“From dashboard computing to In-Vehicle-Infotainment (IVI), automobiles are becoming the latest wireless devices — on wheels.” – Linux Foundation

The tech world seems to think Google’s driverless cars are the “next big thing,” with several companies developing apps for the futuristic vehicles. Ingrid Lunden of TechCrunch covered today’s announcement by the Linux Foundation today that shared its Automotive Grade Linux Workgroup. The new project, made possible by a $10 billion collective investment, will provide technology to give customers the app experiences they have grown used to with their connected devices in their car. According to the Linux Foundation press release, Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan and Toyota are among the early sign-ups for the platform. The ambitious initiative has also attracted Harman, Intel, NEC, NVIDIA, Samsung, and Texas Instruments, along with Tizen, the Linux-based platform backed by Samsung and Intel.

According to Jim Zemlin, executive director at The Linux Foundation, “This workgroup will leverage Tizen to create a Debian or Fedora-like project for the automotive industry.” He adds, “Like those community distributions, the Automotive Grade Linux Workgroup will rapidly feed cutting-edge technologies to automakers and their partners who can build Linux-based products for the newest cars.” Group members will collaborate on Linux-based standards for devices and subsequent services to run on them, focusing on apps for in-vehicle infotainment and gauges to monitor speed, distance, water levels and other car diagnostics. The group aims to make it so that carmakers can use Linux and open source technology to further innovation.

Still, Lunden notes that the Linux Foundation is not a pioneer in the smart car scene. With Ford, Honda and Google (of course), developing advanced out automotive technologies. What distinguishes Linux, she believes, is its aim to “try to keep [advanced technology for cars] relevant in that wider picture of development, and to try impart some standards in the process.” Indeed, according to Linux’s press release, The Workgroup will facilitate widespread industry collaboration to provide a community reference platform for companies when developing new products. Parnerships are being forged among the Linux kernel community, other open source software communities and automotive companies.

Speaking to the importance of keeping costs down for scalability, Ken-ichi Murata, Project General Manager, Toyota Motor Corporation states, “A community distribution for automotive Linux is essential. There are a core set of requirements specific to the automotive industry, and collaborative development can help meet those needs faster and more efficiently.” Still, Ford CTO, Paul Mascarenas, believes fully driverless cars won’t be ready for market for a long time. He predicts what we’ll see sooner are features that “move in that direction,” like cameras that keep cars in their lane, radar systems that help avoid crashes, and automated parking assistance. The attention and involvement in apps and new automotive innovation suggests whenever these super intelligent vehicles are rolled out, the technology will be a game changer.