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Intel and Nissan collaborate on Infiniti's 2013 infotainment system, Atom inside

Intel is notorious for marking its territory on a wide array of consumer gear, but one piece of kit that's unlikely to sport that famous sticker is the infotainment system of Nissan's 2013 Infiniti lineup. Unveiled today at the New York International Auto Show, the in-vehicle computer represents a collaboration between Intel and Nissan and was showcased within the Infiniti LE concept vehicle. On the inside lurks an Atom CPU, which bucks the general trend toward ARM architecture in these systems. Both companies put their collective heads together to create cloud-based services for smartphone users such as video surveillance, vehicle control and monitoring. As another nice refinement, users will also be able to use their phone's NFC capabilities for keyless entry to the carriage -- no word on whether it can similarly activate the ignition. You'll find the full PR after the break.

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Intel Technology Selected for NISSAN Motor Company's Next-Gen In-Vehicle Infotainment Systems

Business Wire -- April 5, 2012 12:00 PM EDT

Intel Corporation announced today that the next-generation in-vehicle infotainment system (IVI) for select NISSAN Motor Company* production vehicles will be powered by the Intel® Atom™ processor beginning in 2013. The IVI system features an innovative twin-display that was unveiled in the Infiniti LE, a luxury zero-emissions concept vehicle, at the New York International Auto Show today. Infiniti is the luxury vehicle brand of the NISSAN Motor Company.

"Technology and vehicles are integral components of everyday life and by combining the two, we can we achieve a truly connected, mobile lifestyle," said Ton Steenman, vice president of Intel's Intelligent Systems Group. "The processing power of the Intel Atom processor enables NISSAN to deliver information and entertainment to drivers and passengers simultaneously in a safe manner and opens the door to more enjoyable driving experiences."

NISSAN selected Intel as a technology partner to jointly develop rich in-vehicle experiences that will keep NISSAN drivers and passengers informed, entertained and productive while maintaining optimal safety. The industry-leading, twin-display will enable the driver to see vital traffic information and navigation while simultaneously delivering entertainment, such as movies, to passengers.

"The Infiniti LE showcases the concept of smart hospitality," said Andy Palmer, executive vice president, NISSAN Motor Company and in charge of Infiniti. "The twin-display, developed with Intel technology inside, is a breakthrough feature that presents driving-related information in the right place and at the right time."

The product development builds on a longstanding relationship between Intel and NISSAN, which includes joint research through Intel Labs to explore new ways to customize applications and enhance mobile device connectivity in the car. Sharing a similar user-centric approach to research and product development, combined with Intel's experience in consumer electronic devices as well as expertise in delivering hardware and software computing solutions and NISSAN's strong understanding of the automotive industry and driving needs, the two companies are helping the automotive industry deliver new driver and passenger experiences.

The joint research focused on several areas of exploration, including mobile device-to-vehicle fusion, cloud-based services for vehicles, and vehicle video surveillance via smartphones, as well as vehicle access and control via smartphones. For example, by using in-car connectivity and cameras and sensors already in the car, the car is able to notify the owner via smartphone when the vehicle is struck in a parking lot. Additionally, using near-field communications or a barcode to securely pair a smartphone with a car enables the smartphone to become a virtual key for remote keyless entry to the vehicle.

The announcement follows additional efforts toward realizing Intel's vision for the connected car including the recent creation of the $100 million Intel Capital Connected Car Fund, the opening of a new global Automotive Innovation and Product Development Center in Karlsruhe, Germany, an academic outreach program focused on IVI and telematics, and the expansion of Intel Labs Experience and Interaction Research in automotive.