With the proliferation of Bluetooth® technology and nomadic devices, such as cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players, a need for standardization has arisen that will allow for interaction of these devices within a driving scenario. Motorola, automotive industry leaders as well as researchers in universities and the government are seeking to create these systems and are making headway. 

One option that’s gaining traction is the nomadic device gateway. This configuration allows nomadic devices to alter their behavior according to the driver’s situation, enhancing driver focus and productivity.

Driver overload—The gateway can mitigate distractions. For example, a cell phone that
“knows” a driver is maneuvering through heavy traffic can postpone an incoming call.

Consumer convenience—By standardizing interfaces, providing voice-activated controls and coordinating device usage, the gateway reduces cord and accessory clutter.

Creating a more enjoyable user experience—A nomadic device gateway enables the seamless transfer of music files from the device to the vehicle’s superior sound system. Potentially it will also allow the transfer of video and audio from small devices to the bigger screens that are becoming prevalent in many vehicles.

Providing a platform for new applications—Once nomadic devices can share information, there are many possibilities. The calendar on a PDA can pop up on the car’s display, and information about the vehicle’s maintenance can be transmitted via cellphone. Nomadic devices can also be programmed to make an emergency call should the airbags deploy.

Bridging the Lifespan Gap—People keep their cell phones for nine months, on average.
Obviously, they keep their vehicles a lot longer. A nomadic device gateway can bridge the gap by enabling nomadic devices to retain and upgrade the intelligence that makes vehicle-device interaction possible.

Nomadic Device Gateway Architecture

Smart nomadic devices will soon be used to further refine the advanced driving assistance systems in vehicles that include intelligent cruise control, forward collision alert and lane departure warning systems.

Working Toward a More Intuitive Driver Interface

Motorola researchers, working jointly with other leading industry researchers, have developed a working model of the nomadic device gateway and are collaborating with consumer electronics manufacturers and automotive OEMs to create a gateway that:

° Supports sharing of infotainment content
° Includes the vehicle in a wireless personal area network of devices
° Immediately targets Bluetooth and later incorporates higher bandwidth initiatives
 °Supports the synergistic cooperation of the vehicle and nomadic devices, thereby        
   leading to new consumer applications.

In this arena, seamless mobility translates into Motorola developing technologies that give drivers “the right information at the right time, delivered the right way.”