e.Digital Corporation (fka EDIG)

[cksla]

REPOST: PART THREE--The magician's underwear has just been found in a cardboard suitcase floating in a stagnant pond on the outskirts of miami.

Son, I saw what you and Jennifer were doing in the back of the Suburban. I definitely think it is time that you and I had THE TALK. Yes, I have lots to tell you about the subject of telematics.

Telematics Overview

"Telematics" in its broad sense is the combining of computers and telecommunications, rather than the more recent connotation of "automotive telematics." For our purposes, I will examine the more limited connotation, that is the use of wireless communications to extend voice, data and Internet services into vehicles.

Telematics refers to the consumer products, services and supporting systems that deliver information, communications and entertainment to in-vehicle and mobile devices. The nuts and bolts of telematics are straightforward. Integrate one of the current location-based technologies (satellite- or network-based){GPS} with a wireless communications system. Combine these technologies with a call-center response operation that can match latitude-longitude readings with various informational databases (i.e. emergency response agencies, roadside assistance providers, hotels, restaurants, etc.).

Such technology offers many safety-enhancing solutions. Safety is the one thing that must be designed into all Telematics products. Any product intended for use by drivers while the vehicle is moving should not require drivers to take their eyes off the road, or provide additional distractions beyond those already present in the vehicle. For this reason, speech recognition is very important.

Telematic Applications

Telematics first began as an embedded, in-vehicle electronic systems used for improving safety. Telematic devices would provide, among other applications, navigation information, linkups to service companies for roadside assistance, protection against theft, and wireless Internet connections for accessing email. Some of the first uses of telematics included:
1]Automatic emergency call and response upon airbag deployment.
2]Driving directions, based on a driver's current location.
3]Roadside assistance that pinpoints the disabled vehicle.
4]Remote control of vehicle's electrical functions.
Lock or unlock doors.
5]Stolen vehicle tracking.
6]Readily available customer assistance.

These were the first telematics applications which began appearing a few years ago in some models. The Lincoln Rescu was the first automotive telematics system developed in 1995 in partnership with Ford Motor Company, Motorola, and ATX Technolgies. In addition to the Lincoln Rescu, other auto manufacturers developed similar systems such as the BMW Mayday, Mercedes Benz TeleAid, General Motors OnStar, the Jaguar Assist, and the Infiniti Communicator. However, the common denominator was that each of them was essentially the same system designed by Motorola.

"The operating system is going to be transparent, you're going to buy your car based on the applications," said Tom Houy, manager for client systems marketing at IBM's [IBM] Voice Systems division. Automotive makers, whether Cadillac [GM] or Hyundai, are most concerned with safety, security and potential applications that will diagnose car problems, Houy said. For that reason, IBM is developing a telematics voice system that will allow users to retrieve data using vocal commands while they concentrate on driving.

"Voice is probably going to be the most chosen way to enter data and get information out of the system," Houy said. "To look at information, you have to get away from driving. That's why voice will be critical." IBM's voice-integration system, which is still under development, will combine location-based and personalized applications, such as access to weather forecasts and stock quotes and to e-mail capability, with car maintenance information and emergency roadside service.

Many consumers spend hours each week stuck in traffic, telematics will become more important over the next few years. Especially since work and home are slowly integrating, thanks to technology. Playing on the inevitable human thrust toward that integration, Intel [INTC] and Motorola [MOT] are fine-tuning their telematics products to cater to that reality. "The car up to this point has really been an island," said Brian Gratch, Motorola's director of marketing for in-vehicle communications. "Telematics is really emerging at its core as a security and safety issue, and it's really evolving to information and entertainment feature."

Motorola's Role in Telematics

Telematics is more than combining wireless communications and GPS location technology. It requires the skill to integrate automotive equipment standards, server support, a wide variety of content, live customer support and more -- and deliver them in a way that's relevant to drivers.

The global automobile manufacturers needed a large reliable company with experience in communications, electronics and computing. Motorola had such experience and has taken a leadership position in Telematics, capitalizing on expertise across key platforms: automotive electronics, wireless communications, computing and networking.

