Audi and NVIDIA expand offerings with Audi’s MMI, to be seen on our shores by 2014
Audi has known to have some clever interfacing and dazzling visuals with its on-board infotainment system, Audi MMI. And that’s thanks to a fairly recent collaboration with computer graphics and processing giant, NVIDIA, who have both been working together on Audi’s system. However, NVIDIA’s featuring in recent Audi’s have only been open to the European market. But thanks to prospects of expanding, Audi has announced that their NVIDIA-driven MMI interfaces—based on NVIDIA’s Tegra 4 Processor—will be available in US, Asian, and Canadian markets by 2014.
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NVIDIA’s Tegra 4 processing power will allow Audi’s MMI interface to access real-time services such as updates from Google Earth, weather forecasts, traffic information, and more—all of which will most likely play into the on-board navigation systems for when it needs to find the most optimal route.
Audi also said that we can expect the same systems to find its way into Volkswagens and Skodas as well, though specifications on this were sparse.
“The start of production of the Tegra-based MIB infotainment system was a major milestone for Audi,” said Mathias Halliger, head of architecture, MMI system at Audi. “The new modular approach allows us an independent evolution of automotive-cycle and consumer-electronics-cycle multimedia systems so that we can implement the latest and greatest innovations that allow the best possible customer experience with infotainment in the vehicle.”
For more information, check out the press blast below.
Audi to Globally Roll Out NVIDIA Tegra Visual Computing Module
This YearLAS VEGAS-CES-Jan. 8, 2013-NVIDIA today announced that Audi’s newest auto-infotainment system featuring NVIDIA® Tegra® technology will be rolled out globally in select vehicles this year.
The innovative Audi MIB modular infotainment system introduces a new powerful computing module, MMX, which is based on the NVIDIA Tegra Visual Computing Module (VCM). The new MIB high-end system is currently available in Europe in the all-new Audi A3. Beginning with major markets in Asia, the system will reach further regions this year and come to the United States and Canada by 2014.
The connected Audi MIB system powers Audi connect, which enables live updates of Google Earth imagery complete with Google Maps Street View 360 degree panoramas. It also facilitates the delivery of other online information, such as real-time gas prices, weather forecasts and points of interest search powered by Google Local Search.
The innovative MIB architecture received the “Best Global OEM Infotainment Solution Award” at the 10th Annual Telematics Update ceremony in Novi, Mich.
“The start of production of the Tegra-based MIB infotainment system was a major milestone for Audi,” said Mathias Halliger, head of architecture, MMI system at Audi. “The new modular approach allows us an independent evolution of automotive-cycle and consumer-electronics-cycle multimedia systems so that we can implement the latest and greatest innovations that allow the best possible customer experience with infotainment in the vehicle.”
The new MIB system approach is planned for all new upcoming Audi cars, generations and further facelifts. It is also empowering the high-end navigation systems of VW group brands Volkswagen and Skoda.
At the heart of the MIB system is the NVIDIA VCM based on the NVIDIA Tegra mobile processor. The modular design of the VCM enables automakers to separate the rapidly advancing processor technologies from the slower to update electronics in vehicles. This can save automakers significant development time and cost by enabling rapid implementation of in-vehicle systems across diverse vehicle models.
“NVIDIA’s modular VCM approach lets companies like Audi quickly move from a Tegra 2 processor, to a Tegra 3 and beyond,” said Taner Ozcelik, general manager of automotive, NVIDIA. “Never before has an automaker been able to deliver a new generation of consumer electronics technology within such a short time.”
NVIDIA works with the most forward-thinking automakers to deliver advanced mobile technology to drivers and their passengers. More information about NVIDIA solutions for the automotive market is available at www.nvidia.com/automotive.
– By: Chris Chin
