| MIB based Infotainment System - Future of ICE
VW and subsidiaries like Skoda have started equipping their new generation cars worldwide with new MIB based infotainment system. New generation Audi MMI's are based on this technology too among other makers which have been mentioned below (though all markets and all models might not have it yet). Below are some extracts from various sources regarding the technology.
Following extracted from here: Quote:
MIB stands for Modularer Infotainment Baukasten in German which means Modular Infotainment Matrix. MIB is a radically new architecture to solve a challenge that is becoming increasingly urgent – innovations in consumer electronics and rapid gains in computing power are being introduced at speeds that are much faster than the product cycles of automotive manufacturers.
The central computer in the modular infotainment platform, which is housed in the glove box, comprises two main units in a single housing – the Radio Car Control Unit and the MMX (Multi-Media eXtension) board. Along with its working and flash memories, the plug-in module integrates the latest Tegra processor from Nvidia, which can handle all online, media, voice control, navigation and telephone functions. The new architecture makes it easy to update the hardware; the fact that the MMX board can be swapped out ensures the system is always up to date.
2012 saw the debut of the Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB) with an NVIDIA T 20 chip as its heart in the Audi A3. A mere one-and-a-half years later, the MIB’s second stage has been deployed in the Audi TT and in the new Audi A6 and A7 Sportback. Again, an NVIDIA processor plays a key role. The T 30 is a quad-core chip running a 3D graphic program from specialist software manufacturer Rightward to render brilliant graphics on two displays simultaneously. Thanks to the matrix’ modular structure, Audi can keep it continuously up-to-date and quickly integrate attractive innovations from consumer electronics. Another chip from NVIDIA, the Tegra 4, powers the Audi tablet debuting in the new Q7. With an active 10.1‑inch display, the Audi tablet’s will provide mobile rear-seat entertainment. In the car, the tablet will connect itself to the on-board infotainment and navigation system via WLAN. What is special about the Audi tablet is that it has been expressly designed for use in the car. This means it is both high-class and robust. Of course, it can also be used on a WLAN outside the car.
Pseudo-MMI
Certain cars have a "pseudo" type of MMI. These are the Audi A3 (8P), A4 (B6 and B7), A6 (C5), TT (8L), the R8, SEAT Exeo and Lamborghini Gallardo - when fitted with the RNS-E DVD based "Audi Navigation Plus" system.[41] Whilst appearing to be a similar layout, and operating in a similar manner, these two systems are very different, are unable to share mapping discs or software, and are not able to control non-ICE functions (such as climate, convenience or suspension settings).
Competing technologies
Other car manufacturers use similar technologies in their car, including BMW with its iDrive system and Mercedes-Benz with its COMAND system; Lexus uses a mouse-based Remote Touch system; Ford uses a product called Sync; Volvo equipped their cars with optional RTI navigation system and now is using Sensus.
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You can read first impression review of VW MIB II infotainment system by Reviewed.com here. Quoting the intro. below: Quote:
In-car infotainment systems have historically lagged behind smartphones and tablets in functionality and usability. While car manufacturers are getting better at putting together the software elements behind these devices, there remains a scourge of proprietary standards that really inhibit smartphone integration. And let's face it, your smartphone is probably the most important piece of technology you own... So why wouldn't you want it to sync up with your car's interface?
That's the idea behind Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which let you mirror a modified version of your phone's OS on your dashboard.
But until now, there's been a major problem: What if your car runs one OS, but your smartphone runs another? And what if your car has another primary user with a different OS? Shouldn't your car's interface work with both?
Enter Volkswagen's MIB II Infotainment system. MIB II doesn't care which OS you use, because its App-Connect software detects which OS your phone uses the moment you plug it in and adapts accordingly. It may not sound like such a revolutionary concept—and, really, car tech has been headed in this direction anyway—but App-Connect on Volkswagen's MIB II, along with Hyundai's Display Audio, is unique in this category. And the unveiling of both these systems at CES was an important statement about where vehicle interfaces are headed—and why that direction is good.
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Image Source: Google Images.
In CES 2015, VW showcased the Golf R touch concept with Advanced Gesture Control. Details can be found in this link. Golf R Touch Concept - Future of VW infotainment with advanced gesture control and networking for new age mobility.
Last edited by ajaypjayaraj : 10th April 2015 at 09:11.
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10th April 2015, 08:42
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