As a result, Motorola has provided automotive solutions to most of the world's leading auto manufacturers. Motorola is one of few companies with access to the proprietary vehicle data bus within many auto manufacturers' carlines, making it the fitting choice for developing on-board computing solutions across all makes and models. In recent years, combining its automotive insights with cellular technology and global positioning systems has allowed Motorola to develop Telematics systems for today’s cars. At the same time, Motorola has formed alliances with a broad array of technology and content providers to continue to develop further telematics applications and solutions for the networked car of the future.

Such future Telematics applications include:
Synchronizes with Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) devices to allow out-of-office information downloads.
Enhanced service center and network supports "car meetings" and other tasks.
Incorporation of real-time traffic information to enhance navigation effectiveness.
Remote vehicle diagnostics.
Development of "Personal Area Network," allowing seamless integration of car with other communication and computing platforms.
Automatic handoff between hands-free car phone and portable handset.
Wireless updates of all calendars, contact lists, etc.
Synchronization with local merchants and service providers for information "push" and e-commerce.
Secure access to private data networks, including office e-mail systems.
Customized information and entertainment on demand.
News, financials, weather and sports.
Audio books.
Music and games.
Voice-activated Web searches and information retrieval, plus e-commerce capabilities.
Over-the-air reprogramming of on-board computer.

You can find a few future telematics scenarios at this Motorola webpage:
http://www.motorola.com/ies/telematics/html/indextf.html

Motorola- beyond Safety Telematics

The question is will Motorola land contracts beyond the safety telematics and, if so, what connection does it have with e.digital? Clearly, Motorola will have significant impact on future telematics as well. Three prime examples are Motorola's work with GM's Onstar, MBZ, and Jaguar:

Motorola and Jaguar Combine the Art of Performance With the Joy of Convenience--http://www.motorola.com/ies/telematics/html/indexfq.html

Motorola, OnStar In-Car Devices To Be Widely Available In 2001 GM Cars
http://www.allnetdevices.com/wireless/news/2000/05/18/motorola_onstar.html

Motorola displays iRadio in Mercedes Benz
Unveiled at CES 2000, Motorola's iRadio was hooked up in a Mercedes.
http://www.prismadesignintl.com/Siradio1.html
http://kewlstuff.editthispage.com/stories/storyReader$211

The complete iRadio system is scheduled to begin beta testing any day and go into full production next year. However, Motorola has effectively been bringing out components of iRadio in stages. Last August, although the iRadio prototype was still a year away from the market, Motorola executives were beginning to talk about its advantages. "It's an Internet appliance for the vehicle," said Brian Gratch, director of marketing for the Chicago-based Motorola. "This is something optimized for the driving experience. At 50 miles per hour, this thing has to always work, rain or shine, for years."

Inside iRadio is a global positioning system, a cellular transceiver and automotive grade software. Simple versions of the futuristic device just started to appear in Mercedes Benz showrooms in 2001 models. But the telecommunications equipment won't be included in just high-end cars.Motorola is selling the components of iRadio to GM, Ford and Nissan as well as to BMW and Jaguar. "They're all incorporating the early functions of the radio," Gratch said in an interview with Boston.com.
http://digitalmass.boston.com/news/daily/08/10/iradio.html

Motorola's iRadio

The Motorola iRadio™ Telematics System is a revolutionary concept in in-vehicle information and entertainment primarily via wireless Web access. It brings to the car the recent explosion of information & entertainment previously enjoyed only at home and work. 60 years ago, with the first car radio, Motorola enabled the delivery of AM/FM radio into the automobile. Today, with the Motorola iRadio™ Telematics System, the driving experience is enhanced by the wireless Web to offer a total end-to-end telematics solution. The system is designed to leverage the digital convergence of entertainment, information and content and would be made available to end users through OEMs and audio manufacturers.

Offers driver-friendly, hands-free telephony and state-of-the-art voice recognition and text-to-speech technologies
Easy-to-use interface for music, Internet, e-mail and more
Integrates server-based (via the Internet) navigation and traffic information with wireless connectivity enabling you to have the most up-to-date information possible
Server-based real-time data keeps you connected virtually anywhere. Check stock quotes. Call up sports scores. Review your e-mail. Play your favorite song. Find the best route, the nearest gas station or a new restaurant down the road. The Motorola iRadio™ Telematics System makes it easy to control what you want to hear or locate, the moment you want to.

