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Find out how Acsia partnered with the Tier-I to develop an Android-based Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system for a leading luxury car maker, targeting the Chinese market with compatibility for Baidu’s third-party app store and the Rest of the World markets.
In the autumn of 2016, the automotive industry began to significantly change. Electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies started becoming mainstream, leading to major advancements in car technology. This period also saw a shift in the in-car experience as leading Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) began to incorporate advanced digital interfaces. This meant moving away from traditional mechanical controls to more sophisticated infotainment systems.
Platforms like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto started making interactions within vehicles more intuitive and connected, reflecting a broader trend where cars were becoming not just a means of transportation but a connected mobile environment integrating various digital aspects.
Amidst these technological advancements and changing consumer expectations, a leading Tier-I supplier, representing one of the largest luxury car OEMs, decided to develop the world’s first Android-based Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system. This system was not only tailored for the Chinese market but also suitable for global use, and it uniquely included integration with a third-party Chinese app store, leveraging Baidu’s extensive app ecosystem.
This initiative was ambitious and aimed to position the OEM as a leader in the luxury automotive segment, aligning with the industry’s move towards more connected, user-centric vehicle environments. However, the project faced several challenges, including managing thousands of unique system requirements and coordinating a multinational team across different regulatory and technological landscapes.
The project’s goal was to create an Android-based Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system for a leading luxury car maker, targeting the Chinese market with compatibility for Baidu’s third-party app store and the Rest of the World markets. This system needed to meet growing consumer expectations for seamless connectivity and intuitive user interfaces like those found in smartphones.
Complex Software and System Requirements: The project involved around 10,000 customer requirements, including 3,000 ones specific to software, requiring meticulous management, integration, and testing to maintain the luxury standard expected from the brand.
Multi-national Collaboration: The development spanned seven countries, involving many suppliers and needed detailed coordination to handle the complexities of a globally distributed team.
Introduction of Android in Automotive Infotainment: Customizing Android to work effectively with car-specific hardware, meeting industry standards, and ensuring security against cyber threats were significant challenges.
Cybersecurity Concerns: The integration of connectivity technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth brought a higher risk of security vulnerabilities, requiring strict security measures to protect against cyber threats.
The China Challenge: Integrating a third-party Chinese Appstore added complexity, particularly in modifying software architecture to ensure both system security and functionality within the tightly regulated market.
Acsia leveraged its extensive experience in developing infotainment systems for premium automotive brands to confidently manage this complex project, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality software.
Technical Proficiency in Android Systems: Acsia adapted Android for automotive use, developing custom APIs and middleware that allowed Android to communicate effectively with the vehicle’s hardware systems.
Global Operational Capability: Acsia coordinated logistics and project management across multiple countries effectively, ensuring synchronized integration of various components.
Innovative Approach to Security: Acsia implemented high-level security measures including secure boot processes and state-of-the-art encryption, using tools like the Microsoft Threat Modelling tool to pre-emptively address potential security threats.
Comprehensive Service Offering: Acsia provided an all-in-one solution covering all aspects of development from design to final testing, streamlining the development process and reducing project complexity.
Customized Integration for Chinese Market: The integration of a third-party Chinese Appstore was tailored to meet local regulations and technical complexities, ensuring secure and functional system architecture.
The successful development of one of the world’s first connected Android-based Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system with third-party app store integration has significantly advanced the luxury car OEM’s market position. The system not only met regulatory requirements but also exceeded consumer expectations for seamless connectivity and intuitive interfaces. Key outcomes include enhanced system security, innovative software architecture, streamlined integration and development processes, compliance with automotive standards, and efficient Android power management.
Acsia successfully met 280 complex security requirements set by the OEM, safeguarding the infotainment system against potential cyber threats. By leveraging advanced tools like the Microsoft Threat Modelling tool, Acsia effectively identified vulnerabilities and implemented robust security measures, ensuring the protection of critical vehicle functions and customer data from unauthorized access.
Acsia introduced a hypervisor architecture that allowed two operating systems to run on the same System on Chip (SoC). This innovation separated critical automotive applications from third-party apps, enhancing overall system reliability and security by isolating essential functions from less secure applications.
Acsia handled software development, system integration, and testing, streamlining the customer’s development process. This comprehensive approach reduced complexity and coordination efforts, potentially shortening the development timeline and lowering costs associated with managing multiple vendors.
Acsia adhered strictly to automotive industry standards through expert Android customization and security enhancements. This ensured the infotainment system’s functionality and safety, facilitating compliance with regulatory requirements crucial for the acceptance and success of automotive products in international markets.
Acsia enabled an efficient power management system by customizing Android to meet specific automotive power management requirements. This included developing custom native and Java applications to handle power triggers, manage wake locks, control display backlight, and handle shutdown processes, aligning with automotive standards.
Complex Security Integration: Early integration of robust security measures is essential, using advanced tools to anticipate and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.
Innovative Use of Technology: The use of a hypervisor to run multiple operating systems on the same hardware was a key innovation, enhancing both security and system stability.
Adherence to Regulatory and Compliance Standards: Ongoing education and compliance with automotive and cybersecurity standards are crucial, particularly in complex markets like China.
Scalable and Flexible Software Architecture: Developing adaptable software architectures allows efficient customization to meet diverse market needs.
Enhanced Testing and Validation Processes: Robust testing frameworks are vital to ensure the system meets all operational standards, maintaining high reliability and performance.
VP Delivery
This project represents a landmark achievement in the automotive infotainment sector. By developing the world’s first connected Android-based Rear Seat Entertainment system with third-party app store integration, we have set a new benchmark for in-car digital experiences. Our team’s dedication to managing complex requirements and coordinating across multiple countries was instrumental in delivering this innovative solution. We are proud to have partnered with a leading luxury car OEM to bring this vision to life, enhancing the in-car experience for users globally.
VP Technology & Innovation
Integrating an Android-based infotainment system into a vehicle's environment posed unique challenges, particularly in terms of security and system optimization. Our expertise in customizing Android OS for automotive applications, coupled with our innovative approach to cybersecurity, enabled us to create a robust and user-friendly Rear Seat Entertainment system. This project not only showcased our technical proficiency but also our ability to adapt and innovate in response to specific market needs, such as those in China.
