Achievements of CE4A in 2022:
Bluetooth Application & Enabling Technologie News
- Active participation in the Bluetooth SIG → Revision and editing of Bluetooth SIG documents and specifications.
- Hands-Free Profile (HFP) 1.9.0 has successfully passed the IOP phase and is currently in the adaption phase. Final release is scheduled for August 2023.
- Following features have been developed and are ready for IOP testing:
- Call Duration Information for Hands-Free Profile (HFP)
- Call Forwarding Feature Enhancement
- Indicate Caller Name without Phone Book Data Download
- Ongoing development for HFP 1.10.0
- HFP Indicator Enhancements
- Uniform Caller Identifier
- App Notification Transfer (ANT) 1.0
For details of the feature development process, please visit the Bluetooth SIG website (www.bluetooth.com) or reach out to the „Audio, Telephony and Automotive“ working group (ATAWG)
Interoperability Testing
- IOTS 2023/1: The annually planned Interoperability Test Sessions (IOTS) with international participants from the CE industry took place on May 9 & 10 at the BMW Trainings Academy in Munich, Germany.
- 2023/2: The second IOTS is planned for the beginning of Q4 2023.
- For upcoming events follow CE4A in News & Events
Reference Platform News
- Continuous development of the platform
- Development and release of HFP 1.9 enhancements including:
- Indicate Caller Name
- Call Duration
- Development of Super Wideband Speech for HFP 1.9 but not released due to licensing issues.
- Further development of test automation
- Implementing Live Import for Wireshark over tcpdump
- Improved project documentation
- Bugfixes in HFP and audio routing
Achievements of CE4A in 2021:
Telephone and PIM News:
Bluetooth Topics
- Active participation in the Bluetooth SIG → Creation, revision and editing of Bluetooth SIG documents and specifications
- Work within the Bluetooth SIG has been valued with an award for outstanding technical contribution
- Project lead for Hands-Free Profile (HFP) enhancements for HFP 1.9 and 1.10 and Message Access Profile (MAP) 1.4
- Publication of HFP 1.9 with four new automotive relevant features is expected for 2022
- HFP 1.10 envisioned to be released in 2023
- MAP 1.4 envisioned to be released in 2024
- Transfer of the Battery Service enhancements (BAS 1.1) to the validation phase
For details of the feature development process, please visit the Bluetooth SIG website (www.bluetooth.com) or reach out to the „Audio, Telephony and Automotive“ working group (ATAWG)
- Holding the Vice Chair position of the ATAWG in the Bluetooth SIG
- Representation of the ATAWG in the Bluetooth Architectural Review Board (BARB)
Collaboration with Stakeholders
- Regular meetings with important players of the CE Industry and other stakeholders to enhance interoperability of automotive infotainment systems and consumer electronic devices
- Exchange of new concepts and road maps to align development of new features with stakeholders
Interoperability Testing
- IOTS 2021/1 & 2021/2: The annually planned Interoperability Test Sessions (IOTS) with international participants from the CE industry had to be cancelled because of the SARS-Cov-2 pandemic
- For upcoming events follow CE4A in News & Events
Reference Platform News:
- Continuous development and multiple releases in 2021
- Implementation of new features such as Battery Access Service 1.1 and upcoming HFP 1.9 enhancements
- Added switch to enable/disable wide-band speech support
- Completion of the following PBAP features:
- Default phone book including contact images and various character sets
- Editable and exchangeable phone books
- Support for GATT over BR/EDR
- Fully automated regression testing for different release versions
- Introduction of access restriction through licence validation
- Convenience updates, including frontend accessibility for static IP address changes and Software updates
- Platform support also on the newer Raspberry Pi 4
Standard Connector News:
NFC Position Paper
- Finalization of the paper for publication
- Publication of the position paper "VDA technical position for integration of Near Field Communication in vehicles" by the VDA in October 2021, see EG Standard Connector.
Wireless Charging
- Continuation of the exchange with the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) about Qi technology in the automotive environment
- Discussion of interoperability issues with non-Qi-certified devices with key players of the industry
- Contribution to future Qi standard enhancements
CE4A Motivation Letter
- Finalization of the paper - publication planned for 2022
- Goal: cooperation with key stakeholders to drive development and implementation of the introduced improvements and features
Positioning Technologies
- Monitoring of the development of diverse positioning technologies and collaboration with the Bluetooth SIG to support the advancement of accurate distance measurement within the Bluetooth Core Specification
Achievements of CE4A in 2020:
Telephone and PIM News:
Bluetooth Topics
- Active participation in the Bluetooth SIG → Creation, revision and editing of Bluetooth SIG documents and specifications
- Holding the Vice Chair position of the „Audio, Telephony and Automotive“ working group in the Bluetooth SIG
- Leading role in enhancements for Hands-Free Profile (HFP) 1.9 and 1.10 and Message Access Profile (MAP) 1.4 to 1.5
- Active involvement in the adoption of HFP 1.8 and the GATT Specifications Transport Discovery Service and Connection Handover Profile
- Support of Battery Service enhancements
Collaboration with CE-Manufacturers
- Meetings to enhance interoperability of infotainment systems and consumer electronic devices
- Roadmapping to align development of new features
IOTS 2020
- 2020/1 & 2020/2: cancelled because of SARS-Cov-2 pandemic situation
Reference Platform News:
- Continuous development and major release version 20.06
- Use of the platform for test automation by members of the CE4A
- Extension of the BlueZ Bluetooth stack to support PBAP 1.2.3
- Extensions to support testers with PBAP related use cases
- Default phone book includes multiple character sets and contact images
- Exchangeable phone books
- Dynamic call lists
- Extension of the PulseAudio and Ofono protocol stack to support Wide Band Speech
- Preparation of the necessary architecture for GATT over BR/EDR support
- Stability and convenience updates, including updates of the Linux Kernel
Standard Connector News:
NFC Position Paper
- Review of the NFC Position Paper by the NFC Forum
- Preparation and finalization for publication in 2021
Wireless Charging
- Exchange with the WPC about Qi technology in the automotive environment
- Clarification of automotive related field issues
CE4A Motivation Letter
- Definition of relevant concepts and use cases for the use of CE devices in the automotive environment
- Goal: cooperation with key stakeholders to drive development and implementation of the introduced improvements and features
Positioning Technologies
- Engagement in continued development of positioning technologies
- Collaboration with the Bluetooth SIG to support the advancement of High Accuracy Distance Measurement
- Refining of requirements in the automotive environment
Achievements of CE4A in 2019:
Telephone and PIM News:
- Bluetooth Topics
- Active participation in the Bluetooth SIG → Creation, revision and editing of Bluetooth SIG documents and specifications
- Holding the Vice Chair position of the „Audio, Telephony and Automotive“ working group in the Bluetooth SIG
- Leading role in the development of enhancements for Hands-Free Profile (HFP) 1.8 and 1.9 and Message Access Profile (MAP) 1.4 to 1.5
- Contribution to the Fitness Data Aggregation (FDA) Specification by revision of specification documents and by providing a prototype for the Bluetooth SIG Interoperability testing
- Revision of documents and use cases within the Wi-Fi-Alliance
- IOTS 2019
- 2019/1: May 21st -23rd, 2019 at the BMW Trainingsakademie in Unterschleißheim
- 2019/2: Nov 5th – 7th, 2019 in Vienna in collaboration with the Bluetooth SIG UPF 64 event
Reference Platform News:
- Continuous development of the RRP and successful use of the platform for test automation by members of the CE4A
- Two major releases in 2019, the second one has been presented during the Bluetooth SIG UPF64 in Vienna with very positive feedback from CE manufacturers
- Extension of the PulseAudio, Ofono and the BlueZ Bluetooth stack to support HFP 1.8 and HFP 1.9 functionalities
