Weblink, a new software platform from Abalta Technologies, is a solution for integrating mobile apps with car infotainment systems.
Weblink can be classified as "middleware" because it allows a vehicle's infotainment system to connect and interact with mobile apps on a smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, USB or Wi-Fi connection, Wired reports. The system works with most automakers' infotainment systems and will be easy to update through the device side as opposed to the in-vehicle infotainment system.
Weblink is far from the only platform aiming at the in-car app connectivity. Automakers have deployed Ford Sync's AppLink, embedding apps and connectivity into the car. Mercedes-Benz offers mbrace2 while Honda and Porsche are working with Aha Radio on music streaming apps.
Third-party developers haven't yet created apps en masse for the infotainment system-equipped cars and individual apps for each automaker. Abalta says Weblink addresses the gap, since it's compatible with all major smartphone OSs and allows existing HTML5 apps easy integration.
The company also says that individual apps can be customized and "target demographic groups, geographical region or user preference."
Abalta also doesn't yet have any automakers signed on, but touts Weblink's ability to run navigation app WebNav, the streaming music service Slacker, event guide Wcities and the parking app Parkopedia.
"Weblink will be the key to unlocking the market potential for in-vehicle applications," said Michael O'Shea, president and CEO of Abalta Technologies. "People want to use their smartphone apps while they're in the car. This is a huge opportunity for the OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers to provide apps in a safe and meaningful way while offering developers low cost access to the car ecosystem. Weblink allows them to do just this."
