The latest Investing Matters Podcast with Jean Roche, Co-Manager of Schroder UK Mid Cap Investment Trust has just been released. Listen here.
This year is all about the c0ckpit platforms and next gen infotainment. Mix that into a steady stream of ADAS integration announcements and what do they all have on common? An increasing reliance on head, eye and gaze tracking. So it's a very exciting year for us and next week will have clues all over the shop no doubt, some obvious, some not so. Infact theres already been a load of previews released in last 48 hours showcasing what to expect.
Cadillac will be showcasing their Lyriq next week. Preview here of their new infotainment system.
https://youtu.be/P0r7yFc71L4
Kicks off Monday. Keep your eyes peeled.
Visteon (one of if not thee leader in digital ****pits) preview here posted within last hour, showcased in a BMW who they supply. 28 seconds we can see the DMS.
https://youtu.be/3drhfyG7IL8
I believe that was Japan focused. I seem to recall as of 18 months ago we were not working with any Korean customers directly but the way things are going that's probably no longer the case now as our licensed partnerships grow. The upcoming Qualcomm monopoly of infotainment platforms alone may have got us at a seat at the table there.
I agree glandore, the EE lot seem keen and well researched on SEE although I feel they still try to represent the industry as a whole, yesterday's article a perfect example with getting feedback from three of our competitors. I just wish the articles expanded a little on why SEE seems to be holding an advantage when there seems to be little technically separating us all these days. The stmicro videos I posted a while ago certainly reaffirmed where the competition is. Was an eye opener.
I am also slowly realising why we originally pitched and stuck to a 30% target. Given the comment regarding basic head tracking may be the baseline requirement and costs ultimately takkng priority over safety quality im 1. hoping the NCAP protocol tests are to a high standard and 2. we are still competitive in our pricing (especially given the comments from PM this year I'm hopeful we are).
That said, CES is around the corner and I'm looking forward to some more exposure on where we are with the big players. Its looking increasingly likely 2021 may well deliver the delayed 2020 we all expected and we certainly seem to heading in the right direction. On a side note it's also great to see the wider technology based audiences seem to be becoming aware of DMS now and discussing it openly on the likes of YouTube. We are no longer an acronym no one's heard of, and I think the Tesla situation has certainly helped here.
Hotz is the CEO of comma.ai, thats the aftermarket device that topped the recent tests for driver engagement. (which I should add, i felt was not exactly a fair comparison bear in mind the Supercruise entry was on a 2018 model, and is essentially a product developed years earlier unlike the comma device).
Interesting discussion anyway (as always for Fridman).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qf1NzI1I7E
Can't really agree with Barnden there although it's a nice thought. In all my years in this industry I don't think I've ever heard someone describe Apple as a semiconductor company. Ever. They've only recently delved into this segment more directly (hence all the Mac discounts past couple of months) and still technically, at top level, are consumer electronics focused.
Always worth checking out Swedish friends CES declarations on their website over all the partners they'll be showcasing with.
https://smarteye.se/events/ces-2021/
Oh. Guessing no one got the invite.
Missed this bit reading it first time round when referencing the Tesla and anything with SEYE tech in...
"These systems, that lack effective direct driver monitoring, should restrict use in
less-than-ideal situations"
Nothing new here, but to the point.
In other news, just over 2 weeks to biggest tech event of the year. One thing is guaranteed, there's gonna be snippets of us all over the place under the covers. Keen eye time.
https://youtu.be/zSBA4UGRCFg
Summary; MGM Bulk sign up to guardian, soon see the value, roll it out everywhere, now require it to be fitted to any new truck entering their fleer prior to enrollment and also it's now part of their mandatory pre start checks. If the guardian unit is missing or not working, the truck is not authorised to be used.
We are 3 weeks away from the biggest marker event of the whole year; CES 2021.
This should help bring us up to date and highlight the partnerships and pathways we are now navigating behind closed doors. Particularly looking forward to qualcomms c0ckpit related announcements over the weekend :)
Esc if you are referencing their forums, I don't think they've even heard of EEtimes or Colin.
Ironic really given they have little to no knowledge of the actual market or the movements within the DMS/OMS space yet many are sitting on a tidy profit already.