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Users will be able to download a wide range of applications, online services and multi-media functions provided through a Saab IQon store. Saab will issue third-party developers with a vehicle application programming interface (API) providing access to more than 500 signals from different sensors in the vehicle. These measure, for example, vehicle speed, location and direction of travel, driver workload, yaw rate, steering wheel angle, engine speed and torque, inside and outside temperature, barometric pressure and the sun´s position.
“With Saab IQon, there are no limits to the potential for innovation," says Johan Formgren, Head of Saab Aftersales and commercial project leader for IQon. “We will be inviting the global Android developer community to use their imagination and ingenuity."
Saab´s collegiate development strategy - open innovation - is a ´first´ in the automotive industry and provides a faster, more efficient and more flexible alternative to the conventional, in-house development of vehicle infotainment services.
“Today´s customers want to be as well connected inside the car as they are at all other times," adds Formgren. "IQon will give them the convenient, seamless connectivity they enjoy with smartphones, while adding new car-specific programs and services.
IQon provides an embedded computer platform in the car with a modem which automatically connects to the internet when the car´s ignition is switched on. An 8-inch touchscreen provides access to services, including audio and entertainment streaming, online navigation and on-board music storage.
Saab´s ‘open innovation´ strategy offers the global developer community access to the full bandwidth of car communications — infotainment, telematics, systems monitoring and diagnostics. In this way, it opens up new dimensions in customer choice for the personalization of in-car services. Even applications specific to particular countries can be included.
“Our open innovation strategy, using the Android operating system, will keep the provision of in-car infotainment up to date," adds Formgren. “IQon will allow infotainment services to constantly evolve during the lifetime of a car´s product cycle, unlike current in-car systems which are fixed some years before a car goes on sale and then remain static,."
To ensure high driving safety and quality standards are maintained, programs from software developers and application providers will be evaluated and approved by Saab before they are made available to customers through the online Saab IQon store.
IQon also provides a platform for remote communication to and from the car with Saab dealerships, for example, using telemetry to upload vehicle data, carry out diagnostics, provide service appointments or even install some in-car options.
The IQon system is shown for the first time in the Saab PhoeniX concept car at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. A beta version of the IQon system is already being trialed with company users in a fleet of test cars.
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Henrik AhlenBrilliant concept, I strongly believe in using platforms like Android-based tablets instead of custom hardware/software, since it lowers costs and empowers innovation.# 1March 1, 2011
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DaveIQon...Brilliant! I see a 9-5 SportCombi in my future with the IQon system. Fact that it's based on Android ensures future proofing. SAAB, "Back to the Future".# 2March 1, 2011
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HansMaybe not so brilliant, that will anyway limit the lifetime of your car to three years, or does it already have bluray, 1080p display and 9.3 sound and all powered by an Intel i7 with 4GB? Then it could last five years.
No, please make a CAR - I can buy DVD players elsewhere.# 3March 1, 2011 -
AndreasNice! This is exactly the kind of inovation needed to bring Saab back on track!# 4March 1, 2011
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PJHey, i think this is greate :)
..maybe its a bit comic when in the movie the the driver seems to surfin on internet and "sharing moments" in same time driving, due to the moving steering wheel!# 5March 1, 2011 -
McCoyAbsolutely brilliant! You open a universe of possibilities. This is a potential game changer. Love it!# 6March 1, 2011
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Goran AničićSaab IQon – Google Android u osnovi infotainment sistema SAAB automobila http://www.motorblog.rs/?p=5687# 7March 1, 2011
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TimThis is a great step forward for in car intertainment. Android seems to provide an ideal platform (as would WebOS) for such a system. With something like this, going aftermarket will transition from being a necessary upgrade to a potential downgrade. The sooner it's in new Saabs, the better.# 8March 1, 2011
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GMLLove it guys! I can't wait!
Will it be available on the new 9-4X at time of release?# 9March 2, 2011 -
JorisHow frustrating. I just ordered a new saab 9.3 and they put an old fashioned bluetooth connextion kit in it. No interactivity with Saab info system at all. This new tool fullfils all my needs, but will be out of my range.# 10March 3, 2011
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mr tSupercool! Love Android, Love SAAB both together is fantastic! Cant wait to control the vehicles features from teh IQON system! Another amazing step forward for SAAB# 11March 3, 2011
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KrisThat is the most dangerous thing I've ever seen! If you can afford a SAAB you have a smartphone. Since you can't use this while driving why wouldn't I use my phone?# 14March 7, 2011
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MrTHey dave, think you just nailed the theme for SAAB ads from now on......"back to the future" ..........absolutely brilliiant and so true in the case of SAAB.# 16March 8, 2011
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Axel Beckergreat concept, but I recommend using a diffenrent icon for the Traffic Info since this icon is used by an open source video player (VLC media player).# 17March 9, 2011
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Noelyeah, I thought it had VLC too! Anyway, great use of tech though it will no doubt fall in to the £2000 optional extra category, so why would I move from a trusted android portable handset or iPhone?# 18March 17, 2011
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AllieIn awe of that asnewr! Really cool!# 21April 23, 2011
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Mário RafaelParece hver alguma confusão, a necesitar esclarecimento cabal.# 22April 24, 2011
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Senthil KumarSuperb Concept! I liked the color theme and screen designs. This is absolutely great job from SAAB.# 23May 12, 2011
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xfather123PBQYxF this is delisious!
xfather123# 24May 27, 2011
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