http://www.spacedaily.com/news/gps-04zj.html

So my question is - will I be able to integrate this in with my existing GPS via a new XM receiver? I've been thinking about having XM put in, but now I want to wait to see what comes out in the fall...

This will make my 32 mile one way commute through Houston that much better in the morning...

 

Depends on what you mean by "integrate".

There are several threads here on how to connect XM radio receivers to the AUX input on the Navi head unit.

But if you want the Navi system to be able to DO something with the traffic updates... not so much. All you can do is dive off of the freeway and let the system figure out what you did, or tell it to re-route without freeways.

There are folks working on Navi systems that can do real-time re-routing automatically... but none are shipping at this time (at least that I know about).

 

No, there is no way to intergrate it into an existing system. It has to be done with a system that currently integrates XM satellite capability with a Navi system and have all the right software.

 

There is even a question of whether XM Traffic updates are legal and will continue. Their deal with the FCC prevents them from broadcasting local programming, and it's hard to get more local than traffic, so I heard (on XM) that some broadcasting lobby group is filing a complaint.

There have been a few startups planning on wirelessly delivering traffic data to navi systems... some of them still haven't run out of money. It was actually kind of a running joke at the last telematics conference I attended.

 

OK...but the RL will most likely have the same Honda GPS as my TSX has...maybe with a firmware update.. Why can't I, if I purchase an XM Unit and have it installed...get a firmware update for my Navi and have it do the same thing as the RL when this service is released to the general public?

Or, at that point, will XM start bundling XM units and GPS units as one package together at the retailers?

 

I think that assumption about what will come in the RL may be premature.

It could be more like the TL (with the Bluetooth integrated) and if so... could be.

BTW, just to be a stickler for detail: A GPS is something you take camping, a Nav unit has maps in it : )

The problem is not just a "firmware" update.

1)The TSX system runs on a MS Windows CE OS with an Alipine/Honda designed UI. It has NO provision for installing new apps (at least none that is made known to consumers).

This is one of the big problems that OE's run into. How do you support consumers installing software in their cars? Can you imagine the nightmare?

The systems in the cars have to be much more reliable than desktop software (BTW- anybody else's Navi system occasionally show them going the wrong way on the Interstate?: ) and as soon as you allow other software apps to be installed, you lose control. OE's are VERY big on control.

2) There's no hardware port that I know of on the Navi system to receive data from an external device. I guess it could go on the CAN bus, but I haven't heard of any aftermarket XM receivers with a CAN bus interface on the market. The level of complexity we are talking about is something that will probably only be available fully-integrated from the factory or fully-integrated in something like an XM-integrated Alpine Navi in-dash DVD player with motorized display.

But... I could be wrong.

 

After I wrote this I went across the street to eat a late breakfast and read the Wall Street Journal. IBM ran a full-page ad on the back of one of the sections talking about how they helped Acura deliver real-time traffic (and wireless diagnostics too) to the new RL (nice huge pic of a black RL front end). I think it's a safe bet that it's NOT the TSX navi system.

But is anyone certain that it's XM delivering the data? Since the wireless diagnostics requires two-way communication, it's possible that the traffic data is arriving via a link other than the XM link. The XM link could be cheaper than a terrestrial data network though...

 

Yes, yes, I know the difference between GPS and Navi. I was in a hurry.

Hm... you make good points. I'm going to take a wait and see attitude with this. I'd like to have this in my car, and if it means replacing the Navi with something else I'll replace the whole damn car by that time. My car is just over a year old and it's got 23K on it already.

Or, maybe we'll get lucky and someone will come up with a hack for it.
I'm eager to see what XM Offers.

 

they showed it on car and driver and its most def the xm delievering the highway status data stream

 

"In addition to enabling the real time traffic feature, the AcuraLink Satellite-Based Communication System allows for communication between Acura and the vehicle, providing customers with the latest diagnostic information specific to their vehicle as well as vehicle-related messages. Because it is linked to the car's HandsFreeLink(TM) wireless telephone interface, drivers can respond to messages or one-touch-dial Acura dealers and Acura Roadside Assistance (TLC) using their Bluetooth phone. "

OK, absolutely (thanks for that) the Satellite part is the XM (there's no satphone in this car). But I think that what they are saying is a bit deceptive here. I bet that the Sat link tells RL drivers about RL service updates... notice that this paragraph says "from Acura to the vehicle". They are relying on your BT phone to call anyone, which means that there's no outbound data (there could be, but they'd have to commit to one GSM carrier and one kind of handset to make that work.)

Hey, I like how OnStar is forced outta the picture.