HTML5 platform for infotainment systems debuts at CES

Rick Demeis, EE Times -- EDN, February 2, 2012

QNX Software Systems recently unveiled its Car 2 application platform at the 2012 CES (Consumer Electronics Show). The product allows automotive developers to harness the user experience of HTML5 on a software foundation that is in use in millions of vehicles. Enabling rapid development of in-car infotainment systems, the Car 2 platform introduces a new autocentric HTML5 framework. Automakers are beginning to embrace HTML5 to enable them to keep their vehicles fresh with new content and features, to address consumer demands for the latest mobile apps and services, and to leverage a huge developer community—helping automakers customize the user experience and simplify access to mobile apps.

The QNX Car 2 application platform permits developers to easily and effectively rework entire user interfaces—essential to projecting a unique brand identity—and do it cost-effectively for multiple model lines. It also allows them to blend HTML5 applications with those created with Qt, OpenGL ES, and other user-interface technologies—all on the same display and even at the same time. This flexible architecture for building a unified user experience enables manufacturers to leverage their software investments and tap into HTML5.

“At Audi, we see HTML5 as an essential ingredient for creating the next generation of user experiences in the vehicle,” says Mathias Halliger, head of architecture for Audi’s MMI (multimedia-interface) System. “As cars become the new mobile platform, it is increasingly important for automakers to keep pace with the growing array of mobile applications to ensure a rich, customized in-vehicle experience and to offer new features based on the latest technology, such as cloud-based software updates for the car. Support for HTML5 in software platforms such as QNX Car 2 can help automakers achieve this connectivity quickly and cost effectively.” Audi uses QNX software technology in its MIB High infotainment system, which is shipping in cars today.

According to Thilo Koslowski, automotive practice leader at Gartner, automakers will base successful connected-vehicle strategies on the principle of “controlled openness,” which employs current standards and flexible architectures to create unique and differentiated customer experiences. HTML5 allows automotive companies to embrace this principle and to create connected vehicles that are upgradable and can evolve with overall software and technology advancements.


With the QNX Car 2 application platform, developers can build both browser-based and browser-less applications in HTML5 and even use HTML5 to build applications that require no connectivity to the Internet. The platform includes an optimized WebKit-based HTML5 engine that supports audio and video, geolocation, Web sockets, offline applications, session storage, canvas, and other standards, such as CSS3 and JavaScript. Optimizations beyond WebKit include pixel-accurate zooming and high-performance panning, which is ideal for maps and navigation; physics-based scrolling; and other advanced features.

“The QNX CAR 2 is … a platform for achieving the next level of connectivity between the car and mobile devices, between the car and the cloud, and between the car and the consumer,” says Derek Kuhn, vice president of sales and marketing at QNX Software Systems. “With its autocentric HTML5 framework, the platform can help automakers create more enjoyable and convenient user experiences and to connect to the host of HTML5 applications available on smartphones, tablets, and other platforms.” QNX plans general release of the Car 2 platform for mid-2012.

QNX Software Systems