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AI & API Accelerating Digital Transformation Across Verticals

The hype surrounding digital twins is undoubtedly real, with many IoT players actively seeking to leverage the unique benefits of digital twin technology to gain a competitive edge in the market.
Connectivity, a key component of digital transformation, was at center stage with a significant focus on satellite and 5G.
Partnerships, collaborations, and API will fight the fragmentation in IoT and digital transformation.

San Diego, Buenos Aires, London, New Delhi, Hong Kong, Beijing, Seoul – May 15, 2023

Counterpoint Research analysts recently attended three of the most prominent tech events of 2023 – Consumer Electronics Show, Mobile World Congress, and Industrial Transformation at Hannover Messe. After a hiatus of three years, these events saw a remarkable return of in-person attendance, indicating a promising comeback of the tech industry. During their visits, Counterpoint analysts delved deep into the latest trends and advancements in IoT and digital transformation, and have now identified seven key takeaways or focus areas. The findings are expected to have far-reaching implications for businesses and organizations looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Commenting on the key takeaways, Associate Director Mohit Agrawal said, “As we attended the tech events of 2023, it became increasingly clear that the rise of digital twins was the single biggest takeaway, particularly in Hannover. We saw how digital twins have energized the industrial IoT players, and are likely to become a critical component of digital transformation in the coming years. Connectivity plays a crucial role in enabling digital transformation and the events had a significant focus on satellite, private networks, eSIM, 5G, and connectivity management platforms. Finally, we were impressed with the companies’ incorporation of AI in various processes, especially in analytics, visual inspection, and robotics. It is exciting to see how these technological advancements will shape the future of industries, and we are eager to keep a close watch on these developments.”

Source: Counterpoint Research

Each of the events was attended by over 100,000 visitors and had exhibitors across the long value chain of IoT and digital transformation. Many of the takeaways amplified Counterpoint Research’s top trends prediction for 2023 released earlier this year, noted Research Vice President Neil Shah. “IoT is an incredibly vast and fragmented value chain, and it is becoming increasingly clear that industry consolidation is necessary. Efforts like the Qualcomm Aware platform are a step in the right direction to reduce fragmentation and improve the overall IoT landscape. It is essential to see more of these kinds of partnerships between players in the industry to reduce adoption friction points and fully realize the potential of IoT. APIs are increasingly becoming important in seamless collaborations. As we move forward, we remain optimistic about the future of IoT and the role that industry collaboration will play in driving innovation and growth,” Shah added.

The comprehensive and in-depth ‘IoT and Digital Transformation Trends from CES, MWC and Hannover Mess’ report is now available for purchase at report.counterpointresearch.com.

Feel free to reach us at press@counterpointresearch.com for questions regarding our latest research and insights.

Background

Counterpoint Technology Market Research is a global research firm specializing in products in the technology, media and telecom (TMT) industry. It services major technology and financial firms with a mix of monthly reports, customized projects and detailed analyses of the mobile and technology markets. Its key analysts are seasoned experts in the high-tech industry.

Analyst Contacts

Mohit Agrawal

Neil Shah

Counterpoint Research

press@counterpointresearch.com

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Top 10 CES 2023 Automotive Announcements

The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES), held in Las Vegas from January 5 to 8 this year, focused primarily on the automotive, IoT, smart home, healthcare, metaverse and XR, AI and computing segments. Counterpoint’s automotive team analyzed over 150 automotive-related announcements during CES to identify key trends. The main focus of the automotive industry at this year’s CES was on electric vehicles (EV), followed by autonomous vehicles, infotainment, connectivity, components and maps. There was a lot of excitement surrounding autonomous vehicles at the event, but EVs accounted for the biggest share of news flow.

