How Qualcomm Turned A Maserati And A Cadillac Into Connected Cars With Its New Technologies

on March 16, 2015 at 2:14 pm

Over a five-year span, ABI Research expects the amount of “connected” cars to move from 11.4 percent worldwide to north of 60 percent, indicating a massive shift in the role computers play in our driving. “In-car connectivity is quickly transforming the automotive industry, enabling passive and active safety and security, offering infotainment and connected lifestyle services to consumers,” said ABI VP and Practice Director, Dominique Bonte.

At CES 2015, NVIDIA introduced its automotive computers — equipped with powerful capabilities for computer vision, deep learning and advanced cockpit visualization. And yet, connected cars was also a big theme at MWC this year with the introduction of Qualcomm about its new immersed in-car infotainment experience for the driver of tomorrow. Using a Maserati Quattroporte GTS a Cadillac XTS concept car that integrated the newest automotive-grade Qualcomm Snapdragon 602 A processor and the BlackBerry-owned QNX operating system, Qualcomm successfully demonstrated what it could do to make your future cars smarter, safer, and more fun to drive.

Technically, the Snapdragon 602A processor plays a key role. It brings the 3D graphics and multimedia features to connected infotainment, to 3G/4G LTE Advanced wireless modems that support safety and security applications, or even to personalized driving experience.

In order to present the advantages of this cutting-edge technology, Qualcomm removed all the entertainment and installation of the Maserati car, including the rear mirror and side mirrors, and then replaced them with a series of screens. Even the dashboard cluster was also replaced by a dynamic panel, while the rear passengers get a smaller touchscreen of their own.

Instead of the actual mirrors, the driver now receives the view from various cameras, radar, and LIDAR (LIght Detection And Ranging) inside. Based on a smartphone user profile or facial detection, the AllJoyn open-source SDK can personalize seat, window, mirror, and comfort settings through a Smartphone Personalization app that is integrated with the Snapdragon Automotive Platform via WiFi.

Qualcomm embedded Adreno GPU, providing accelerated rendering and excellent responsiveness of 2D and 3D map navigation with lane detection. Drivers can also use voice commands to perform common infotainment tasks with the Snapdragon processor Hexagon DSP that supports an always-on, low power listening feature that is woken up only when specific words are spoken.

You will also get the faster data and quicker network response time to enable rich video streaming and music services thanks to the built-in 4G LTE Advanced and LTE Broadcast. And don’t worry if your phone is running out of battery, the WiPower can simultaneously charge a variety of common in-car devices including smartphones and Bluetooth devices on a surface that doesn’t require precise alignment.

Let’s get a glimpse of the connected car features supported by Snapdragon Automotive Solutions in the Maserati Quattroporte GTS and a Cadillac XTS concept car: