CarOS
CarOS is an open-source automotive operating system designed specifically for cars. It provides a Linux-based platform to control in-vehicle electronics and connectivity.
opensource
automotive
linux
operating-system
cars
invehicle-electronics
connectivity
CarOS: Open-Source Automotive OS
Linux-based platform for car electronics & connectivity, open-source automotive operating system designed specifically for cars
What is CarOS?
CarOS is an open-source automotive operating system that is purpose-built for vehicles. It offers a Linux-based platform to power a car's infotainment system, instrument cluster, telematics, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and other electronics.
Key features of CarOS include:
- Linux kernel optimized for automotive workloads
- Supports popular hardware platforms like ARM and PowerPC
- Built-in connectivity via CAN bus, Ethernet, 4G, WiFi, Bluetooth etc.
- Containerization to safely run third-party apps and services
- Real-time capabilities for time-critical vehicle tasks
- Web-based HMI framework to customize in-vehicle dashboards
- Integrations for popular open-source car apps like Automotive Grade Linux and GENIVI
- Security modules like firewalls, cryptography, and access controls
By providing core OS capabilities plus an ecosystem for automotive app development, CarOS aims to accelerate software innovation across the auto industry. It is maintained by a non-profit foundation and has an active community contributing code.
CarOS Features
Features
- Vehicle diagnostics
- Remote access and control
- Navigation
- Media playback
- Voice assistant integration
- App ecosystem
- Over-the-air updates
Pricing
- Open Source
Pros
Open source and customizable
Designed specifically for cars
Active development community
Supports many vehicles and hardware
Potential for frequent updates and new features
Cons
Limited compatibility compared to proprietary systems
Some features may be unstable or buggy
Requires technical expertise to install and configure
No support from auto manufacturers
Official Links
The Best CarOS Alternatives
Top System & Hardware and Automotive and other similar apps like CarOS
Here are some alternatives to CarOS:
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Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay is an in-car interface that allows iPhone users to access certain apps and features from their phone directly through the in-dash infotainment system of compatible vehicles. It essentially projects a version of the iPhone interface onto the vehicle's center display screen.With CarPlay, drivers can use Siri voice commands...
MirrorLink
MirrorLink is a software standard developed by the Car Connectivity Consortium that allows smartphone apps to be accessed from a vehicle's infotainment system display. It establishes a connection between a MirrorLink-certified smartphone and a MirrorLink-enabled in-vehicle head unit via USB cable or Wi-Fi.Once connected, MirrorLink projects the smartphone's display onto...
Android Auto
Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google to mirror features and functionality from an Android device to a vehicle's in-dash information and entertainment head unit. It was announced in 2014 and first became available in 2015.The purpose of Android Auto is to allow drivers to access key features...
Airbiquity
Airbiquity is a pioneer in automotive telematics software technology and cloud-based connected vehicle service delivery. Airbiquity's CONNECT telematics platform provides flexible, scalable, and secure vehicle connectivity management solutions for automakers. Key capabilities include:Over-the-air (OTA) software and data management - Airbiquity enables remote vehicle software updates and data collection/analysis via the...
Drivemode
Drivemode is a mobile app available for Android and iOS that aims to provide a safer and smarter driving experience. It enables drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel by offering complete voice control over various phone features.Once activated, Drivemode will read incoming text...
ICarMode: Drive Safely
iCarMode: Drive Safely is an iOS and Android app developed specifically to promote safe driving by reducing distractions from your phone. The main goal of iCarMode is to prevent distracted driving accidents caused by using and interacting with your phone while behind the wheel.Once activated, iCarMode will automatically block notifications,...