Here are the top 10 automotive announcements from this year’s CES, according to Counterpoint analysts:

1. Qualcomm unveils Snapdragon Ride Flex SoC to bring software-defined vehicles to reality

Qualcomm announced the Snapdragon Ride Flex SoC, a disruptive solution for expanding its low-power, advanced computing capabilities into the automotive space as part of its Snapdragon Digital Chassis initiative. This solution is built on a heterogenous compute architecture that addresses multiple workloads and is pre-integrated with the Snapdragon Ride Vision Stack. This gives automakers the flexibility to use the Ride Vision Stack across all vehicle tiers without sacrificing performance. In addition, its cloud-native architecture enables a smooth workflow for software development and deployment. The Snapdragon Ride Flex SoC is expected to go into production by 2024. Qualcomm is striving to maintain its leadership position in the software-defined vehicle era and make the transition easier for automakers and tier-1 suppliers.

For a more detailed report on CES 2023’s automotive announcements, click here:

2. Sony Honda Mobility introduces Afeela EV brand

Sony Honda Mobility finally announced its JV brand Afeela, which will bring its first EV model to North America in 2026 followed by Japan and Europe. Afeela’s first production model was teased at CES 2023. Sony and Honda announced their JV back in March 2022. Afeela will introduce a series of EV models that will carry Sony’s expertise in IVI systems, ADAS components and in-cabin electronics, while Honda will contribute to the brand’s performance with its e-powertrain system as well as battery sourcing and charging capabilities. According to the announcement, Afeela aims to offer better vehicles at a relatively lower cost. These EVs are expected to be positioned above Honda’s own EVs, but whether Afeela will share the same slot with Honda’s premium Acura brand is yet to be determined.

3. BMW previews next-gen color-changing concept with ‘digital emotional experience’

BWM previewed its next-gen 3 series concept model based on the Neue Klasse platform. The new i Vision Dee concept (Dee stands for ‘digital emotional experience’) showcased a monolithic exterior styling that can be divided into 240 different segments. The whole exterior can support different design styles like stripes, patterns and animation, and can curate up to 32 different colors. Though detailed specifications have not been shared, i Vision Dee features a new OS and a new fully controllable HUD with windscreen projection. Traditional infotainment has been removed. The dashboard conceals various touch sensors which can be used to display content on the HUD. The model will be powered by BMW’s sixth-generation EV powertrain and is expected to enter production in 2025 as a BMW i3 successor.

4. Volkswagen showcases new ID.7 wrapped in electroluminescent camouflage

Volkswagen showcased its sixth all-electric ID model, the VW ID.7, wrapped in special QR code-inspired camouflage to hide the final styling. The camouflage was inspired by electroluminescent technology which lights up 22 different sectors of the car. Volkswagen disclosed some technical details before the model’s final reveal during the second quarter of 2023. Initially, the ID.7 will have a 77kWh battery pack and a claimed 700-km range. The interior will feature a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system, an AR-based HUD and a smart HVAC system that can automatically modify the cabin temperature when the key fob is close. Volkswagen expects its new model will compete with Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 and Tesla’s Model 3.

5. LG, Magna form second JV for ‘executable’ autonomous driving, infotainment solutions

Two of the biggest tech companies LG and Magna have again joined hands to develop solutions for automated driving by leveraging their areas of expertise. LG and Magna already have a JV that manufactures e-powertrain and other hardware like inverters, motors and onboard chargers for EVs. The new JV will explore the ADAS and AV market to develop “executable” automated driving and infotainment solutions to enhance customer experience by addressing the toughest challenges. LG’s vehicle component arm has been eyeing new openings in the automotive market and believes the increased connectivity of cars of the future presents new opportunities.

