Alibaba, SAIC Develop Mass-Produced Smart Car

The Alibaba Group has launched the OS'Car, a YunOS-enabled, mass-produced smart car in collaboration with SAIC Motor Corp.

Equipped with YunOS, the OS'Car RX5 is the first "internet-connected car" of its kind in mass production, co-developed after two years of intensive study and collaboration between the two companies. The car is supported by a cloud-based platform for data streaming, modeling and reporting for an augmented driving experience.

With cloud-based data, the car has the following features, according to a company press release:

• An intelligent map which enables instant and precise location by sub-meter, location tracking without Wi-Fi or GPS, automatic change in map zoom size based on the car speed.
• The car is able to take direct commands through smart voice control, creating a more natural and safer driving environment. Audio is the primary mode for controlling the system.
• Equipped with up to four detachable action cameras, it enables video recordings of the journey and 360° selfies. The selfies can be shared instantly with friends via the connected smartphone.
• As the first car with an "internet ID," OS'Car can recognize the driver through connected smart phones or smart watches. It also enables personalized internet services such as greetings, preferred music and destinations.
• Three integrated screens — a large touch screen, LED dashboard and an intelligent rear-view mirror — resulting in safer driving.
• OS'Car RX5 uses an open platform, for different smart hardware and services which will enable the introduction of additional premium and creative driving experiences for users.

"We believe cars will be the next wave of access point to the internet, and the integration of our data-driven intelligent operating system to create a smart car is an important milestone as we enter the era of IoT. Working together with SAIC, Alibaba will transform the car from a mode of transportation into a new platform for smart living through the seamless use of Big Data, internet and cloud computing. We hope to truly elevate the experience of driving and allow consumers a new lifestyle to be enjoyed via their vehicles," said Daniel Zhang, chief executive officer of Alibaba Group.

For more information, visit Alibaba and SAIC.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.