Tezza Has Upgradeable Software..

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Plugging in to updates for your car
Toby Hagon
April 9, 2011


You will soon be able to download the latest features, writes Toby Hagon.

Car owners could soon be able to upgrade the software systems on their car, upload apps and even interact with social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook.

The basis for the cutting-edge technology has just arrived in the updated, Australian-made Ford Territory.

While technology typically trickles down from expensive models, volume car makers are taking advantage of their economies of scale to introduce advanced electronics sooner.


The Territory's advanced hardware is the latest in an electronics-led revolution of cars that will increasingly bring smartphone interaction, vehicle-specific apps, cloud computing and even the potential to use tablets such as the iPad as a colour screen for the car.

This week, Toyota announced a deal with Microsoft to build new cloud-computing technology into its cars from as early as next year.

''Together, utilising Windows Azure and Microsoft's vast information infrastructure, we will boost the value of automobiles by making them information terminals, moving beyond today's GPS navigation and wireless safety communications, while at the same time enhancing driver and traffic safety,'' Toyota president Akio Toyoda says.

The system could control energy management of electric vehicles and even household items by using on-board internet connectivity.

Mercedes-Benz has also unleashed its future vision, which includes an advanced 3D colour screen that interacts with a smartphone, meaning ''all the applications, services and features of a digital lifestyle can therefore be operated'' within the car's controls.

The technology was shown in the futuristic Concept A-Class - which showcases the look of the new baby Mercedes-Benz hatch - though there were no details of when (or if) such interactivity would make it to a production car.

Closer to home, though, is the updated Territory, which comes standard with a USB input that the brand says has ''upgradeable architecture'' and the ability to ''provide updates for customers''.

Ford Australia electrical integration manager Con Papadomanolakis says the system - which will be introduced to the Falcon large car by the end of this year - will more closely mimic the speed of software development in portable electronic devices, such as the iPhone and smartphones from other brands.

He says there is scope to introduce customised on-board apps as well as internet connectivity and even interactivity with social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

''Certainly, the capability is there and it's something we'll look at in future,'' Papadomanolakis says of social media interactivity and on-board apps.

''[Using] software, you can deploy future functions as they become available. You'll be able to download updates through the USB [input plug in the car].''

Papadomanolakis says the smaller size of the Australian market can delay the introduction of some technologies but that such advanced functions will eventually become available.

Other companies are also ensuring their new electronic systems can keep pace with future developments.

General Motors is integrating voice-activated texting and Facebook updates into its OnStar telematics system in the US.

Mazda showcased its vision in the radical Shinari concept car, which boasted three apps for different lifestyles and drivers.

Like smartphones and other electronics, the electronic system in the new Territory will be upgradeable - something brands have largely struggled with due to the long development lead times and 10-year-plus lifespans of a vehicle. ''You no longer have to wait for a model update,'' Papadomanolakis says.

This is interesting ! not been mentioned before about being in the new Tezz or FG2???