6. Harman aims to make driving assistance more intuitive, safer

Harman is all set to deliver enhanced in-cabin safety and awareness through its AR-based HUD hardware and AR-based software products. Harman has been a trusted name for vehicle audio for decades but now as the automotive industry makes a transition towards software-based experiences, the company has developed its own technology that enhances the drivers’ experience by bridging the gap between physical and digital worlds in a non-intrusive manner through its AR-based HUDs. Harman’s Ready Vision uses ML-based 3D object detection and computer vision to deliver collision warnings, lane departure, low-speed zone notification, blind spot warnings and lane change assist with high precision without breaking the driver’s concentration. Harman claims Ready Vision works with precision even in the most unfamiliar driving scenarios, making driving safer.

7. BlackBerry has a busy CES with launches, partnerships

BlackBerry’s IVY software platform, developed in collaboration with Amazon, won its first design contract with PATEO for the all-electric VOYAH H97 model’s digital cockpit. BlackBerry also launched QNX Accelerate, which supports the QNX RTOS and QNX OS for safety in the AWS marketplace. Leading tier-1 suppliers like Continental and Marelli are already testing it to create automotive metaverse environments for software-defined vehicles. BlackBerry is partnering with Elektrobit to develop automotive safety solutions using the Rust programming language. It has also formed partnerships with Texas Instruments for embedded software development and with Garmin for improving the in-car experience. These partnerships show that BlackBerry is attempting to regain market presence through its infotainment, security and OS products.

8. Innoviz launches new LiDAR, forms multiple partnerships

Innoviz, a leading player in solid-state LiDAR sensors and perception software, unveiled the Innoviz360, a cost-effective and high-performance LiDAR that will support a range of non-automotive applications such as smart cities, logistics, maritime, heavy machinery, and construction, in addition to Level 4-5 (L4 and L5) autonomy applications. Loxo, a zero-emission autonomous vehicle provider for last-mile delivery, has partnered with Innoviz to use the InnovisOne LiDAR. Deep-tech company EXways, which works in 3D LiDAR processing, has also partnered with Innoviz to leverage the technology for multiple applications.

Innoviz has previously formed partnerships with major automakers such as BMW and Volkswagen, as well as tier-1 supplier Magna. At CES, Innoviz also showcased the InnovizTwo LiDAR, which it claims offers a 30x performance improvement over the InnovizOne and a 70% cost reduction. With the growing adoption of autonomous vehicles, LiDAR technology is expected to be high in demand as major auto OEMs including Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, BMW, Stellantis, Volkswagen and Volvo plan to use it.

9. NVIDIA introduces in-car cloud gaming experience

NVIDIA is partnering with Hyundai Motor, BYD and Polestar to offer a cloud gaming experience through its NVIDIA GeForce NOW service for cars. GeForce users will be able to access over 1,000 paid and free games through this service. While video games are not new in cars, the addition of GeForce will provide a more PC-like gaming experience. This will also drive the trend of cellular connectivity in the passenger vehicle market, as cloud gaming will require embedded 4G or 5G connectivity.

10. Google launches HD maps, partners with Volvo, Polestar

Google announced that it would make HD maps available for Level 2+ autonomous vehicles. The Volvo EX90 and Polestar 3 will use Google’s HD maps service in addition to Google’s Android Auto solution. While Google is gaining some traction in the automotive sector through its Android Auto offerings, it will face strong competition from existing players like HERE and TomTom whose offerings in HD maps and other related services are helping them maintain leadership in the location platform market. To compete with these leading players and local players like Amap, Navinfo, Naver, MapmyIndia and Zenrin, Google is seeking to enhance the user experience in this segment.

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Top 10 Automotive Announcements at CES 2022

The annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held this year from January 5 to 7 saw attendance from tech companies from various domains such as 5G, IoT, blockchain, automotive, wellness, sports, entertainment, healthcare, smart home, robotics, augmented reality (AR), gaming, devices and manufacturing. The resurgence in COVID-19 cases forced the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) to cut short the event by one day. Moreover, several large companies, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, AMD, Panasonic, Intel, Amazon, Google, Microsoft, General Motors and OnePlus, skipped this in-person event citing rising COVID-19 cases.

