Unity and Here are to collaborate on the development of embedded, automotive human-machine interfaces (HMI).
An agreement between the duo will see the development of next-generation embedded automotive HMIs using state-of-the-art RT3D rendering. Beyond this, Unity and Here will extend the project to include next-generation location technology for simulations, autonomous driving, digital twins and city planning.
As part of the ongoing project, the pair produced a proof-of-concept application of an embedded in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system to show the capability of Unity’s 3D platform and Here’s location technology. The showcase features a futuristic and widescreen navigation experience of a 3D map of San Francisco, showing firsthand the detail of what can be achieved by using HMI workflow design improvements. So far, Here has mapped 70 major cities in 3D and aims to offer global 3D map coverage in the future.
“Car buyers now care more about interactivity with their vehicle than horsepower or fuel efficiency. Unity’s work with Here opens up the ability to meet consumer demand, providing a continuous user experience across all displays powered by Unity and our ecosystem,” commented Julien Faure, vice president of Verticals at Unity. “By working with industry leaders like Here, we feel that Unity has the potential to power dynamic infotainment, immersive augmentation and geospatial and media experiences all integrated into a seamless user experience.”
The collaboration seeks to combine a range of elements, automotive-grade map data and services by using a real-time 3D engine to bring high-end design capabilities and a dynamic automotive user-experience across the areas of maps and infotainment among others.
“The goal of our collaboration with Unity is to meet our customers’ desire for a more stimulating in-car navigation experience,” explained Jorgen Behrens, chief product officer at Here. “Unity’s robust 3D rendering engine makes Here 3D city data, route guidance and navigation look impressive, providing a rich and immersive in-dash experience to the driver.”
