As technology advances, it has become clear that cars will no longer be just a means of transportation but a hub of technology. Mobile operating systems for cars are an example of this advancement. These systems have revolutionized the way we interact with our cars, making them more than just a vehicle that gets us from point A to point B.
In this article, we will compare the latest mobile OS for cars – QNX, Android Automotive OS, Linux mobile, and Windows Embedded Automotive.
Benefits of using mobile operating systems in cars
Mobile operating systems for cars offer a wide range of benefits. They made cars smarter, more intuitive, and more efficient.
Drivers can now enjoy a more personalized experience:
- to connect their smartphones to their car’s infotainment system
- to access all their favorite apps, music, contacts, and messages while on the road.
- to stay connected without compromising safety.
These platforms also offer advanced safety features like
- lane departure warnings
- collision avoidance systems
- and adaptive cruise control.
These features work together to make driving safer and more efficient. They use sensors and cameras to monitor the road and make necessary adjustments to keep the driver and passengers safe.
Comparison of the latest mobile operating systems for cars
QNX Neutrino
QNX originally stood for “Quick Unix”. However, later the meaning was changed to “QNX Neutrino Realtime Operating System” to reflect its focus on real-time performance and its adoption of the Neutrino microkernel architecture.
Nowadays, this OS is owned by BlackBerry, which acquired QNX Software Systems in 2010.
What is Neutrino
- a real-time OS designed for embedded systems. It is widely used in the automotive industry for its reliability, safety, and security features. The system is designed to run on low-power hardware and provides excellent performance.
- provides a high level of security, which makes it ideal for use in cars. It has a microkernel architecture that isolates processes and provides a high level of protection against malware and other security threats.
- its user interface is simple and easy to use. The system has been optimized for touchscreens and voice commands, making it easy for drivers to interact with their cars while on the road.
Top 5 manufacturers using Neutrino in their products
BlackBerry QNX uses the operating system in many of its own products.
In recent years, the company has shifted its focus to providing software and services to the automotive industry, and Neutrino is a key component of its connected car platform.
In 2022, BlackBerry generated over $590 million in revenue due to the platform.
Ford has been using Neutrino in its vehicles since 2012 and has integrated the operating system into its SYNC infotainment system.
The platform helps provide a reliable and secure platform for Ford’s connected car features.
In 2022, Ford generated over $158 billion in revenue
General Motors also uses Neutrino in its vehicles, including its Cadillac CUE infotainment system.
The company has been working with the platform for over a decade and has praised the operating system’s reliability and security.
In 2022, General Motors generated over $156,7 billion in revenue.
Audi uses Neutrino in its MMI infotainment system, which is featured in many of its vehicles.
The company has also worked with the platform to develop a digital instrument cluster for its cars.
In 2022, Audi generated over €61,8 billion in revenue.
BMW uses Neutrino in its iDrive infotainment system, which is used in many of its vehicles.
The company has also integrated the platform into its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
In 2020, BMW generated over €98 billion in revenue.
Android Automotive OS
This platform is a mobile operating system designed specifically for cars. It is built on the Android framework and provides a familiar user interface for Android users including:
- Customizable user interface: allows automakers to design and create their own unique user interfaces tailored to their brand and the specific vehicle model.
- Voice recognition technology: advanced voice recognition capabilities that allow drivers to interact with their vehicle using natural language commands.
- Integration with Google Assistant: fully integrated with Google Assistant, allowing drivers to use the virtual assistant for a wide range of tasks such as controlling the vehicle’s infotainment system, making phone calls, sending messages, and more.
- Google Maps integration: comes with Google Maps pre-installed, allowing drivers to access navigation and traffic information directly from the infotainment system.
- Over-the-air updates: the OS supports over-the-air updates, allowing automakers to push software updates to vehicles remotely, without the need for the vehicle to be brought in for service.
- Support for multiple displays: this allows automakers to create more immersive and interactive infotainment experiences for drivers and passengers.
- Integration with other smart devices: can be integrated with other smart devices such as smartphones and wearables, allowing drivers to access and control their devices directly from the vehicle’s infotainment system.
Examples of use
The Polestar 2, an electric vehicle from the Volvo Car Group’s performance brand, uses Android Automotive OS for its infotainment system.
The XC40 Recharge, an all-electric compact SUV from Volvo, will also use the platform for its infotainment system.
