Toyota exploring Ford based affiliated - car system

Smartphone in-car infotainment operation technology aimed at flawless user experience

Enthusiasm is obvious! Two motor corporations, Toyota and Ford are ready to work together on a connected – car infotainment system. They have reached an agreement to explore collaboration with Livio. Livio is a Ford secondary in implementation of SmartDeviceLink (SDL) technology in future Toyota vehicles as well as Lexus.

“We continue to investigate new technologies that both enhance and safeguard the driving experience of Toyota and Lexus owners,” said Shigeki Terashi, Senior Managing Officer, Toyota Motor Corporation. “The in-car app market is quickly evolving. Developing robust, flexible, safe and user-friendly connected services is a priority for us, and one that we believe is shared by Ford, Livio and other contributors to SDL technology.”

Toyota's connected cars are currently using a system called Entune. Japanese company is thinking very seriously of adopting SDL, or the SmartDeviceLink platform, which is the open-source iteration of the AppLink system of Ford.

This kind of software provides app developers with access to controls within the vehicle such as the display screens and the voice recognition system, with the capacity for voice commands seen as a vital component in assuring that drivers keep both hands on the steering wheel.

Another advantage of SDL technology involves the ability for planner to design an app only one time. This saves planner time and allows apps to be introduced more quickly to the extensive audience.

In August 2011, Toyota and Ford agreed to work together on establishing next generation for in-car telematics all in order to make safer, more secure and appropriate driving experience. This announcement was built on earlier cooperation.