innovative solutions on the GPS did not wait for BMW to consider incorporating in its own original system.