Complete with voice recognition and text-to-speech technologies, iRadio telematic system will enable drivers to capture music on demand, access turn-by-turn navigation and listen to real-time traffic reports. Users will also be able to download audio books, access their voicemail and e-mail and receive the latest news and weather information. Bluetooth and infra-red technology allows seamless connection to cell phones, PDA's and other consumer electronic equipment.

Drivers will be offered a range of service levels from basic to premium packages, much like ordering cable TV. A personalized Web page will enable the iRadio system to be configured anywhere drivers and passengers have an Internet connection -- at home or in the office. Users can access their personal profile from multiple vehicles and support multiple profiles in one car. As an end-to-end solution, Motorola's iRadio system includes a Java computing platform, an automotive application framework and the latest user interfaces and applications. These features will enable service providers, automotive OEMs and audio manufacturers to ultimately deliver iRadio to vehicles and end users.

In developing the iRadio system, Motorola has established several key long-term alliances with companies including IBM, Navigation Technologies, BCI Navigation and Command Audio. "The new enhancements to Motorola's iRadio system combined with our strategic alliances further reinforce Motorola's position as the leader in Telematics," said Marios Zenios, corporate vice president and general manager, Motorola Telematics Communications Group. "We are at the forefront of Telematics today as we continue to offer the in-vehicle technology drivers demand."

Motorola's iRadio system pricing is expected to be similar to that of mid- to high-end car stereo systems, with final cost determined by OEMs and audio manufacturers, and the level of services requested by motorists. Consumer testing of the Motorola iRadio system will begin in early 2001 and individual components are expected to be available in vehicles within 18 to 24 months.

A Little More Background Required

You must understand that iRadio is Motorola's immediate long-term goal in providing a complete telematics solution. What I mean by this is that over the past 5 years, Motorola has been taking baby steps toward phasing in the implementation of iRadio and continues to do so. Hopefully, you understand that iRadio is Motorola's moniker for its end-to-end telematics solution and not just a form of digital radio. While Motorola will begin beta-testing iRadio in 2001, it will not be ready to be fully deployed toward the latter part of 2002 (keep in mind that time frames continually shift (delayed) as we all know to well). Obviously, there will continue to be improvements but the complete telematics solution will basically have then been implemented.

While the safety aspects of the telematics solution has been fully implemented (for example, it is now standard in new MBZ, and arguably will become standard in other automobile lines as time goes by), the information and entertainment aspects are now being developed. One such example is GM's OnStar.





Motorola, IBM, and Telematics

September 1999
On 9/14/99, Motorola announced a relationship with QNX Software Systems Ltd., IBM, and Embedded Planet (formerly RPCG) to develop MobileGT Architecture, initially targeted for automotive driver information systems. MobileGT is an open, Java-centric architecture that can allow automobile manufacturers to easily and cost-effectively develop advanced driver information systems to fit their specific platforms. MobileGT's flexible, modular computing platform is scaleable across a wide range of products, allowing automobile manufacturers to leverage a common development approach while providing product differentiation through tailored and system integration. MobileGT can address a wide array of in-vehicle applications -- dynamic navigation, wireless connectivity and Internet access, natural language speech processing, car audio, virtual dashboards, multimedia and more.

MobileGT also incorporates IBM's VisualAge for Embedded Systems, Java(TM) Technology Edition virtual machine and development tools optimized for use with QNX Neutrino. This proven execution environment supports configuration-based deployment of applications, giving the developers the ability to build ultra-compact runtime components.

MOT FAQ:
What is MobileGT and how is it different from the Motorola iRadio™ Telematics System Technology?
A: It is the underlying component technology that enables a superior automotive driver information system solutions quickly and easily. MobileGT and the Motorola iRadio™ Telematics System are two separate telematics efforts from Motorola.

One specializing in the underlying component enabling technology (MobileGT) and the other specializing in providing an end-to-end telematics solution (Motorola iRadio™ Telematics System).

MobileGT is the underlying capability that helps build the final product, whereas the Motorola iRadio™ Telematics System is the end product with its own underlying core technologies.

