Car software closed source

[Quarnero]

@Photon

I highly doubt that it is reading the signs!

There is camera built-in behind the windshield, take a closer look (or check owner’s manual). It reads Maximum Speed signs on the move (informs Navigation system as well), I have no doubts.

@Photon

I suspect that it has a cellular connection, but we don’t pay for one.

This feature is, in particular, called FordPass Connect and: “Live Traffic access is free for the first 2 years following the purchase of a new Ford featuring SYNC 3 with navigation; thereafter there is an annual licence fee.” Sorry, but I need to agree with what @kieran already wrote here: “You paid for it when you paid for the car”.

@OpojOJirYAlG

I think that’s the goal of having all of the different computers in a car (ECU, Infotainment, etc) as open source systems so that we can see what is actually happening instead of guessing.

I agree and hope that these September 15 – 16, 2020 events will bring some light to us:

Automotive Linux Summit | LF Events

Open Source Summit Japan | LF Events

@Gavaudan

I seriously doubt the car would download map updates from the phone via Bluetooth,

This is true (no map download over Bluetooth when using mobile broadband). And, I already talked about Garmin solutions because they use two approaches that doesn’t involve integrated (e)SIM like solutions for automated live traffic support, current info (like car accident in two minutes ahead that you cannot reroute anyway, yet eventually stop your car on time if necessary) needed when counting down distance to your destination as safe as possible.

@Quarnero

using DAB+ in Europe or HD Traffic (Nord America) signals of Real-time Traffic Information over USB-C extension so that there, when driving, is no need for using the Internet (at all).

I brought Garmin solutions for consideration as for example solution from TomTom (TRUCKER 6000) that provides services via built-in SIM card was not something that might help here (other than to understand how things that are usable in practical sense work). Optionally:

@Quarnero

As constant power source and antenna are important for turn-by-turn navigation I would suggest (as an example here and/or for an eventual future expert consideration) accessory for USB-C similar to Garmin GTM 60™ HD Digital Traffic Receiver or GTM 70™ Digital Traffic Receiver (Europe) even though direct integration of digital radio and processing system-on-chip within Librem 5 v2 may be cheap and quality infotainment/entertainment solution as well.

If there is no effort to bring Real-time Traffic Info software solution integrated into Librem 5 than I consequently agree with what @reC already mentioned, suggested not to buy:

@reC

but it doesn’t have an integrated navigation device

or with what @Gavaudan already wrote here (if you buy built-in Navigation):

@Gavaudan

This requires either an account of some sort (like if it’s using a cellular connection) or a wifi connection. Both these things require a login of some sort. If you deny the car that, then it can’t connect, and thus can’t report anything.

With emphasis on neither receive (what needed in order to avoid traffic jams or similar). Still, as @kieran mentioned, if you own car with built-in SIM than there is no way you will avoid spying when and where you drive your car (as you prepaid for this, “free” usage for at least two years, offer). Please, every individual needs to think precisely over this topic way before it is too late (what to share or/and what to receive when in traffic and how):

@Freedom_Right

it does not track, monitor or record data in absence of accidents