Here in 2016, connectivity between everyday objects (also known as the internet of things, or IoT) – has become the big buzz word in technology – your lights, television, even your fridge can now be connected to the internet and controlled using your smartphone.
Not wanting to miss out on this boom, Volkswagen has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with LG Electronics to jointly develop a next-generation connected car platform. The duo will be working on VW’s Cross-Over-Platform, designed to enhance vehicle connectivity and convenience through cloud technology.
The system will allow drivers to access various features such as smart home and location-based services. One such feature will be the ability to control and monitor various home devices such as the lights, security systems and domestic appliances while driving – imagine if you were able to pre-cool your house on a warm day, on your way home!
Volkswagen and LG will also develop new infotainment technology for connected cars, plus a context-sensitive notification centre capable of delivering messages in an intuitive and safe manner. The latter will also provide optimised recommendations to the driver in real time.
“LG and Volkswagen are teaming up to develop the next-generation connected car platform that allows wide integration with smart home services and adoption of open IoT connectivity technologies.” said head of LG Cloud Centre Richard Choi. “We think LG’s expertise in smart technology together with Volkswagen’s leadership in the automotive sector will revolutionise the way drivers interact with their vehicles.”
Volkswagen head of electronics and vehicle research Thomas Form said, “LG is a strong, reliable partner in the implementation of new features and one of the drivers of innovation in the networked household. We look forward to working with LG and to developing in future simple, easy-to-use smart home solutions for our customers integrated into our vehicle systems.”
The new agreement follows from the two company’s joint showcase of a vehicle-operated remote-control smart home system at the 2016 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and the latest development of their long-standing relationship. The Korean electronics company was one of the first to branch out into the automotive industry, supplying audio-visual products for vehicles since 2007.
The company supplied VW subsidiary Italdesign Giugiaro with several components for the latter’s GEA concept, revealed at the 2015 Geneva Motor Show – including a holographic display, connected smart watch, tail lights and rear camera. In July that year, LG was selected as VW’s strategic electronics partner, and was also listed as a partner for its Future Automotive Supply Tracks (FAST) programme.
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waiting for all the commentators when proton applied the same thing with LG…..again