Renesas is making it possible to use Android for automotive applications with the launch of its ‘R-Car reference package for Android’ for its R-Car automotive system-on-chips (SoCs). This package supports Android 8.0, the latest version of Google’s Android OS which includes support for functions required in automotive systems.
The combination of the Android 8.0 OS with Renesas’ robust and highly secure automotive SoC simplifies development of automotive Android platforms.
The new reference package comprises the R-Car reference board and an extension board as hardware environment, and the board support package (BSP) as software support.
The solution, says Renesas, is beneficial for software developers who have no experience with automotive systems and also for those without Android development experience.
Renesas noted that the Android platform has been a choice worldwide for smartphones. Its use has also been progressing in other embedded processing applications.
Fortunately, the latest Android 8.0 is configured, for the first time, with a framework for automotive application support as a standard component, making it possible to use Android 8.0 for automotive applications.
This means that high-level cloud services for smartphones will now be available in vehicles, and is expected to spur the development of new cloud-based services for cars.
The R-Car Reference Package for Android will be available from October 2017.
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