Motorola's New Alliances Enable the Proliferation of mobileGT Architecture; Agreements Enable a New Level of ITS Functionality and Interactivity in Automobiles
16 October 2000
Motorola's New Alliances Enable the Proliferation of mobileGT Architecture; Agreements Enable a New Level of ITS Functionality and Interactivity in Automobiles
Business EditorsAUSTIN, Texas--Oct. 16, 2000--Motorola today announced agreements with TEMIC, CUE, Object Technology International (an IBM subsidiary), Embedded Planet, Virtual Prototypes, and QNX Software Systems to further develop its mobileGT(TM) Architecture.
The Java-based architecture, initially targeted for automotive driver information systems, is scalable across a wide range of products, which can allow automobile manufacturers to leverage a common development approach while providing product differentiation, such as tailored applications and system integration, dynamic navigation, wireless connectivity and Internet access, natural language speech processing, car audio, virtual dashboards, multimedia and more.
The relationships with these six companies enable speech recognition, driver information content, Java(TM) application development, deployment and hardware integration, graphical user interfaces (GUIs), global positioning systems (GPS), and a superior operating system together in the mobileGT platform.
"We are most excited about bringing speech recognition capabilities to our mobileGT architecture," stated John Hansen, Director of Driver Information Systems Marketing, Motorola. "Because of the inherent nature of operating an automobile, it only makes sense to enable a vehicle's functions to respond to voice commands so that the driver can concentrate on driving," he concluded.
Speech recognition capabilities are expected to be enabled by Motorola's relationship with TEMIC. TEMIC is the pioneer in speech processing. Starting in 1996, TEMIC supplied the first usable and robust speech controlled system to Mercedes-Benz(R). "We supply not just speech recognition," mentioned Dr. Mathias Gollwitzer, Director Speech Processing, TEMIC. "Our focus is also acoustic and dialog design." With these three core technologies, together with Motorola, a system solution for a universal infotainment platform should be realized. Distributed solutions with on/off-board speech processing are in development for various services.
Driver Information Content capabilities are expected to be enabled by Motorola's relationship with CUE Corporation. Through this relationship, mobileGT is expected to be able to provide voice-driven real-time traffic information, weather forecasts, news alerts through CUE's Voice TMC(R) technology. The new service would broadcast real-time route-specific traffic information over FM subcarrier in 60 major markets. Gordon Kaiser, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for CUE, said, "We look forward to bringing out new nation-wide traffic radio station to the mobileGT platform providing drivers with critical information in a safe, timely and user-friendly fashion."
Quick start Java(TM) capabilities are expected to be enabled by Motorola's relationship with Object Technology International (an IBM subsidiary). Through IBM's VisualAge Micro Edition comprehensive integrated development environment, set of tools and runtime components for deploying Java applications on connected embedded devices, mobileGT architecture helps developers achieve speedier development times and more effective team collaboration while improving the individual developer's programming experience. It helps make it possible to debug and analyze programs as they execute -- even when they run in remote, network-attached devices without their own user interfaces.
Development Systems and hardware integration capabilities are expected to be enabled by Motorola's relationship with Embedded Planet. The development systems are expected to integrate Embedded Planet's hardware and firmware with software and tools to create an "out of box development" platform that can translate to prototypes, or directly into production-ready products. The mobileGT solution is tailor-made for automotive applications, but Embedded Planet technology is designed to be easily adapted and scalable to other Internet gateway or networking applications. The entire family of EP firmware, software, and hardware helps OEMs design, develop and deploy embedded applications more efficiently than previously possible.
A consumer-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) is expected to be enabled by Motorola's relationship with Virtual Prototypes, Inc. (VPI). VPI provides a comprehensive toolset for the specification, design, testing and deployment of the human machine interface (HMI), with which the driver interacts to access the mobileGT technology. "We are enthusiastic to be such a visible component of the mobileGT development solution, providing our customers with the ability to quickly create personalized and distinctive interfaces for the infotainment and telematic systems which today's consumers are demanding in their vehicles," stated Philippe Collard, President and CEO of Virtual Protoypes. VAPS and CCG Lite form a powerful suite of tools for specifying, testing, simulating and deploying visual real-time, interactive 2D graphical user interfaces. VAPS automates all phases of the development and deployment of real-time, data-driven and event-driven graphical HMI applications. The VAPS tool suite allows users to intuitively draw objects, specify data-driven animation, connect to application data and specify event/response behavior. VAPS generates ANSI C source code that may be compiled and downloaded to the embedded real-time target system, taking VAPS-built HMIs from the prototyping stage to product delivery.
The mobileGT platform's realtime operating system (RTOS) and GUI are expected to be provided by QNX Software Systems. QNX(R) Neutrino(R) RTOS provides a full suite of small, memory-efficient applications for mobileGT systems, including the Photon microGUI(R) windowing system, the Voyager(TM) Web browser, an email client, a PIM, as well as drivers for LCDs, audio, and more. All applications are fully customizable, allowing the manufacturer to create a unique look and feel. And unlike conventional RTOSs, QNX Neutrino's robust microkernal architecture is inherently open to ISVs. Even developers who have written only user applications can expect to easily add their own custom drivers, file systems, etc., no kernel programming required.
