Live data from Hacker News

Volkswagen’s plan to create a new car operating system

arstechnica.com

21–30 of 257 posts

Re: Volkswagen’s plan to create a new car operating system

#21
post #2

10,000 people that sounds like an overkill

This sounds like an underestimation to me. An ECU in car can consume up a team of 200 to 250 engineering resource. This only for those working directly on the ECUs. Add to it the secondary functions, the numbers will explode.

Re: Volkswagen’s plan to create a new car operating system

#22
post #13

And by new they really mean Linux, right?

The article mentions they will use Android as the base platform.

> Senger also revealed that VW Group will be using Android for future versions of the MIB infotainment platform, in large part because of the robust third-party app ecosystem with that OS versus Linux.

Huh? Android is running on a modified linux kernel. But I get what he means...

Re: Volkswagen’s plan to create a new car operating system

#23
post #7

The key takeaway for me here is that they want to build an Android-based OS that will run both user applications and, say, your traction control on the same stack. Given the very mixed history of Android security, updates, and more, I simply can't see how this would end well.

The article must be misleading. Android would never have the latency or reliability to run things like traction control and fuel management. The engineers at auto companies are well aware of this, but perhaps the author of the article is not.

Re: Volkswagen’s plan to create a new car operating system

#24
Iteresting. On the user-facing side I hope the choice for Android will mean GPL compliance and a way to sideload apps. Can't wait for a LineageOS variant for cars.

My experience with user-facing Volkswagen software has been terrible so far, so I hope a new mandate might improve that area drastically.

As far as the underlying new operating system Volkswagen is developing for all their cars, seems like a smart move as long as the design by committee syndrome is somewhat curtailed.

Re: Volkswagen’s plan to create a new car operating system

#25
post #7

The key takeaway for me here is that they want to build an Android-based OS that will run both user applications and, say, your traction control on the same stack. Given the very mixed history of Android security, updates, and more, I simply can't see how this would end well.

I greatly look forward to being able to root any 10yo car and put the traction control in "go forward no matter what" mode rather than "we're cutting throttle so the CVs can outlast the warranty" mode. That said, per the article it sounds like android is just for the infotainment system, not the actual drive-train.

Edit: Since I'm apparently I'm so wrong does anyone want to tell me why?

Re: Volkswagen’s plan to create a new car operating system

#26

Iteresting. On the user-facing side I hope the choice for Android will mean GPL compliance and a way to sideload apps. Can't wait for a LineageOS variant for cars. My experience with user-facing Volkswagen software has been terrible so far, so I hope a new mandate might improve that area drastically. As far as the underlying new operating system Volkswagen is developing for all their cars, seems like a smart move as…

Lineage for cars won't happen, too many questions surrounding roadworthiness/safety/security.

Re: Volkswagen’s plan to create a new car operating system

#28
post #6

I think this is a result of automotive technical progress slowing down. And I don't mean that in a bad way. For the past 100 years, we have been developing better and better cars, with both breakthroughs and incremental improvements in the drivetrain, safety, comfort, reliability, etc. Now though, cars are consolidating. Most car companies only have a handful of 'platforms' on which they build various models. For exa…

Volvo appear to have 3 main engines and multiple versions of the same engine.

And I suspect that some ICE engines in use are still variants of pre war designs the Chevy Small Block v8 is a little newer starting mid 1950's

Re: Volkswagen’s plan to create a new car operating system

#30
post #6

I think this is a result of automotive technical progress slowing down. And I don't mean that in a bad way. For the past 100 years, we have been developing better and better cars, with both breakthroughs and incremental improvements in the drivetrain, safety, comfort, reliability, etc. Now though, cars are consolidating. Most car companies only have a handful of 'platforms' on which they build various models. For exa…

Volvo appear to have 3 main engines and multiple versions of the same engine. And I suspect that some ICE engines in use are still variants of pre war designs the Chevy Small Block v8 is a little newer starting mid 1950's

"suspect that some ICE engines in use are still variants of pre war designs the Chevy Small Block v8 is a little newer starting mid 1950's"

Perhaps, but I'm not sure how relevant that is. The only pieces that remain somewhat as they were would be the block, crank, and rods.

Overhead cams, variable valve timing, aluminum heads/blocks, electronic ignition, fuel injection, ECU, etc...are all newish.

If some other design (rotary engines, for example) were better and made economic sense, they would have likely won out.

Post reply on HN