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Sony Launches Three Linux-based In-car Navigation Devices
An anonymous reader writes "Sony has introduced three Linux-based in-car navigation and entertainment devices in Japan today. The NV-XYZ 33, 55, and 77 feature 3D map navigation technology, media players, hard drives, GPS, and PC connectivity. They are based on MIPS processors and a Linux 2.4-series kernel. They also appear to use a GateKeeper copy protection scheme, which may prevent them from being used with Linux desktops and normal media files." Still, the 3-D representations of actual buildings on the maps is pretty impressive.
Now all we need is to get Honda to GPL their engineering specifications.
What does "other media files" mean? An in-car entertainment device with DRM or what?
There are other alternatives, the last thing I need is a 3d representation of the buildings...
"Hey honey check out that building on the screen about 50 feet away..."
*crash*
Excuse me, I don't mean to impose, but I am the ocean
They first tried using windows but it crashed.
Does this remind anyone else of Crazy Taxi?
how long it will take them to "remember" to release the source to the modified gpl programs that they will be using.
Wow, talk about the future! I'm suprised Windows never got to one of these devices before Linux did, really! Most in car stuff (if not modified by the user) is ran by some Microsoft-related product. It's still kind of steep in pricing, but it'll definetly come in price sooner. I wonder what competition's devices will be like? All we can do is wait!
In the board room:
"We can put in a really cool way to navigate in this 3d rendered navigator.. we will call them.. STREET SIGNS.. so people can look at the buildings and then check the street signs for their current course"
Uh, what is the point of a 3d rendered navigation system? Unless it's doing a better job than my eyes, I don't see the use at all.
Excuse me, I don't mean to impose, but I am the ocean
I used to visit Antarti.ca a lot, and this is similar to the products they offered. There were always performance problems. The technology in this system looks much more advanced. The question of how to collect all the necessary information is still important, esp. in a physically larger country like the United States. It doesnt seem like it would be economical unless there is a large surcharge on the product to pay for all the necessary work to map a large portion of even the cities in the United States.
According to the article's image, this 3D approach has two advantages - advertising and landmark spotting.
Since human is good at recognizing patterns and objects, a 3D image of a building/landmark will greatly improve your chance of making that critical turn.
Rock that crushes, Paper & Scissors that don't matter.
I was looking into putting a linux box into my car, and make something similar. I couldn't find any good mapping programs for linux that covered the USA, and also gave driving directions. Are there any?
We do have money in Europe and the US too. Give us some of your leet phones and car gadgets :). Its not fair.
Looks like the maps for the first Grand Theft Auto. Does the thing also identify where Spray and Bomb shops are?
who SCO's next "victim" will be...
C|N>K
Perhaps this could be a proof of Linux use in the consumer electronics market. If Sony continues to develop products with Linux integration, the market should follow.
After all Sony has been an innovator in the past and this should be no different. If Linux were to become a big thing in Japan then it would also become a big thing in America.
Dashwerks is about to release our flagship telematics server. It's a very similar product, however, ours originates in (and is) open-source. It's been seen on here before (back in 2001).
Don't think that a small group of dedicated individuals can't change the world. It's the only thing that ever has.
At least that way I could constantly reboot the thing while I'm tied up in traffic and fool myself into thinking I was being productive.
This isn't a sig... The weekend is almost here and heck yeah I'm posting from a win xp box today. Lighten up, life is too short:)
Anyone whose ever tried:sic to drive through london will know that the road signs are next to useless, and the wide pavements are a great way to avoid going around the one-way system? yet again.
thank God the internet isn't a human right.
Well, like a pedestrian or something.
But imagine it on a HUD with the buildings perfectly matching what you see outside...
Well, for $2k I'll use my eyes.. but fog.. you know... FOG! :)
More info, lots of pictures. ;)
In Japanese Here
VICS supplies real-time traffic congestion, accident and time-to-destination information through roadside or overhead radio beacons dotted all over major roads. VICS-aware navigation systems can then automatically re-route around problem areas.
Apart from the very cute display, Sony is playing catch-up here, though the home cradle is nice: maps can be updated via an internet service that starts in July.
Some systems receive traffic updates via PHS and cellphones in addition to, or instead of, radio. Subscription services provide frequently updated information on speed cameras, mobile speed traps and other inconveniences.
VICS.
What would it take to make a PC fit in a DIN or 2 DIN hole in your car, stick in an 80 or so gig drive and you would have the ultimate deck, now how would you make a linux distro to run that and display on some LCD or DMD screen, I guess you would need a good amp as well Its worth a though I guess
this sig intentionally left blank
Will Sony also be selling ad-space on the buildings in their 3D maps? No pop-ups please!
...on alternative fuels?
(gotcha;)
Well I don't know about other countries, but in Australia it's illegal to operate a mobile phone while driving (unless it's hands-free), and I believe it's also illegal to have a TV or similar device in a car in view of the driver (ie. they can be in the headrests for the back passengers).
The ability to watch TV on these devices is going to cause some serious legal issues if they ever take off here (unlikely).
Homonyms are fun!
You're driving your car, but they're riding their bikes there.
