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Sony Launches Three Linux-based In-car Navigation Devices

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the help-in-getting-around dept.

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.

15 of 172 comments (clear)

  1. i wonder by Suppafly · · Score: 3, Insightful

    how long it will take them to "remember" to release the source to the modified gpl programs that they will be using.

    1. Re:i wonder by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

      I'm guessing it probably operates through a framebuffer. Even if it were X, that doesn't mean that it needs to open the source for just an app. The GPL Library license allows the app to remain closed.

  2. Oh! 3d GPS by Eric(b0mb)Dennis · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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.

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    Excuse me, I don't mean to impose, but I am the ocean
    1. Re:Oh! 3d GPS by log2.0 · · Score: 3, Insightful

      Perhaps you could virtually "drive" a few blocks away and see if there are any obsticles in you future path... Just knowing the way you want to go makes driving easier. The 3Dness would help you to visualise whats coming up. Although I kind of agree that a 2D map is good enough...but flashy 3D things are nice :)

      --
      Can your karma go above being Excellent?
    2. Re:Oh! 3d GPS by hrieke · · Score: 4, Insightful

      It's Japan. So, if you've never been there, and had no idea that there really isn't any logical progression of building / house numbers, trust me in that street signs can only take you so far.

      Having buildings & landmarks show up on the screen certainly would help people find their way around (eps. police, fire).

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      III.IIVIVIXIIVIVIIIVVIIIIXVIIIXIIIIIIIIVIIIIVVIIIV IIVIIIIIIVIII...
    3. Re:Oh! 3d GPS by DNAspark99 · · Score: 3, Insightful

      ... 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.

      That's just it - it *can* do a better job than your eyes, especially in an area you've never been before or othewise have no previous knowledge of actual destination location. With this, it can highlight your path and virtually aquaint you with the area beforehand, so you'll allready have an idea of things like where to park the car, and what entrance way to use. Once again, technology steps in to illuminate the path of the totally clueless.

      --

      --
      Society has traditionally always tried to find scapegoats for its problems. Well, here I am.
    4. Re:Oh! 3d GPS by GlassHeart · · Score: 2, Insightful
      STREET SIGNS..

      Some cities have helpful street signs that actually tell you what the next cross street is. Some cities don't, and you won't find out that you're in the wrong lane until you're right at the intersection. This is when the worst drivers make a right turn from the left lane, and endanger everybody else. The good drivers, on the other hand, waste time finding a way to U-turn.

      Now, if only we had a device that could tell you to change lanes before you're at the intersection...

    5. Re:Oh! 3d GPS by netsharc · · Score: 2, Insightful

      That's true, I remember reading a blog entry, the writer said the back of business cards usually have a map, it tells you which train station is the nearest and the route to the place from that station. People inviting you give out a map as well, an example of this is in Lost in Translation, Charlotte faxes Bob a map of how to get to a place where she was going to meet some friends, the place turned out to be a strip-joint!

      --
      What time is it/will be over there? Check with my iPhone app!
  3. Re:GPL my car! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    Well a start would be for the government to get off its ass and finally open OBD-II specs. Then the computer overclockers and car tuners could joing forces as one!

  4. Turning Point for Linux by DarkHazard · · Score: 3, Insightful

    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.

  5. Re:"Other media files"??? by GlassHeart · · Score: 5, Insightful
    the last thing I need is a 3d representation of the buildings...

    I wouldn't say that's the last thing one would need. If you're looking for a place you've never been to before, and the building happens to be distinctive (but you don't know it yet), then seeing it identified on the 3D map can help you find it in real life. It can also help you make a quick decision to take the empty parking space just before you get close enough to read the door number.

    Alternatively, the realistic display can be used to rehearse your route on a quick virtual drive. 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.

    There are other alternatives

    Of course there are. You can take a taxi.

  6. An advantage to 3D buildings... by Dieppe · · Score: 4, Insightful
    One advantage I see to 3D buildings might be driving in fog... or smog. They need to incorporate it with a HUD, I think, to really be worthwhile... and then have hazard avoidance to apply brakes in case of a car or other barrier in front of the car..

    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! :)

  7. But does it run... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful

    ...on alternative fuels?

    (gotcha;)

  8. Re:GPL my car! by kfg · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Other than a few odd bits of firmware their engineering specifications are already Open Sourced and come free with every car, although perhaps a bit patent encumbered.

    It's your responsibility to be able to understand the source though. They don't have a responsibility to tutor you on it.

    Dare I say, RTFM?

    KFG

  9. I am actually quite happy for this. by jb_02_98 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    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. :-)