DaimlerChrysler recently demonstrated an S-class Mercedes equipped with Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) services, in Berlin. The demonstration was the product of a collaboration among DaimlerChrysler, Siemens, Sun Microsystems, T-Mobile, Jentro, and MBDS / Nice University Sophia Antipolis. Applications demonstrated included radio, navigation, maintenance services, Internet access (including email and web browsing), MP3 player, and games.

According to Jentro's website the 'UMTS vehicle' is the world's first UMTS car and includes Jentro's Java/OSGi based “Jentro Car” technology, which serves as “the central technology platform for the network and control of in-car functions and services.”

Jentro (Munich, Germany) was responsible for the development of the user interface required to control the in-car functions via various input tools such as touch screens and keyboards. Jentro's 'JentroCar' platform runs on top of an embedded Linux operating system. MBDS/University Nice Sophia Antipolis developed the prototypes of mobile Internet applications for the UMTS standard.

The UMTS S-Class is a test vehicle that has been specially equipped with in-car PCs. It has two flip-up 15-inch TFT monitors recessed into the seat backs, and wireless keyboards for the use of the UMTS services in the rear. A built-in touchscreen monitor in the front provides services for the driver and front seat passenger, including a navigation and traffic observation camera, which switches off automatically above a speed of 6 km/h for safety reasons.

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.