STMicroelectronics and RealVNC advance complete and safe use of phone apps at the wheel

 STMicroelectronics, a global semiconductor leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications and a leading provider of semiconductors for car infotainment, has integrated remote control technology from RealVNC, the original inventor and provider of VNC®, onto ST’s automotive-grade infotainment application processors. The integration will simplify and accelerate the roll out of mobile-to-vehicle connectivity solutions, supporting the seamless and safe interplay of phones, apps and cars.

Smartphone-centric in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems are the next step in mobile convenience; they allow the car to access the contents of the portable device and display the data and apps on the in-dash head unit. For example, drivers can pipe Google Maps or smartphone navigation apps onto the car’s display screen and control the applications from there. Similarly, they can use the larger display to manage what they are listening to without fumbling with their mobile device while driving. Using industry-standard interface technologies like VNC ensures that any phone or other hardware will work with any vehicle and drivers stay more focused on the road.

ST’s infotainment application processors with embedded GPS target in-car and portable navigation systems. The processors offer high integration and high-performance features while meeting the constraints of cost-sensitive applications and stringent automotive quality and safety requirements. Already being used in the development of head-unit products, the ST processors now add the benefits from VNC Automotive built in.

When integrated into the application processor, VNC Automotive enables automatic detection, screen replication and control of virtually any mobile device from a vehicle’s touch-screen or fixed-input controls such as steering-wheel switches and head-unit buttons. With RealVNC’s remote control capabilities pre-integrated onto ST’s processors, head-unit and infotainment system, manufacturers can fast-track time-to-market for smartphone-centric in-vehicle infotainment systems.

Furthermore, ST’s infotainment application processors are capable of providing a vehicle-occupant’s smartphone with GNSS positioning signals from the in-dash system, enabling more accurate navigation capabilities and extending phone-battery life.

“Seamless interaction between the phone and the car reduces driver distraction and increases cruising convenience making available the most relevant applications for in-vehicle use, including calling, navigation, and listening to music, through the in-car display,” said Fabrice Guerrier, Product Manager, Navigation & Infotainment at STMicroelectronics. “Adding RealVNC’s Automotive interface to ST’s automotive application processors increases the choice for car infotainment makers and shortcuts the path to building high-performance and flexible smartphone-centric in-vehicle systems.”

“Having selected RealVNC technology for inclusion in its infotainment application processors, STMicroelectronics can provide head-unit and IVI manufacturers a faster time to market for their smartphone-centric head units,” said Tom Blackie, Vice President Mobile, RealVNC. “VNC Automotive offers partners the most mature, flexible and high-performing connectivity solution on the market today.”

VNC Automotive provides full cross-platform remote access and control of mobile devices from IVI systems. The technology also enables many additional features, greater performance and robust, production ready availability on the widest range of mobile handsets.

 

About STMicroelectronics

ST is a global leader in the semiconductor market serving customers across the spectrum of sense and power technologies and multimedia convergence applications. From energy management and savings to trust and data security, from healthcare and wellness to smart consumer devices, in the home, car and office, at work and at play, ST is found everywhere microelectronics make a positive and innovative contribution to people's life. By getting more from technology to get more from life, ST stands for life.augmented.

In 2011, the Company’s net revenues were $9.73 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.

About RealVNC

RealVNC’s software solutions are used by hundreds of millions of people around the world in both desktop and mobile platforms for remote access and control. The technology is used in every sector of industry, commerce, government and education. Founded by the original inventors of VNC, RealVNC is the only organisation able to offer a commercial license to embed VNC remote access capability in third-party products and offerings. RealVNC is a core member of the Car Connectivity Consortium supporting the MirrorLink specification, which uses VNC technology. www.realvnc.com

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For press information contact:

STMicroelectronics

Michael Markowitz

Director of Technical Media Relations

+1 7815910354

michael.markowitz@st.com

RealVNC Ltd

Peter Rennison / Allie Andrews

PRPR

Tel.: +44 1442 245030

pr@prpr.co.uk or allie@prpr.co.uk

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