Without a doubt, modern cars are a lot “smarter” than vehicles manufactured only a couple of years ago, these vehicles packing advanced electronics that enable a very high level of functionality. And things will certainly change a lot in the future as well, the level of integration between devices users carry on them at all times (such as mobile phones) and the car itself increasing.

The reason why we've mentioned this idea of integration is the deal Continental and Nokia have recently signed, regarding the collaboration on a new concept that will enable drivers and passengers to seamlessly connect, display and control mobile phone applications via an in-vehicle dashboard display. The companies are working together to integrate a new technology, called Terminal Mode, into the automotive and consumer electronics industries.

Nokia is integrating the Terminal Mode protocol, which is in the final stages of standardization and co-created with CE4A, into future mobile devices. Continental also has identified a variety of approaches that would enable it to integrate Terminal Mode technology into its in-vehicle infotainment products. Once Terminal Mode technology is embedded into a mobile phone and an automobile, a consumer will be able to connect their mobile device easily to the car using a high-speed USB 2.0 connection. When the device is connected, content that is visible on the mobile phone screen will be replicated and can be controlled via the in-vehicle display or steering wheel controls.

"With more than 100 years of experience delivering information to drivers and passengers, Continental is working with Nokia to identify ways to better integrate mobile devices and content into the car while keeping drivers focused on the road," said Kieran O'Sullivan, executive vice president of Continental's Connectivity and Infotainment Business Unit.

"The timing of our collaborating is ideal because smartphones and applications continue to proliferate in consumer culture. At the same time, drivers and passengers want to use their mobile phone applications - like free in-vehicle navigation - while inside their car. However, displaying navigation information on a small and static mobile phone screen while inside a car is the wrong human machine interface (HMI)," O'Sullivan added.

“Nokia continues to experience strong demand for the mobile applications available via Ovi. Our goal is to connect people to what matters most to them. To do that, we are exploring how we might better connect consumers to Ovi services and applications while they are inside a car," stated Vesa Luiro, Director, Automotive. "Nokia is working together with Continental to explore how we can provide our customers with an enhanced in-vehicle experience by providing access to mobile applications via an automotive enabled HMI. For example, we are investigating together with Continental how the Terminal Mode technology can help present content from the smartphone available via a large in-vehicle color display, enabling the phone to be controlled via touch screens, steering wheel buttons and communicating information such as turn-by-turn directions over an in-vehicle audio system."


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