OpenCar Rolls Out New Portal for Joint In-Car App Development

OpenCar, a Seattle-based automotive platform and tools provider, has recently unveiled a new portal for joint in-car application development. The newest addition to the company’s suite of tools designed for developers of infotainment applications is the software development lifecycle (SDLC) management service called InsideTrack. These tools serve as a common platform for creating in-car applications and then distributing and maintaining them, including over-the-air (OTA) updates.

According to OpenCar, the old cycle of applications in a car’s infotainment being upgraded just with a new car purchase is obsolete. They believe that consumers anticipate the infotainment in their cars to work like what is on their smartphones, tablets and computers and the internet-connected apps to not just connect and operate but also to update and remain pertinent.

Vehicle manufacturers are in agreement with this evaluation and are gradually moving away from the current paradigm. This is illustrated by the recent moves of some automakers such as GM towards the adoption of more open platforms such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which are designed to fit over the top of renowned infotainment and smart devices. It is anticipated that ideas from Google’s Open Automotive Alliance and the new push from OpenCar will lead to more interconnected options.

OpenCar’s set of offerings are designed to work similarly with the software developer kits (SDK) offered for different technologies and platforms. From web-based applications like WordPress to cool devices like the Apple Watch, there are developer kits associated with them that enable third-party programmers to build software to work with them.

Basically, OpenCar is offering the platform for an SDK for in-car infotaiment. Carmakers are still required to sign up and make their software compatible. This will enable them to open their vehicle infotainment to outside developers without compromising its integrity or their control of the branding, experience and legalities.

OpenCar will take the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show (November 20-29) by storm with their latest software.