Must be a small distribution. Maybe you mean Minix?
Call (206) 338-5780 COLLECT for information about a genuine BA, BS, MA, MS, MBA, or Ph.D.
For people living in and around Tokyo, a car itself is a luxury-- just as it would be for someone in Manhattan. You cannot buy a car without proof of parking space (usually $200-400/month).
With that market, expensive add-ons to pimp out your ride are very appealing. Those who go to the trouble to own a car (when you really don't need one in the city) are obviously very into that car as a status symbol. Combined with the absolute need for mapping systems (the grid is purposefully convoluted), and Sony should see some good sales.
No one here uses CD players in cars-- they all use MD players, but are quickly moving to HDDs that interface with their iPODs. DVDs are a nice way to spend the time while waiting in traffic or waiting for friends to arrive (I usually wait 30 minutes somewhere when meeting friends).
davejenkins.com |
gain from this? A corporate giant has used software that they didn't have to pay for, possibly modified it slightly (so other people can't benefit from it) and then is selling it along with a custom app and will probably make millions from it.
What use is the GPL if massive corporations can benefit from it and save money, and yet not give anything back to the community?
This is not ment to be a troll, but a serious question.
The closest I've seen to this is in Nissan/Infinity cars, which has a "looking down from an angle" view of the map, instead of the traditional "view from directly overhead".
Still, one of the big annoyances with these things is updates. If you live in a mature city with rare changes in roadways, it's great, but if you live in an area which is still rapidly developing, there tend to be a lot of roads that pop up seemingly overnight (i.e. I noticed a shopping center on the way home last night which was an empty lot a week ago!)
Carmaggedon, here we come!
I don't mean to start bashing with you, but I do have a few comments. First off, I have used linux for a long time, and I still like using command lines more that graphics, even though I have been able to configure a system and leave the client alone for a year or more and they never have problems... hey, they don't even have to touch the command line.
:-)
The software compiling... well... it looks to me like the software is already with the unit, much like a differant OS in some computers. It seems to be preconfigured with everything needed, so the software is taken care of.
The interface is part of the software. I use blackbox, because I like it. They are probably just using a simple interface that doesn't do much except show their software... hey, it is there software.
THe maps are part of the software as well... Looks like the reasons to complain are dieing off...
The 'uptime' is a good thing... I don't want to worry about my navigation system dieing on me while traveling. I have lived out in the boonies most of my life and being in a large city might make things a bit more difficult for me. I'm sure if it can handle being on longer, it can also handle being restarted more gracefully, especially since the OS won't change... its part of the system. The uptime is equally as important. If I can't use the system because it isn't functioning is a lot differant than if I can't use the system due to a lack of features... One I can learn to get around, the other will stop me one hundered percent.
The system is linux, it will work. Not because it isn't windows, but because linux can be built to do the job a lot better than windows can be added to. One would be a custom fit, the other would be a jury rigged solution.
I don't know if you were being humorous or not... but I figured I would throw in my opinion.
Tux racer?
Responsibility is the punishment for compentenc
Their use will be outlawed in most countries and states within a few years because of studies that show you drive like a drunk watching the thing the whole time.
Just wondering if anyone here has dealt with this...
I have two PDAs (IPAQs) running Linux. Does anyone here have experience running mapping software (pref. with gps support) for handhelds with Familiar Linux?
Also, what map source do you import?
Many thanks-
Sam
Is some kind of digital overlay connected to your windscreen. It could be 40% translucent or similar, and it would generate a 3D image to let you know where your are and where you have to go.
Sounds sorta futuristic, but I don't think it's that far off.
with PS2 Linux. Granted it's a different subcompany, but what makes you automatically assume they won't comply with the GPL?
that weird clunking noise is the VM causing our HDD to thrash. Better take it to Van Reil Automotive.
--------========+++Dont Feed The Lab Techs+++========--------
that most Japanese streets don't have names--only the highways and major arteries have names, and the rest are just "the third left after Akishima Station on Edo-kaido". It is incredibly difficult to find your way to a given address without a map.
Does this mean I can ditch the bastard WinCE on my old IBM Workpad z50, and d/load & install Linux on it? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? Bueller?
-Benjamin Meyer
Do you changes clothes while making the "chee-chee-cha-cha-choh" transformation sound?
That they have it so as youre driving you can pick up power ups, and when you get a hitchhiker you have to take them to their destination on time, this reminds me of something
(\_/)
(O.o) This is Bunny. Add Bunny to your signature
(> <) to help him achieve world domination.
But does it run.... oh, wait!
how long do you think it will be before the governments get pissed about video playing capabilities... I mean, they got pissed when people were watching porn on the car DVD players (article)...but that was in the back seat... this thing rides up front. I hope these don't come to the states (legally) because there are going to be SO many accidents!!
I'd just like to see *somebody*, anybody, release a decent trip planning package for Linux.
/. apathy.
