A consortium of Finnish companies has launched the Vedia Multi-Service concept that aims to provide device-independent traveller services for inside the car, on public transport and while walking. The system is aimed at providing traveller services from multiple suppliers independently of the mobile device used to deliver them. Functions will be accessed through a terminal device such as a smartphone or tablet and provided to the driver through a voice interface to reduce distraction.
“The Vedia concept follows the global trend towards in-car access to smartphone apps,” says Stephen Longden, a telematics specialist at SBD. Solutions identified by SBD can be classified in four groups – simply Docking the phone in the car, a Proxy method of allowing access to apps running on the phone, Remote control of the phone through a car HMI and Streaming the phone display to the in-car screen. These solutions are analysed and compared in SBD’s new Complete guide to integrating smartphone apps in the car.
Potential Vedia applications include guidance to parking and payment, Pay As You Drive insurance, monitoring of vehicle usage for fleet management, route guidance, traffic information, road conditions, fuel price information and public transport information.
A pilot implementation for professional drivers will involve 30 vehicles in the Helsinki area. The fleet of public vehicles will be monitored for distance driven, type of roads used and emissions. The information will be used to provide advice on how to drive to reduce emissions and save fuel. In addition to traveller information services for drivers, the Vedia concept is expected to include providing access to entertainment services such as games and films for passengers.
The Vedia initiative is led by VTT, the Finnish national research centre, with support from DNA, G4S, Indagon, Logica, Media Mobile Nordic, Nokia Siemens Networks, Semel, Teliasonera and Tieto.
“The long-term aim for Vedia is that vehicles and people on the move can be online all the time if they wish, accessing the services they require,” says VTT. This plan is supported by a recent consumer survey by Bitkom, the German IT industry association, that indicates one in four drivers in Germany want to have in-car Internet access. Not surprisingly, younger drivers are most enthusiastic towards online access within the car with 40% of drivers under 30 years of age saying they want in-car Internet. “Vehicle manufacturers need to respond to this enthusiasm by providing new In-car Internet services,” says Longden. “However, the issues of driver distraction and safety concerns need to be addressed,” he adds.
VTT says it has developed a system concept based on handheld portable devices as “pre-installed vehicle systems are expensive, and advanced systems are only available in high-end models. Moreover, they become obsolete as the car ages.” The Finnish organisation claims the Vedia team is developing business models, service networks and secure payment functions.
SBD has been closely following the trend towards accessing smartphone apps in the car. Several solutions are being developed and a few vehicle manufacturers have already launched products. A detailed analysis of this fast-moving market is available through SBD’s Complete guide to integrating smartphone apps in the car. For further information please contact Kavitha Kuppuswamy at kkuppuswamy@sbd.co.uk.