According to Ted Lewis, CEO of Daimler-Chrysler Research and Development, digital radio will achieve a virtual 100% automotive market penetration within ten years (COMPUTER Binary Critic, September, 2000). Other aspects of DIS such as navigation, email, information content and additional entertainment content should also grow in a similar fashion. The technological capabilities of this consortium should be a key factor in enabling these driver information systems.
The open and definable nature of the mobileGT technology allows customers to upgrade or revise functionality through their cellular phone or other wireless technology.
Motorola plans to announce several initial mobileGT architecture customers in 2001.
About TEMIC
TEMIC is the specialist for automotive electronics within the DaimlerChrysler Group. TEMIC's division Speech Processing is the leading supplier of speech processing technology worldwide. TEMIC development, production and sales activities have global presence in the strategically important markets of Europe, North America and Asia. TEMIC customers are the companies of DaimlerChrysler and all major automobile manufacturers. The company is concentrating upon its six business units: powertrain and chassis, body electronics, occupant safety, ABS, sensor systems and automotive electric motors. The company currently employs more than 5,300 qualified people worldwide, 3,000 in Germany. TEMIC business headquarters are located in Nuremberg, Germany. The technical center in the US is located in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Further product development and manufacturing sites are located throughout Germany. Speech Processing sites are in Ulm, Germany, and Auburn Hills, Michigan. In 1999, TEMIC achieved sales of about $896 million (USD). Visit www.temic.com/speech for more information.
About Embedded Planet
Embedded Planet is a leading provider of embedded system solutions in the Internet access and gateway infrastructure markets. The company provides manufacturers and developers of embedded solutions with integrated software and hardware platforms that become the foundation customers use to design, develop and deploy their embedded applications and products. Embedded Planet's PowerPC(TM)-based RPX Lite is used in Motorola's mobileGT offering. RPX Lite and a full range of complementary platforms and products are available for customers who need high levels of reliable embedded computing power.
About Virtual Prototypes Inc.
Founded in 1985, Virtual Prototypes is a leading supplier of software tools for the development of real-time, interactive graphical applications. Headquartered in Montreal, Virtual Prototypes has offices and distributors throughout Canada, the United States, Europe, and Asia. Virtual Prototypes' customers include 350 leaders in the aerospace, automotive and other high-technology industries in more than 25 countries. Virtual Prototypes can be reached at 514/341-3874, or at its Web site, http://www.VirtualPrototypes.CA.
About CUE
CUE operates the world's largest radio data network providing nationwide, regional, and local messaging throughout North America over the FM subcarrier facilities of more than 600 radio stations. The company's network covers more than 95 percent of the population of Canada and the United States, with a seamless footprint of more than two million square miles. Distributors of CUE services include AT&T Wireless, Ameritech, MobileMedia, Arch Communications, American Paging, Teletouch, Skytel, and Clarion Corporation of America.
The CUE network is also used to distribute real-time traffic information in major markets in North America. Recently CUE introduced its esign(R) service to distribute custom messaging and information services to electronic signs across North America.
In May of this year, CUE entered into an agreement with Tegaron GmbH in Germany and MediaMobile of France to form the International Traffic Data Alliance. The Alliance will distribute real time traffic information in a consistent RDS/TMC format in Canada, the United States, France, Germany, and England. Alliance partners will use common encryption and conditional access technology, creating a de facto standard in both North American and Europe. CUE is responsible for providing service in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Tegaron, the German partner, is a joint venture of Deutsche Telekom and DaimlerChrysler. MediaMobile, the French partner, is a joint venture between Telediffusion De France, Renault, Traffic Master, and Cofiroute.
About IBM
IBM is the world's leading e-business company offering a wide range of services, solutions and technologies that help businesses take full advantage of emerging innovation. IBM's pervasive computing and mobile Internet strategy is to extend e-business applications to the new class of connected client devices.
This involves building, deploying and developing mobile applications by partnering with key industry players, developing groundbreaking initiatives to set open industry standards, and deploying a Business Innovation Services team with hundreds of wireless consultants. IBM has been a licensee of Sun's Java technology since 1995, with over 4,000 developers who work on Java related technologies.
Object Technology International, a wholly owned subsidiary of IBM, is the creator of VisualAge development technology. OTI has also implemented virtual machines for embedded computing since 1988.
IBM can be found on the Web at http://www.ibm.com
About QNX
Founded in 1980, QNX Software Systems is the industry leader in realtime, microkernal OS technology. The company has established a strong customer base in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, consumer electronics, transportation, medical instrumentation, process control, and point-of-sale. QNX products are distributed in over 100 countries worldwide. Visit www.qnx.com.
About Motorola
Motorola, Inc. is a global leader in providing integrated communications solutions and embedded electronics solutions. Sales in 1999 were $33.1 billion. For more information, visit the Motorola Web site at http://www.motorola.com.
As the world's No. 1 producer of embedded processors, Motorola's Semiconductor Products Sector offers multiple DigitalDNA(TM) solutions which enable its customers to create new business opportunities in the consumer, networking and computing, transportation, and wireless communications markets. Motorola's worldwide semiconductor sales were $7.4 billion (USD) in l999. Visit http://sps.motorola.com.
MOTOROLA, the Stylized M Logo and all other trademarks indicated as such herein are trademarks of Motorola, Inc.(R) Reg. U.S. Pat. & Tm. Off. Sun, Sun Microsystems, Java, and Quick start Java are all trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems in the United States and all other countries. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. (c)2000 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.