I used to hold out hope for Delorme, but since they discontinued support for Mac and went pure Windows I've given that up. There was a glimmer of a chance for change, but that was dashed upon the rocks of
www.eFax.com are spammers
An Anonymous Coward in his ignorancy is better left alone. My system turns on, logs in and starts to play music at 6:30 AM. It is my alarm clock. By the time I am to my computer, it has raised the volume to about 80 percent, which is a good volume to listen to the music. I check my e-mail and walk out. At about 9 my system shuts itself down. I only touched it to read the e-mail. A very system thing without any clicking (unless I get some e-mail, then I might have to reply.) Looks pretty easy to me. It would be cool if they could incorporate something like that into this system. I would like to be able to listen to music, watch movies, find my way around, check traffic conditions, check e-mail, send e-mail, chat, and all that stuff from my car. If I have a wireless net connection to my car (which is almost possible in some areas) I could even voice chat. Talk about consolidating the bills. Maybe this thing will take off and add a few things. You never know. The hardware is a bit steap for me though. The software is priced pretty good though. :-)
Because when you put together Sony, Linux, 3d graphics and MIPS CPU, I think Playstation 2.
Personally, I remember directions much better if I've been there just once, and a quick virtual drive might just be all I need to avoid having to look at the map while actually driving.
Now there's a worthwhile idea... you could practice your getaway drive after knockin' over the local 7-Eleven. That could maybe help cut down on those pointless pursuits down dead-end alleys that always seem to befall the thugs on "Cops".
Because we are creative and always developing new technologies.
The West seems satisfied to copy us Japanese and only implement proven technologies.
Thus, you are always at least one generation behind us in Japan.
This would have made "Dude, Where's My Car" a much shorter movie.
:P)
I therefore think it rocks.
(Just kidding. I liked that movie, actually... I'll probably get modded troll just for saying I liked it, though.
I was going to say something about SCO, but I'll assume the rest of Slashdot has already done it for me.
Assume I was drunk when I posted this.
The article refers to a "cradle that fits underneath the driver's headrest". This device is fitted into one cool car - it doesn't have a steering wheel or any controls! Full autopilot is what I like to see. Then again, it's possible that since in Japan they drive on the left the picture is of the passenger side of the car. Note to Americans - the rest of the world is (thankfully) not America. = Andrew
It doesn't seem that either the Sony device or the DashPC use any other sensors besides GPS.
Stock nav systems in cars these days almost always have a gyrocompass or three axis tilt sensor, and an accelerometer for dead-reckoning. They are also sometimes wired into the vehicle speed sensor.
These extra inputs are combined (with a kalman filter for instance) to give a position estimate more accurate than any individual sensor could provide. This accounts for the much more accurate and smooth results you see with stock systems compared to add ons.
In the air or on water GPS is a godsend, dead-reckoning based on velocity is out because of winds/current and its good enough because there is nothing to bump into. But on the ground the error of GPS gets worse due to reflections, and you need more accuracy to stay on the right roads. Luckily being on the ground you can count on having much more accurate velocity estimates for dead-reckoning.
I'd like to see an add-on nav system that supports this so I'm free to choose a car that doesn't offer a stock nav system. Anyone know of such a system?
refactor the law, its bloated, confusing and unmaintainable.
It seems that japanese love gadgets more than other people. But I wonder how many of those are just marketing stunts and how many are really offered on the market. It is one thing to publish a press release stating that the company is developing such and such, and another thing to actually put it in the store shelves.
I think its interesting that Sony are looking at linux more and more. It seems to be a general process i think when companies try, and see the benefits of linux they then begin to use it in different packages. Its like many linux users will say I tried linux x-years ago and never looked back. Once you've tasted of the fruit its hard to stop!
... I wonder if they have something more exciting in the pipeline? eg: take one PSP re-form-factorize into pda; slap QT / Opie (or desired linux based pda distro) and hey presto... a killer PDA.
;) )
...
I heard that Sony are stopping production of the clie
(well we can all dream
nick
Electronic Music Made Using Linux http://soundcloud.com/polyp
Lemme grab my Hawaiian shirts and shoulder fired missiles. I'm off to the hardware store.
I wonder if this device is indicative of why Sony dropped their US Palm lineup. It seems this would've been a device ideal for PalmOS; at the very least, a device who's operating system could be in direct competition to Palm. This thing obviously does more than just navigation. With its media capabilities and touchscreen interface, it may be Sony has a slick embeded OpenPDA-like embedded OS soon to be found on a 'Clie' near you.
LilMikey.com... I'll stop doing it when you sto
But what happens when it's dark? I would find it MUCH easier to have the directions shown on a screen and/or spoken to me.
There is also the problem of non-natives not understanding the street signs. Maybe because the symbols are different in their country or because they don't read the language (only speak it).
Car rentals could make a lot of money out of these beauties.
My parents rented a car in Queensland and it came with such a system.
If used properly these things are good. However with all things they can be bad as well. People probably said the same thing about the radio and whatnot, and these have yet to be made illegal. This thing's purpose is to let you drive. Not distract you. Mobile phones and televisions' purposes are to distract you.
of these? Oh. Never mind.
Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain with all your metadata.
LOL, if you want to check out the show, come to #gnaa on irc.gnaa.us, it's starting in an hour, at midnight cst like it does every week!