Tezza Has Upgradeable Software..

[csv8]

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???

[GT69]

This sounds really cool. But am I the only one that just got alittle freaked out?

"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."

[Gobes32]

Does this mean we can download firmware updates from the Ford website and if we cut power to the car before it finishes we "brick" it???? ha ha.

[Polyal]

Ah blue screen of death......wheres my crt + alt + delete!

I dont know if I could be arsed downloading stuff for the car. I think just having a customizable interface would be enough. Almost like skins or something.

[mcnews]

Just what we need (facebook, twitter etc. on your car display), another distraction for the moronic to concentrate on while running red lights, drifting across centre lines, and causing crashes.

[phillyc]

Like it or not. Ford offering this advanced tech will help sell their cars.

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.

Ford isn't going to win with us forum members. They get bagged for not having technology (of various forms) and get bagged for offering new technology (of various forms).

[Wretched]

Interesting but doesn't mention how the interaction will happen.
It would be limited to the models with the full color screen and better resolution. I'm interested in what underlying infrastructure is required for this and what can be customised...

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.

Nice, but I assume this will require a phone to be tethered to the system to allow connectivity? Unless of course Ford will introduce wifi to the Territory/Falcon.

Interesting none the less and a good thing to happen but for now I would imagine it will be quite limited with room for expansion in future models. Good to see Ford finally getting into the 21st century though
Next step get MyFord here.

[Polyal]

Im all for funky looking diagnostic read outs, but IMO anything internet chat based should be illegal, or only visible from say screens in rear seats.

[duaned]

Cool. If something breaks down on the car, simply re-boot it and all will be good again!

[Gobes32]

And decent overclocking potential?

On a serious note, I like the idea. I have taken an interest in the whole carputer thing but would definitely get on board if a manufacturer was offering it. I would love to see a media player with 80gb internal storage for mp3's etc on the colour screen.

[nipper575]

Originally Posted by Polyal

Im all for funky looking diagnostic read outs, but IMO anything internet chat based should be illegal, or only visible from say screens in rear seats.

Agree with this.

Are we so attention deficit these days that we can't go a car trip without having to log on and post about crap? It's not like I'm against the technology, but there's a line that's not to be crossed. If you can't help yourself, then you'll most likely already have an iPhone or a similar variant that will have social networking capabilities.

Car makers need to stop putting so many distractions in their vehicles. If people actually concentrated whilst driving, we wouldn't need cars that automatically stop themselves when they sense a collision.

[sleek7]

Car will be much more than simply travelling from A to B. I like this.

[1TUFFUTE]

well iphones allready have apps to turn them into mini internet routers or wireless internet center...so you can use your laptop online anywhere you like. This would be very simple to engineer into cars. Perhaps a removable mini laptop of i pad like device in the front dash/glovebox/screen. car provides the internet. DONE AWESOME

[Buntz]

Sounds good. It's like a cut down version of the sync system, and probably not as troublesome.

It could find it's way into Ford products around the world hopefully. And I'm pretty sure this is a locally developed product.

[xrmiro]

Internet Radio would be a great feature.

[fou_bleu]

Do remember that new Ford systems are voice-activated, therefore less loss of concentration.

Also, I would love to see Ford make a version of this: http://jalopnik.com/#!5422484/merced...nally-us+bound

[04redxr8]

They cant manufacture a half decent sounding stereo (use the term very loosely), but the car can download bookface and other nonsensical crap.

Hell, even if the useless POS of a headunit was removable it would a start.

Ford need to lay of the complicated technology until they can master the simpler stuff IMO.

Better sounding source units, LINE LEVEL OUTPUTS, Adjustable bass frequencies, all things found in $200 cheapy headunits, and don't have any of it in my so called Premium sound."

And people hear say that Holden is full of gimmicks. Atleast my utes stereo has a half decent sound.

[v8falconsrule]

Hmmmm download the latest (corrupted) update and you'll need to reboot the car everyday......... Would give new meaning to the harddrive crashing....

[malazn mafia]

Originally Posted by 04redxr8

They cant manufacture a half decent sounding stereo (use the term very loosely), but the car can download bookface and other nonsensical crap.

Hell, even if the useless POS of a headunit was removable it would a start.

Ford need to lay of the complicated technology until they can master the simpler stuff IMO.

Better sounding source units, LINE LEVEL OUTPUTS, Adjustable bass frequencies, all things found in $200 cheapy headunits, and don't have any of it in my so called Premium sound."

And people hear say that Holden is full of gimmicks. Atleast my utes stereo has a half decent sound.

Does the SZ territory have any of this, or does it still have the same old circa 2001 features that even the EF/EL Premium Sound option was way ahead of?

Speaking of software upgrades, after hardwiring a laptop into the BA's ICC, I was blown away by the sound quality that Software alone could produce on standard BA/BF speakers. Clear Bass and Treble with no distortion. The 'premium sound' BA ICC on CD/Radio sounded like a cheap boombox from K-mart in comparison, despite running through the same old speakers.

[FalconXV]

Does anyone know more about this? Like can you change the background colour, add apps, etc? (on Territory's new ICC).

[XR6_661]

Ridiculous.

[fairBA]

Originally Posted by 04redxr8

They cant manufacture a half decent sounding stereo (use the term very loosely), but the car can download bookface and other nonsensical crap.

Hell, even if the useless POS of a headunit was removable it would a start.

Ford need to lay of the complicated technology until they can master the simpler stuff IMO.

Better sounding source units, LINE LEVEL OUTPUTS, Adjustable bass frequencies, all things found in $200 cheapy headunits, and don't have any of it in my so called Premium sound."

And people hear say that Holden is full of gimmicks. Atleast my utes stereo has a half decent sound.

Now people can stuff up their car on a whole new level,

[Ben73]

Good for changing what your speedo looks like and stuff like that. But there is no need for facebook and twitter in the dash board.

[DJL351]

**Waits to the first Facebook status....

Just crashed the car while trying to harvest my crops on Farmville - FML!

I think, in part, it could be good. However, not something that will draw a crowd.

[XR6_661]

Originally Posted by DJL351

**Waits to the first Facebook status....

Just crashed the car while trying to harvest my crops on Farmville - FML!

I think, in part, it could be good. However, not something that will draw a crowd.

Like, are we really that dependant on these things....most people have a home PC with facebook, one at work, a phone that can access facebook. Do we really need this in a car as well??