Software company Qt Group and LG Electronics (LG), a manufacturer of major appliances and consumer electronics, have announced a collaboration to integrate the Qt software framework for application development into LG’s webOS-based advanced control platform (ACPLG) in-vehicle entertainment platform.
The partnership aims to enable automotive OEM developers and designers to create innovative and immersive content-streaming services for vehicles.
This collaboration builds on Qt’s support for LG’s customizable, open-source webOS, commonly used in consumer electronics, and brings it to the automotive sector. Previously, LG used the Qt framework to enhance user interfaces (UI) and user experiences (UX) in products such as smart TVs, signage, smart monitors and home appliances.
“The development of advanced software is crucial for enhancing in-vehicle experiences, and the partnership between LG and Qt will increase our capabilities in this all important area of mobility innovation,” said Sang-yong Lee, senior vice president of the R&D laboratory at LG Electronics VS Company.
“LG will continue to collaborate with innovative partners like Qt to create immersive in-cabin experiences that meet the diverse demands of auto makers and their customers.”
The new ACP is specifically designed for in-car content streaming, with LG already deploying this entertainment system in a major auto maker’s latest models and collaborating with global streaming services.
Qt’s framework will play a crucial role in the future development of this automotive content platform as it is adopted by more brands’ infotainment systems. The framework is designed to accelerate development processes with faster boot times, efficient performance and optimized memory use.
“LG has been a trusted Qt partner and leader in infotainment innovation for years, so we’re excited to help them enhance immersive in-car experiences,” said Juha Varelius, CEO of Qt Group.
“There’s a big ecosystem of developers making these web-based applications for cars, but with Qt serving as an integral part of LG’s ACP powered by webOS, they can more easily build and run these applications natively in the OS. Most automotive players already have Qt-based assets in their software, and this is yet another significant milestone for us in that industry.”
