Toyota’s new Linux-Based Infotainment System comes in the 2018 Toyota Camry

AGL

Toyota, one of the top automaker in the world, going to use "Automotive Grade Linux (AGL)"for its 2018 Toyota Camry.

AGL is an open-source infotainment system based on Linux. It boasts 200 members from various sectors including Toyota, Honda, Mercedes, Qualcomm, Intel and Samsung.

Toyota

According to Toyota Vice-President Keiji Yamamoto, the AGL platform gives drivers greater connectivity and new functionalities at a pace that is more consistent with consumer technology.

Automakers are using slow, outdated tech in their homegrown entertainment systems. As a result, consumers prefer higher-tech, more current technologies, like Android Auto and Apple"s Carplay, which many car companies now offer either instead of their own systems.

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Toyota is still using Entune branding with AGL 3.0 forming the base for its latest Entune 3.0 system in the Camry.



AGL reportedly gave it reference apps, including a media player and tuner, navigation app, wireless capabilities and vehicle controls.

The automaker used those to make its custom Scout navigation app, but there"s no word to others that will be available in the Camry. It can pick and choose which includes for instance, it could easily offer sat-nav on some models but not others.

Toyota will also offer Android Auto and Carplay if it chooses. The tech will eventually come to other Toyota vehicles, along with models from sister company Lexus.

The system may appear in vehicles from Mazda, Mercedes and Ford, so other AGL members will no doubt be watching the Camry release closely.