IAA 2007: Infotainment for the future – Siemens VDO presents a new Multi Media Platform based on Microsoft's "Microsoft Auto" application
Regensburg/Germany, September 11, 2007
At the 62nd IAA International Motor Show Cars, in Frankfurt, Siemens VDO will present its latest development in the field of infotainment: With the Multi Media Platform (MMP), home entertainment functions and mobile devices are increasingly being integrated into the vehicle each year. To seamlessly accomplish this, the company is working together with software specialist Microsoft and using its “Microsoft Auto” software.
The entertainment electronics standards that dominate the market consistently guide Siemens VDO's development of its MMP. Along with the typical automotive applications, such as radio and navigation, the MMP allows users to play back videos and music titles, as well as access applications and functions from entertainment electronics. With this feature, Virtual Earth and other Internet services will be available in future vehicle applications.
Siemens VDO's MMP software architecture establishes a clear separation between functions relevant to the vehicle and entertainment features. This separation makes it possible to quickly react to future innovations and market trends because it is only necessary to add individual software components. The software responsible for vehicle function, is unaffected by changes made to the entertainment software and also has the best protection against manipulation available. This feature creates a bridge between the short development cycles in communications and information technology with the comparatively long product life cycles in automotive engineering. The company plans to continue to cooperate with Microsoft and use its software technology in the future, particularly for entertainment electronics and multimedia projects.
The hardware is equipped with appropriate interfaces so mobile devices, such as USB sticks, iPods, and SD cards can be easily networked with the MMP and integrated into the vehicle. Furthermore, the MMP also has a Bluetooth interface, allowing cell phones to be used as data storage media at any time.
In the MMP hardware design, Siemens VDO utilizes processors with the “dual core” architecture used in the personal computer field. These processors ensure that the unit is able to deliver top performance. The flexible platform also can be expanded at the automotive manufacturer’s request with the addition of a high-end graphic chip that enables high-quality graphic displays.
Because Siemens VDO insists the driver to be able to navigate intuitively using the menu commands, the company's MMP utilizes a touch-sensitive front end feature. Siemens VDO's ergonomics expertise forms the basis for adjustments that will make technology better fit people’s needs in the future, as well as provide the driver with more support for his or her primary task: Getting there safely and comfortably.
Siemens VDO Automotive AG (Regensburg) is one of the world’s leading automotive electronics and mechatronics suppliers, earning approximately 70 percent of its total annual sales in this segment. As an automotive industry development partner, the company's innovative products and solutions enhance safety, driving comfort, cost-effectiveness and performance, as well as reduce emissions and keep drivers informed and in touch with the world. In the 2006 business year (Sept. 30, 2006), Siemens VDO generated sales of more than EUR 10 billion and achieved results of EUR 669 million based on US-GAAP, which corresponds to an EBIT margin of 6.7 percent.
Reference Number: SV 200709.003 en
