Automotive Grade Linux Releases Open Infotainment Platform Built by Automakers and Suppliers

SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - December 28, 2016) - Automotive Grade Linux (AGL), a collaborative project developing an open platform for the connected car, today released the most advanced version to date of its AGL infotainment platform. Developed through a joint effort by dozens of member companies, the AGL Unified Code Base (UCB) 3.0 is an open source infotainment platform that can serve as the de facto industry standard.

"This is our third release of the AGL UCB in the past year. This unprecedented level of collaboration is a clear indication that the automotive industry is adopting an open source development methodology that is resulting in faster innovation with more frequent software releases and new features," said Dan Cauchy, Executive Director of Automotive Grade Linux. "Sharing a single software platform across the industry decreases development time which enables automakers and suppliers to bring new products to market faster so they can stay ahead of new advances in mobile technology."

Currently, many automakers use proprietary operating systems for infotainment. Car manufacturers typically contract out the software to a supplier that provides proprietary code with limited portability and reuse. Applications must often be ported from one platform to the next, resulting in slow innovation. Sharing a single software platform across the industry allows for code reuse and a more efficient development process. Developers and suppliers can build once and have a product work for multiple OEMs instead of having to build different versions for each make and model.

The goal of the UCB infotainment platform is to provide 70-80% of the starting point for a production project. This enables automakers and suppliers to focus their resources on customizing the other 20-30% to meet their unique product needs. As part of UCB 3.0, AGL is also releasing a software development kit (SDK) that enables rapid application development on the AGL platform.

The AGL UCB 3.0 is ideal for deploying navigation, communications, safety, security and connectivity. It includes several key features:

• A brand new home screen and window manager
• An improved application framework and application launcher
• A new SDK for rapid application development
• Reference applications including media player, tuner, navigation, Bluetooth, WiFi, HVAC control, audio mixer and vehicle controls
• Integration with simultaneous display on instrument cluster
• Smart Device Link for mobile phone integration
• Rear view camera and rear seat entertainment on MOST ring
• Wide range of hardware board support including Renesas, Qualcomm Technologies, Intel, Texas Instrument, NXP and Raspberry Pi

Many AGL members have already started integrating the UCB 3.0 into their production plans. AGL UCB has several strong supporters and contributors including Toyota, Mazda, Aisin AW, Continental, DENSO, HARMAN, Panasonic, Qualcomm Technologies, Renesas and many others.