Delphi Concept Controls Your Car Through iPhone

[mgescuro]

http://www.autoblog.com/2008/01/08/d...hrough-iphone/



One of Delphi's major reveals during CES this week is surely to get the iPhone fanbois frothing at the mouth – even if it's just a concept. The software allows users to monitor and control several aspects of a vehicle's system, everything from unlocking doors to starting the car and getting the temperature just right.

The connection is made from the phone to a Bluetooth-enabled key-fob that then connects to the car. According to Delphi, that gives geeks the opportunity to connect to their vehicle from a mile away.

Beyond the aforementioned features, the system can start or stop the car, roll down the windows, check tire pressure, monitor oil and brake fluid life, as well as detecting if the car has been broken into. If and when the system is ready for primetime, Delphi expects it to be available for a number of smart phones.

[Andonis]

Thats just great.
They only have to steal a phone now to get the car

Jokes aside, this is just one step away to get the car connected with the house and everything else.

[Butz]

amazing it really is

[psece]

So what do you think mgescuro, jailbreaked or using the unofficial SDK?

Andonis, they said in an interview that the car will not be able to get into gear unless the key is installed.

[Andonis]

ok, so the key is in. then why would you need to remote control? it's not like im worried or anything)
but like i said this is the step between connecting our homes to our cars and computers.
everything that has advantage may also have a disadvantage in the same time

[TaHoE]

This stuff is so unnecessary....I'm all for technology, but this is pointless. Just get a remote starter...

[psece]

Originally Posted by TaHoE

This stuff is so unnecessary....I'm all for technology, but this is pointless. Just get a remote starter...

Right now, these technologies are in flux. No one is sure of the what or the why. But in the future, the interfaces will be much different. Your car scans your iris and does a voice print before it starts your car. Secondly, remote starters are only good with ICE. What would the interface look like with a Volt? Or the robotic car?

While I agree with you that this is fluff, it can sell cars. Also, this could be a step towards something you do want.

[Canyonaro]

Originally Posted by TaHoE

Just get a remote starter...

My wife has a factory unit on her Mali and it is great. I still don't know why you would need the added feature on your iphone, your car would still need that factory starter unit (remember Delphi makes the fobs) for your car to start anyway, so whats the point.
You do also need the key to be in and turned in the ignition before it will even allow you to drive away after the remote start.

I am with TaHoE on this, it is just a waste or just a "cool" factor.

[mgescuro]

Originally Posted by psece

So what do you think mgescuro, jailbreaked or using the unofficial SDK?

Andonis, they said in an interview that the car will not be able to get into gear unless the key is installed.

It doesn't look to be built on a Safari interface.
I would have to say an SDK. Apple does have the iPhone SDK out to "select" developers already. And it'll be out to everyone in February.

I think there is soooooo much potential here for Delphi and GM and Onstar.

Picture this:
You are on your SmartPhone at work. Your car is at the train station miles away. Someone breaks into your car. Car dials your phone and notifies you that your passenger window is broken and police have been notified.

Your car is stolen, the car sends you a notification to you and displays it on iPhone's Google Map as to its location.

You are on your iPhone. You load up a secure website that logs you into OnStar. You can immediately pull up the vital stats of your car from your iPhone or web browser. You tap the Ignition icon... it asks you how long you want the engine running, with a pulldown menu 1-5 minutes.... you select the time.... OnStar sends a signal to your car, and it powers on.

You are in front of your car with your iPhone. You left your key in the car. Oops. You pull up a secure web browser, log in, and tap the "Unlock" button. Enter your password. Seconds later, car unlocks the doors. Or rolls down the window. Or pops the trunk or sunroof or hood.

You are on your iPhone... you log into secure OnStar website and pull up the full stats of your car. Tire pressure, oil life, oil temp, coolant levels, etc etc etc.

The possibilities are endless!!!

[jbernie]

HSV had/has a slightly more simple version of this in some of its models, I think they were using an HP iPaq. Would do tyre monitoring, i think MRC suspension adjusting and one or two other things.

It wasn't for locking/unlocking doors etc and it did need to be cradled in by the handbrake. But you could call that a gen 1 version of this.

As a concept I think it is quite interesting, there is a lot of potential for interfacing with the vehicle and removing the need to visit the dealer (esp. for us Saab owners). Though I don't know how comfortable I am with having so many settings controlled by a device that can be lost/stolen/misused.

GM has that fancy keyfob which can do about just as much as this interface without being a look at me device etc etc.

[MisterMe]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

...

The possibilities are endless!!!

I cannot agree more. Ford is going with Microsoft. Delphi (GM) is going with Apple. I can't wait to see what else this collaboration brings.

[K Dawg ONE]

Originally Posted by MisterMe

I cannot agree more. Ford is going with Microsoft. Delphi (GM) is going with Apple. I can't wait to see what else this collaboration brings.

VW/Audi is using Apple too!

[a_v_s]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

The connection is made from the phone to a Bluetooth-enabled key-fob that then connects to the car. According to Delphi, that gives geeks the opportunity to connect to their vehicle from a mile away.

While cool, Delphi is exaggerating their claims, or they broke the BT spec.... (We work with BT devices in our lab)

There are 3 power classes for Bluetooth devices. Class 1 range is 300ft, Class 2 is 30ft, and Class 3 is 3ft.

Most all phones I've seen only have a class 2 radio.

[a_v_s]

Originally Posted by mgescuro

The possibilities are endless!!!

Yes they certainly are... Some of the specs I've been writing for the last few years were actually dealing specifically with automotive use cases. I can assure you this is just the tip of the iceberg

[mgescuro]

Jaguar has been working with Apple as well. Remember, the XF center console is Apple designed/influenced. And the Land Rover Concept has a nice little slot for the iPhone in the center console.

Seeing as automobiles have started cropping up at CES (no idea why), it looks liek the automakers are realizing that the nature of cars is evolving. I mean, since when has a car ever been considered "consumer electronics?"

The initial Sync features are just that -- initial. It looks to be far more robust than initially thought. And that should be an alarm for GM and other automakers. It should be especially alarming for GM, as they are notoriously, continuously, and consistently behind the technology curve. Sync has the ability to challenge OnStar now, but OnStar doesn't have the capabilities to challenge Sync for Infotainment.

iPhone (as well as other WindowsMobile, Blackberry, Palm, Android devices) can prove to be the missing link from home to car. It's the "digital lifestyle" or your "iLife." Whatever you want to call it.

I think this can be very promising.