Huawei is ready to launch its alternative to Android Auto: the HiCar smart screen based on the HarmonyOS 2.0 operating system arrives.
After Amazon with Echo Auto, also Huawei throws down the gauntlet to Android Auto with its first smart screen for driving, which relies on the HarmonyOS 2.0 operating system. The U.S. government ban prompted the Chinese company to develop its own software ecosystem, which now stands as an alternative to Google's Android on every front, including connected cars.
Huawei's smart screen is branded HiCar, a new brand (it was a business unit) of the group dedicated to automotive. HiCar is just the tip of the iceberg of the Chinese company's car ecosystem, which by combining artificial intelligence, 5G connectivity and cloud-based big data, aims to conquer the electric car market. The system not only helps to work out better routes and maps, but also offers a 360-degree "smart" driving experience and battery charge optimization of electric cars. In short, open challenge to competitors, such as Geely-Volvo brand's Polestar 2 electric crossover equipped with Google's Android Automotive OS.
Huawei, what is Hicar and how it works
HiCar is a smart screen for cars that runs on the HarmonyOS 2.0 operating system. Huawei's goal is to equip at least 5 million cars with its in-car system starting in 2021.
The smart screen allows synchronization of all services and apps already present on the smartphone connected to the same Huawei account, taking the basics of Android Auto offered by Google, but improving the user experience. HiCar features smart systems that focus on driving, electrification, connectivity and cloud.
Wang Jun, president of Huawei Smart Car Solutions BU, explained that the new HiCar system will be compatible with at least 150 different models from 20 different automakers. The HiCar system will be able to self-learn the driver's habits to create a vehicle that is "smart" in every way.
The new HiCar smart screen aims to become much more powerful than Google's Android Auto, thanks to compatibility with AOS, Intelligent Driving Operating System, HOS or Smart Cockpit Operating System and VOS, Smart Vehicle Control Operating System.
The goal is to constantly optimize and improve the driving experience of drivers, as well as ferry them to high-end autonomous driving systems.
Huawei, the windshield becomes a maxi display
The ARHUD technology will make it possible to transform an ordinary windshield into a 70-inch high-definition maxi display, combined with 7.1 surround sound for watching movies, playing video games and video conferencing. Thanks to artificial intelligence, facial recognition will make it possible to understand users' expressions and gestures and be able to better interact with them.
HiCar, safer electric cars with Huawei
Huawei s new car ecosystem based on HarmonyOS tilizes artificial intelligence and big data analysis also to ensure maximum user safety, both in smart driving and in the management and detection of battery anomalies, which could create problems. In addition, robust systems are in place to protect sensitive data to ensure privacy as well.