At this year’s CES, players in the automotive ecosystem mostly focused on electric vehicles (EVs), connected cars, autonomous mobility, digital cockpit, infotainment, robotics and shared mobility. This trend is in line with the industry shift towards CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared/Services and Electrification).

Here are Counterpoint analysts’ top 10 automotive announcements from this year’s CES:

1. Samsung showcases future of in-vehicle experience

Samsung used CES to showcase its vision for in-vehicle experience. Interestingly, it uses cameras with sensors to analyze the vehicle’s surroundings. Tesla was among the first to use a camera-based autonomous driving system instead of LiDAR. With the expertise and capabilities it acquired with its HARMAN acquisition a few years ago, Samsung is betting big on the automotive sector.

Moreover, AR will help passengers connect with a range of services while driving. For example, managing meetings through virtual calls, finding nearby places and navigating using map information. The focus on in-vehicle experience also helps Samsung leverage its existing relationships with automotive value chain players and capabilities.

2. Google exploring new capabilities with Android Auto

Google-powered Android Auto users will be able to access third-party integrated apps like Lyft and Kakao Mobility for micro-mobility; access to points apps like MochiMochi, Fuelio and Prezzi Benzina; navigation apps like Sygic and Flitsmeister; charging apps like ChargePoint and PlugShare; and parking apps like SpotHero and ParkWhiz. In addition, Volvo car owners will have access to content platforms like YouTube. The third-party integration will open new business opportunities for Google in the automotive industry.

Google is also bringing Android phone as a car service with BMW. Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology will be supported through Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel phones. More Android phones will be able to use this technology later.

Google is powering OEMs to integrate the Google Home ecosystem through voice-enabled Google Assistant. Volvo will be the first to bring this feature for supporting remote actions.

3. Hyundai brings ‘Metamobility’

Hyundai is making a paradigm shift towards the future of mobility through concepts of “Metamobility” and “Mobility of Things”. It has joined hands with Boston Dynamics to build a robotic society where we will be able to freely move between real and virtual worlds. Hyundai envisions robots bridging the gap between real and virtual scenarios such as Metaverse.

4. Volvo to enter self-driving car race

Volvo is rolling out a self-driving system called Ride Pilot for California-based customers. The company is already testing autonomous driving (AD) in Sweden, so we can expect Volvo to launch this system for the European market soon. This product is equipped with Luminar’s Iris LiDAR and AD software from Zenseact. Ride Pilot will be available as an add-on subscription. However, Volvo is yet to decide the cost for this solution. We can expect strong competition between the use of camera and LiDAR in autonomous vehicle (AV) applications.

5. Stellantis teams up with Amazon for next-generation smart cockpit

Stellantis announced an extensive partnership with Amazon to develop a next-generation STLA Smart Cockpit. Amazon will help Stellantis build cloud solutions and provide training to Stellantis engineers and developers. Like Google, Amazon will also integrate smart home ecosystems with vehicles through an Alexa-enabled voice assistance system. Stellantis has also collaborated with Amazon in the past to provide Amazon Fire TV services to the Jeep Wagoneer 2022 version. Stellantis is trying to increase revenue from software services and Amazon will help Stellantis focus on the infotainment market. The rivalry between Google and Amazon will expand from the smart speaker market to the automotive infotainment market in the future.

6. Sony to form a new entity to focus on EV business

Sony’s business diversification plan has pushed it to explore the EV domain. At CES 2022, it made several announcements and also showcased an SUV-type EV prototype (VISION-S 02). Sony will use its expertise in entertainment systems to provide a better experience in the mobility entertainment space. Sony had previously shown a VISION-S prototype at CES 2020, but this time it is strengthening its efforts toward e-mobility by forming a new entity named Sony Mobility Inc. Prior to Sony, other big smartphone ecosystem players such as Vingroup, Foxconn and Xiaomi had also announced their entry into the EV space.

7. Mobileye cracks new deals with Volkswagen, Ford, Geely

Intel’s autonomous driving unit Mobileye has entered a partnership with Volkswagen to use its mapping data in upcoming models. Mobileye will also help Ford enhance future variations in its BlueCruise driver assistance system. Geely-owned EV brand Zeekr also plans to use Mobileye’s expertise in mapping and sensing solutions in a level-4 AV, which is expected to debut in China by 2024.

By the end of 2021, cumulative EyeQ chip shipments had crossed the 100-million mark. Mobileye is different from others as it provides both hardware and software products in the AD space.

8. Qualcomm partners with Renault, Volvo, Honda for digital transformation

Renault has tied up with Qualcomm to bring digital transformation through Snapdragon Digital Chassis. Volvo will also take help from Qualcomm under the digital chassis program to enhance its infotainment systems for cars under the Volvo and Polestar brands. Honda too will use a similar type of solution that may become available in the US during the second half of 2022. Qualcomm is slowly transitioning itself from “mobile” to “mobility” player.

For a detailed analysis of Qualcomm’s automotive announcements, visit the following blog:

Qualcomm in Driver’s Seat to Shape the Future of Mobility

9. VinFast to launch level 2+ cars with ZF’s help

VinFast, an automotive start-up from Vingroup, is planning to launch autonomous driving and level 2+ functions from the middle of 2022. ZF will supply radars, cameras, LiDAR sensors and central control units for this project. Initially, VinFast is targeting North America, China and Europe for its all-electric premium VFe35 and VFe36 models. VinFast aims to bring luxury features at affordable prices, which may redefine the automotive industry going forward.

10. GM makes series of announcements from EVs to AVs

General Motors made headlines with the announcement of the Chevrolet Silverado EV pickup truck, which is expected to take on Tesla’s Cybertruck, Ford Motor’s F-150 and Rivian’s R1T.

GM subsidiary BrightDrop, which debuted a year ago, has established clients including Walmart and FedEx.

GM CEO Mary Bara also announced to launch the Equinox EV for around $30,000 by 2023. If Tesla fails to launch a $25,000 vehicle by 2023, it will see strong competition from GM, especially in North America.

GM is also planning to take on Tesla’s FSD with its Ultra Cruise, which is currently under development. GM is working with Qualcomm to help develop its AV business.

These announcements indicate that GM is now serious about the EV and AV segment. Moreover, it wants to regain its No. 1 position in the US passenger and light commercial vehicle market.

Top 10 Automotive Announcements in CES 2021

Like the past few years, automotive players used the 2021 edition of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), organized from January 11 to 14, to showcase new technologies, launch products and announce partnerships. This year’s CES, which went all-digital due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was majorly focussed on electric vehicles (EVs), 5G connectivity, digital cockpit, artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous vehicles (AVs). Moreover, COVID-19 has failed to dent the OEMs’ (original equipment manufacturers’) plans.

Here are Counterpoint analysts’ top 10 automotive announcements from this year’s CES:

1. Mercedes-Benz unveils a 56-inch ‘Hyperscreen’

As the cars are becoming smart, the need for a bigger screen is increasing for communicating and checking all the real-time vehicle data. Moreover, this 56-inch OLED Hyperscreen provides various functions like infotainment and personalized display. The screen is supported by eight CPU cores, 24GB RAM and 46.4GB/sec RAM bandwidth which helps reduce screen response times. In the era of the digital cockpit, MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) will slowly become the backbone of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, making the car more intelligent.

2. GM reveals an ambitious EV plan and a flying car concept

With the concept of flying Cadillac eVTOL, GM has joined the race for capturing the flying car market with other automakers like Hyundai, Toyota and FCA Group. Flying car testing projects have just started around the world and we will have to wait till after 2025 to get a good perspective on the topic.

GM launched BrightDrop, a new business unit for commercial EVs, aiming to build a first-to-last-mile EV ecosystem for logistics companies. This concept is not new, but there is huge potential for this market. GM may face stiff competition from other players working in this segment, like BYD, Rivian and Workhorse Group.

After a poor performance in the past few years, GM is repositioning itself and just changed its logo to reflect its EV focus. The company is spending $27 billion on EVs and AVs, targeting to launch 30 EV models by 2025. GM is also working on a battery technology called Ultium. These moves show GM’s seriousness towards its electrification goal and signal its strong comeback in the automotive market.

3. Panasonic unveils augmented reality (AR)-based heads-up display (HUD)

Panasonic unveiled an AR-based HUD which utilizes PRISM (positioning, reflection, intuitive, zonal UX and mission control) process to provide accurate situational awareness. A 3D imaging radar captures full 180° forward vision up to 90 metres while the 4K resolution provides a crystal-clear video of highways. Eye-tracking technology and AI-driven positioning accuracy are the key features of this HUD, which is expected to enter the market in 2024.

4. Mobileye showcases plan for AV rollout

As a part of its plan to commercialize AVs, Intel subsidiary Mobileye is expanding its testing of AV fleets to Shanghai, Paris, Tokyo and New York (pending regulatory approval) after a successful run in Tel Aviv, Munich and Detroit. Mobileye is also working on new Lidar silicon chips (SoC), which are expected to enter the market by 2025. This SoC can simplify computing and reduce cost by a significant amount.

5. Here Technologies brings a new mapping-as-a-service offering and 3D city models for vehicles

Here Technologies introduced a unique mapping-as-a-service offering where enterprises will be able to create their own maps. EV players can personalize their route maps through this service to reduce the range anxiety problem among stakeholders.

Here also launched 3D city models for vehicles while announcing a partnership with Leia and Continental to bring cutting-edge experience to automotive players. 3D maps with AR/VR applications will increase accuracy in location mapping, will be more engaging and help in taking better decisions while driving.

6. Harman redefines in-car experience in the 5G era

Harman is aiming to put a gaming console, a recording studio, or even a concert hall experience into the vehicle to provide the best user experience. High-resolution OLED or QLED displays, 5G enabled TCU and TBOT, Harman’s audio technology and advanced haptics will come together to give the user an immersive experience.

Harman is also offering a creator studio experience inside a car. Automatic background noise cancellation, virtual assistant, user-friendly video set-up, interactive lighting and publishing tools are leveraged here to create content even while driving.

With the help of 5G, premium audio quality, cloud service and partnerships with concert organisers, Harman is bringing live concerts to the car. More partnerships are expected with content creators, service providers, app developers, OEMs and module players to improve the experience.

7. Gentex reveals full display rearview smart mirror

Gentex demonstrated an LCD-based industry-leading Full Display Mirror (FDM) with the bimodal functionality of acting as a mirror and display. FDM is a rearview mirror which can capture surroundings with better angle and stream on display. It can be easily integrated with a camera monitoring system (CMS). In the smart mirror mode, it can record video, which helps in avoiding accidents and in finding the reason for an accident in case it happens. FDM is still a key feature for premium vehicles. However, with the rising awareness of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), we will witness more penetration of FDM into mid-priced vehicles.

Gentex also exhibited a dimmable glass system, HomeLink car connectivity, Integrated Toll Module (ITM), an in-cabin sensing unit, and a smart lighting system. HomeLink is an embedded connectivity solution for vehicles which can perform functions like door lock, garage door opening, security, smart outlets, smart lighting and appliances. A vehicle integrated ITM helps users manage toll bills through a single solution, thus reducing traffic and improving efficiency in toll management. It has already entered partnerships with automakers and technology service providers for creating innovative solutions for customers. Gentex, one of the leading connectivity providers to automakers, is trying to bring a new concept to the digital cockpit and the coming autonomous age.

8. NXP announces BlueBox 3.0 AHPC development platform

NXP announced a new BlueBox 3.0 Automotive High-Performance Compute (AHPC) development platform which supports Level 2+ autonomous driving. NXP’s Layerscape LX2160A processor helps improve processing performance two times the previous generation of the platform while the S32G processor provides secured vehicle networking. As automakers will incrementally reach the full AV stage, this platform will help find near-term applications in Level 2+ and Level 3 automated vehicles. Since this platform is flexible and scalable, it can be updated with rising levels of autonomy.

9. Magna firms up EV and AV plan with a series of strategic pacts

Magna launched the LED-based Mezzo Panel for the Fisker ADAS panel. Mezzo Panel is a micro-LED and sensor-based polycarbonate panel which can be integrated into a vehicle body without affecting body aesthetics. Magna is also working on the Magna Vision Panel which is set to be showcased at the 2022 CES. Magna and Fisker are collaborating on building unique ADAS features and EV-sharing platforms.

LG Electronics and Magna have created a joint venture to concentrate on the electric powertrain market. In the CES last year, Sony surprised us by unveiling an EV prototype, Vision-S. In this year’s CES, Sony showed new videos of the Vision-S. Magna is one of the major partners for the Vision-S.

10. John Deere showcases VR technology for tractors

John Deere highlighted seed planting with the help of virtual reality (VR), AI and a camera system. A VR-based tractor will help improve precision during planting and work seamlessly in different environments. With the rising applications of 5G and IoT in the agricultural field, John Deere is attending the CES for the past few years. Besides showcasing major products and services in the passenger and commercial vehicle segments, the CES is also becoming a stage for unveiling products for small segments of the automotive industry, like farm equipment.

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Top 10 Automotive Announcements in CES 2020

The Consumer Electronics Show (CES), one of the largest global platforms to showcase consumer electronics technologies and innovation, was held in Las Vegas, USA, this year from 6th to 10th January.

Over the past few years, CES has been incorporating more and more automotive players and technologies. With the growing emergence of connected vehicles with cellular communication and the emergence of 5G playing an increasing role for vehicles to share information to support and safeguard automotive applications, the overlap of consumer electronics and automotive industries is inevitable.

Counterpoint analysts’ top 10 automotive-related announcements from this year’s CES:

1. Sony unveiled its concept Vision-S electric car

In association with NVIDIA, HERE, Continental, BlackBerry, Gentex, Magna, Electrobit, ZF and Benteler, Sony showcased its first-ever concept car, the Vision-S. The 268 bhp car has 33 embedded safety sensors. BlackBerry QNX is providing dashboard software for this concept electric car. While there were no immediate plans to mass-produce the Vision-S, it was used to demonstrate Sony’s capabilities and vision in sensors, AI, infotainment and user interfaces for automotive applications. With the increased digitalization of the automotive industry, electronics players like Sony are going beyond infotainment to focus on growth opportunities in multiple lucrative sectors, such as ADAS components.

2. Uber and Hyundai team up to offer flying car services from 2023

Uber and Hyundai have partnered to provide electric flying car services, from 2023. The flying car will be able to travel at 180 mph with a range of up to 60 miles. Counterpoint believes that commercial flying car services are at least a decade away from reality. While exciting considerable interest, any prospect of commercial reality will be hampered by massive regulatory hurdles.

3. LG in partnership with Microsoft to develop autonomous driving and infotainment systems

LG has formed a strategic partnership with Microsoft to combine its in-vehicle infotainment platform – webOS Auto, with the cloud-based Microsoft Connected Vehicle Platform (MCVP) to offer improved connected services, including audio and streaming. Both companies have also partnered in developing autonomous driving software. LG is looking to leverage the AI expertise of Microsoft to improve its ADAS, Driver-Status Monitoring Camera (DSM) and Multi-Purpose Front Camera products.

4. Verizon collaborating with HERE to provide better-connected vehicle services

Verizon and HERE have signed a multi-year partnership to develop new connected services. Verizon will provide its 5G Ultra Wideband network and multi-access edge compute (MEC) platform and HERE will allow Verizon access to its location data, Software Development Kits (SDKs), and Application Programming Interface. This collaboration of Verizon and HERE will help Verizon improve its 3D positioning algorithms with 5G Ultra-Wideband and 5G Edge. HERE will also be able to upgrade its location ecosystem in real-time wherever the higher bandwidth from Verizon is available. This partnership is an attempt to establish enhanced integrated connected vehicle platforms, offering lower latency and more precise location systems.

5. Qualcomm launches a new autonomous driving platform

Qualcomm has announced it’s entering the Autonomous Vehicle (AV) arena with the unveiling of its AV platform, Snapdragon Ride, focused on advance Cellular Vehicle-to-Everything (C-V2X) communication. Though a late entrant in the AV space, Qualcomm with its vast experience in smartphone technology, will prove to be a significant partner to automakers. General Motor (GM) has already announced installing Snapdragon Ride in its cars. Production versions of Snapdragon Ride fitted cars will start from 2023. This platform from Qualcomm is expected to give strong competition to current autonomous driving players NVIDIA, Intel, and Microsoft.

6. Toyota plans to build a smart city from 2021

Toyota has announced plans to build ‘Woven City’, a 71 hectares smart city at Mount Fuji, 60 miles from Tokyo, by 2021. Toyota is among the first large global automakers to enter into the smart city business race. Toyota will use this city to test emerging automotive technologies such as fuel cells and autonomous driving. Toyota will, possibly, also explore its proposed electric flying car service, fulfilling its aspiration to be the pioneer in the category.

7. Intel demonstrates autonomous vehicles equipped only with cameras, no other sensors

Intel’s subsidiary, Mobileye, showed an AV equipped with 12 cameras but no other sensors. The EyeQ5 chip creates a 3D model, by processing 2D images, to sense the environment. Using full-stack camera systems to improve computer vision, Intel is aiming to reduce the Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of its sensing system leading to violation of its safety standards to 10-4 and ultimately to 10-7 – equivalent to driving for 10 million hours without a safety-critical error. By using camera-based sensors, while foregoing LiDAR and radar, Mobileye believes it can reduce the cost of autonomous vehicle development as well as potentially speed up development. However, it will take considerable testing to prove such alternate surround vision systems can comply with regulatory and public safety authorities/standards – this, therefore, is another focus area.

8. Quectel announced 5G automotive module

Quectel announced developing 5G automotive modules AG550Q – a 5G, Sub-6GHz module, AG215S – an automotive Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) module dedicated to C-V2X, and AF50T- a Wi-Fi module. An early entry in 5G module production can give Quectel an advantage over other module players. Quectel’s partnership with Qualcomm will also help it offer advanced connectivity modules to OEMs and tier 1 suppliers.

9. Amazon integrating new services in Alexa Auto

Looking to further its partnership with automakers, Amazon announced adding new features like Amazon Pay, and Fire TV in Alexa Auto. BMW and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles will be among the first automakers to offer Fire TV integrated with Alexa Auto in their vehicles. The automotive voice assistant feature is currently dominated by embedded iOS CarPlay and Android Auto platforms. Amazon is working with system integrators and software providers like Bosch, HERE, MELCO, Telenav and TomTom for a seamless embedded voice-assistant based in-vehicle navigation experience. Lamborghini and Rivian have also announced integrating Alexa Auto in their forthcoming vehicles.

10. Google showcased improved Android Auto with integrated Google Assistant

Google announced the integration of Google Assistant to its existing Android Auto product portfolio. Google is partnering with Volvo and BMW to market these new features. Information from Android Auto can be projected to a head-up display (HUD) with this new version of Android Auto. Google’s Android Auto will face strong competition from Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa as each looks to exert influence on the automotive cockpit.

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