GM has announced plans to use this OS in its vehicles starting in 2021 and such models as
- Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe
- GMC HUMMER EV, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra
- Cadillac LYRIQ
are fitted with it
Ford has announced plans to use this OS in its vehicles starting in 2023 and the buyers of F-150 Lightnings should find the Android-based OS in their pickups.
Linux Mobile
- a lightweight mobile OS designed for use in embedded systems. It is highly customizable and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of the automotive industry.
- an open-source system, which makes it easy for developers to customize and modify the system to meet their specific needs. The system is highly scalable and can run on a wide range of hardware, including low-power devices.
- provides advanced connectivity features, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular connectivity. These features make it easy for drivers to stay connected while on the road.
Benefits of Linux Mobile
- Compatibility with older hardware: designed to be lightweight and efficient, making them ideal for use on older or lower-powered devices.
- Root access: Unlike the others, Linux mobile operating systems give users root access, allowing them to install custom software, modify system files, and perform other advanced tasks.
- Device compatibility: designed to be highly portable, meaning that they can be installed on a wide range of devices
Windows Embedded Automotive
Windows Embedded Automotive was a platform developed by Microsoft for automotive infotainment systems and it has been discontinued. Microsoft announced the end of support for Windows Embedded Automotive 7, the last version of the platform, in 2020.
- based on the Windows Embedded platform and provides a familiar user interface for Windows users.
- offers a wide range of features, including Bing Maps, Microsoft Office, and Xbox. These features are seamlessly integrated into the car’s infotainment system, making it easy for drivers to access their favorite apps and services while on the road.
- also offers advanced safety features like collision detection and lane departure warnings. These features work together to make driving safer and more efficient.
Examples of use
Windows Embedded Automotive was not widely adopted by automakers and was only used in a few vehicles, such as the Ford Sync system in certain models of Ford vehicles.
Microsoft has since shifted its focus to other areas, such as the Azure Cloud platform and the Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
Choosing the right mobile operating system for your car
Choosing the right mobile operating system for your car depends on your specific needs and requirements. Each system has its own unique features and advantages.
When recommended to use
- QNX: Choose it if you require a proven, reliable, and secure real-time operating system with a track record in safety-critical applications, such as automotive control systems.
- Android Automotive OS: Choose it if you want a customizable and feature-rich OS that supports app integration and voice commands, and is designed specifically for use in cars.
- Linux Mobile: Choose it if you want an open-source OS that is highly customizable and adaptable to a wide range of hardware and software configurations, and has a large developer community.
Unique strengths
- QNX: Proven safety and reliability in safety-critical systems.
- Android Automotive OS: Rich app and voice command support.
- Linux Mobile: High customizability and open-source community support.
When NOT recommended to use
QNX: Do not use if you require extensive app support or a larger developer community, or if cost is a significant factor.
Android Automotive OS: Do not use it if safety and reliability are the highest priority, or if you do not require app support or voice commands in your system.
Linux Mobile: Do not use it if you require a turn-key solution that does not require significant customization efforts, or if you have limited experience with Linux development and configuration.
Unique weakness
- QNX: Limited ecosystem and developer community compared to other OS options
- Android Automotive OS: May not be as reliable or secure as other OS options due to the complexity of its design and software components.
- Linux Mobile: This may require significant customization and optimization efforts to achieve optimal performance and reliability.
| QNX | Android Automotive OS | Linux Mobile | Windows Embedded Automotive | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open source |  |  | | |
| Customization |  | | | |
| Customization effort | Moderate | Moderate to High | High | Moderate |
| Privacy and security | | | | |
| App ecosystem | | | | |
| Compatibility with older hardware | | | | |
| Root access | | | | |
| Community support | | | | |
| Device compatibility | | | | |
| Long-term support | | | | |
| Cost | Expensive | Varies | Free | Expensive |
Future of mobile operating systems for cars
The future is bright! As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even
- more advanced features and capabilities
- and more integration with car devices will make it easier for drivers to stay connected while on the road
- more advanced safety features
Conclusion
Mobile operating systems for cars have revolutionized the way we interact with our cars. These systems have made cars smarter, more intuitive, and more efficient.
Choosing the right OS for your car depends on your specific needs and requirements. Each system has its own unique features and advantages.
The future of mobile OS for cars is bright, and we can expect to see even more advanced features and capabilities in the years to come.
Acknowledgments
Yes icons created by juicy_fish – Flaticon
Close icons created by Pixel perfect – Flaticon
Limited time icons created by Freepik – Flaticon
Have you ever tried using a mobile operating system in your car?