Convergence of the two is a possibility in the future but is not necessary. The Motorola iRadio™ Telematics System can work on a MobileGT platform and MobileGT can support the Motorola iRadio™ Telematics System applications. At present both co-exist independently.

January 2000
In January 2000, Motorola and IBM agreed to partner to help automakers put the wireless web on the road so as to give the auto industry end-to-end telematics capabilities.
Because telematics requires a precise and durable linkage between the electronics and communications inside the car, and the content and applications in the network, it is a more complex, and much more robust solution than simply equipping cars with on-board intelligence.

Motorola brings to the alliance its expertise in advanced electronic systems and services, software enhanced products, wireless communications products and networks, as well as extensive experience in developing rugged, embedded electronic solutions for the automotive market. Its contribution to the joint effort encompasses the front-end elements such as on-board electronics, driver interfaces and enabling infrastructure that will deliver robust applications and services.

IBM brings to the joint effort its expertise in computer technology, hardware, software and IT services, as well as new software for managing pervasive devices across multiple networks. Its contribution focuses on the back-end infrastructure elements and are based on its pervasive computing technologies that allow applications, content and services to be delivered to drivers virtually any time, any where.

March 2000
In March, 2000, IBM and Motorola announced plans to join forces to help meet the growing demand for e-businesses worldwide to link data and applications to wireless devices. The companies announced their intent to jointly develop an open, highly scalable offering that will form the basis of a "voice and data engine" which will offer businesses an easy way to develop and access wireless applications and services. For example, carriers could use this offering to allow businesses to provide mobile workers real-time access to email, stock quotes, news, and corporate resources via wireless devices. By combining Motorola's device-aware front-end technology with IBM's middleware technology, this framework will provide optimal wireless data services to businesses around the world.

Mark Bregman, general manager of IBM's Pervasive Computing Division said "Working together with Motorola we will get to market faster with a product that operators need to give their business subscribers what they crave - access to information and services, virtually anytime, anywhere."
This relationship builds on the existing collaboration between IBM and Motorola to enable the delivery of innovative new telematics products. In January, the companies announced that they would work together to provide the end-to-end resources to help car manufacturers offer exciting new wireless services to their customers. The agreement builds on the strong position of Motorola's Integrated Electronic Systems Sector (IESS) group with IBM's systems and services expertise.

January 2001
Motorola's iRadio(TM) System incorporates IBM Software
Committed to maintaining its position as the leader in telematics, Motorola developed the iRadio system, an in-vehicle platform for automakers that combines entertainment, information, navigation, emergency calling and communication into one complete, driver-friendly system. In a move that further expands the iRadio system, Motorola announced that it will license Java technology and voice recognition software from IBM, for use in the Motorola Telematics iRadio system.

The Motorola iRadio system is a complete solution that offers the latest user interfaces and applications and IBM's VisualAge(TM) Micro Edition Java technology. A key feature of IBM's Java technology is that it enables new applications and services to be added and enhanced remotely without inconveniencing consumers.

Motorola is also using IBM Embedded ViaVoice(TM) Multiplatform Edition for voice recognition and text-to-speech capabilities. IBM's ViaVoice enables drivers to use voice commands, as an alternative input to faceplate controls, for accessing information such as weather, news and sports, select a favorite radio station or other iRadio system applications.

Marios Zenios, corporate vice president and general manager, Motorola Telematics Communications Group, said: The combination of Motorola's engineering integration capabilities and IBM's innovative software solutions and technology will help to shape a product that dramatically changes the concept of the car radio.``By using IBM's ViaVoice and VisualAge software the Motorola iRadio system will have tremendous flexibility and functionality -- two attributes that will help make iRadio a winner in the Telematics marketplace,'' said Friedrich Christeiner, IBM general manager, automotive industry.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/010106/nv_motorol.html


Specific Telematic Applications

So much for the easy part. Now that we have gone through some of the basic overview in this area as I believe it will pertain to e.digital, it's time to get down to more specifics. The last section is absolutely critical, IMO, to understanding how e.digital could become part of the telematics "global standard" that Falk/Putnam so often refer. The January 2001 pr confirming Motorola's adoption of IBM's VisualAge and embedded ViaVoice solidifies IBM's telematic role and therefore, I would argue, e.digital's role through its VoiceTimes connection.

to be continued.............