VW develop Intel-based in-car Infotainment PC [Video]

Chris Davies, May 20th 2009 Discuss [0]

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Volkswagen have developed an an in-vehicle, fully-connected computer prototype, based on Intel’s In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI) reference design. The PC is integrated entirely into the car’s head-unit, and offers digital music, video and photos, together with 3D navigation complete with online satellite imagery.

vw_intel_ivi_prototype

Video demo after the cut

There’s also 3G via an EVDO Rev.A modem, plus WiFi and Bluetooth, and USB devices can be plugged into ports hidden in the glove compartment. The system uses touchscreen gestures to control music playback and other functions, meaning you don’t have to take your eyes off the road to operate them.

The head-unit itself was manufactured by Compal, and while there’s no word on whether it will end up an option in production vehicles, the video certainly seems to suggest that could eventually be the case. No hardware details of the prototype system are given, but Intel’s own IVI reference design suggests an Atom Z530 processor with the System Controller Hub US15W, paired with 1GB of RAM, up to two PATA hard-drives, 5.1 surround sound, WiFi, WiMAX and a TV tuner.

VW Intel IVI prototype:

Intel & VW Execs discuss In-Vehicle Infotainment: