Waze Joins Open-Source Car App Consortium

Google Inc. Waze Mobile unit is joining the new SmartDeviceLink (SDL) consortium, which was formed earlier this year to create and manage open-source software for in-vehicle smartphone apps.

Being part of SDL will allow Waze users to access information from a vehicle’s infotainment touchscreen and will provide the company with a broader range of data directly from a connected vehicle, Jens Baron, who manages in-car applications for the tech company, tells Wired. Such information could be used to detect windshield wiper, headlight and brake usage, which could be shared with other “wazers” to alert them about changing driving conditions ahead.

Google purchased Waze, an Israeli startup formerly known as Freemap, in 2013. In addition to basic navigation functions, the Waze system allows users to share real-time information about traffic congestion, accidents, the presence of police cars, road debris and other location-based updates.

Waze already is working on in-vehicle apps through Google’s Android Auto smartphone interface, but the SDL partnership will enhance data-sharing capabilities, Wired notes. The membership also will allow iPhone users to access Waze data through the infotainment via Apple Inc.’s CarPlay interface.

Tapping into vehicle information could be used to inform drivers about nearby service stations when their fuel level is low. Wired points out that Google  could use the data as the basis to sell advertising or provide coupons from third-party providers.

SDL’s core members include Ford, Fuji Heavy Industries, Mazda, PSA, Suzuki and Toyota. The group’s efforts will be managed by Michigan-based connectivity startup Livio, which Ford acquired three years ago.