- Implementation of new and established Bluetooth features, such as the MAP 1.3 Server, SCO – Wide Band Speech and Bluetooth Low Energy Battery service
Standard Connector News:
- Preparation of a NFC positon paper as basis for discussion and exchange of information
- The Position Paper has been presented to the NFC Forum during the Automotive Summit of the NFC Forum in Stuttgart in June 2019
- Planned publication in 2020
- Organization of two meetings with the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) for further information exchange and to provide CE4A input on the WPC roadmap
- Key topics:
- Qi-Standard Certification Process
- Proprietary 15W Charger Interfaces
- Mandatory “fully charged” Indication
- Additional Wireless Charging to already started charging via USB
- Destruction of NFC Chips through wireless charging technologies
- Key topics:
- Exchange between CE4A and Bluetooth SIG in Vienna to provide input for the High Accuracy Distance Measurement (HADM) Specification
Achievements of CE4A in 2018:
Telephone and PIM News:
- Participation and revision of Bluetooth SIG documents and specifications
- Participation and revision of documents and use cases within the Wi-Fi-Alliance
- To hold a Vice Chair position of the „Audio, Telephony and Automotive“ working group in the Bluetooth SIG
- Enhancement of Message Access Profile (MAP) 1.4 to 1.5
- Active assistance of the specification work on Fitness Data Aggregation (FDA)
- Cooperation with the GSMA e.g. to define requirements for mobile devices
- IOTS 2018:
- 2018/1: 17.-19.04.2018 at the BMW Trainingsakademie in Unterschleißheim
- 2018/2: 22.-25-10-2018 in Berlin as a combination with the BT SIG UPF 61 event
Reference Platform News:
- Continuous development of the new reference platform, the rapid reference platform – RRP
- Extension of the BlueZ Bluetooth stack to the future HFP 1.8 and HFP 1.9 functionalities
- Implementation of HFP profile extension (Enhanced Voice Recognition Activation, HFP Indicator Enhancements, Multi SIM, Uniform Caller Identifier)
Standard Connector News:
- Cooperation Agreement with Wireless Power Consortium (WPC)
- NFC Forum signs a Liason with German Automotive Consortium
- Preparation of a positon paper as basis for discussion and exchange of information
- Specification and providing input for the Digital Key development
- Definition of USB Type-C use cases and USB Type-C market and technology analysis
Achievements of CE4A in 2017:
Telephone and PIM News:
- Participation and revision of Bluetooth SIG documents
- Starting und developing new Bluetooth profiles for the automotive industry
- To hold a Vice Chair position of the “Audio, Telephony and Automotive” WG in the Bluetooth SIG
- Release of Message Access Profile 1.4 with Message Forwarding functionality
- Participation and revision of documents within the Wi-Fi-Alliance
- IOTS 2017:
- 01/2017: 25.-27/04/2017 at the BMW Trainingsakademie in Unterschleißheim
- 02/2017: 26.-28/09/2017 at the Audi Training Center in Ingolstadt
- CE4A F2F 2017 on 15/11/2017:
- Discussion of new Bluetooth profiles for the Automotive industry
- Bluetooth Classic (BR/EDR) is strong in use and remains in cars
- Discussion and planning for coexistence of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth in cars
- Cooperation with the GSMA e.g. to define requirements for mobile devices
Reference Platform News:
- Creation of a new reference platform, the rapid reference platform – RRP
- Implementation of Bluetooth basic features as HFP, A2DP, AVRCP
Standard Connector News:
- Preparation of cooperation with other committees e.g the NFC Forum or Wireless Power Consortium
- Development and distribution of the CE4A NFC-Position Paper in Version 21 to committees such as the NFC-Forum and GSMA
- Definition of USB Type-C use cases and USB Type-C market and technology analysis
- Specification and providing input for the Digital Key development
Achievements of CE4A in 2016:
Telephone and PIM News:
- Participation and revision of Bluetooth SIG documents
- Participation and discussion regarding Bluetooth Low Energy Audio
- Participation and revision of documents within the Wi-Fi-Alliance
- IOTS 2016:
- 01/2016: 19.-21/04/2016 at the BMW Trainingsakademie in Unterschleißheim
- 02/2016: 19.-20/10/2016 at the BMW Trainingsakademie in Unterschleißheim
- CE4A Roadmapping 2016 on 16/11/2016:
- Discussion of market trends with CE producers
- Bluetooth Classic (BR/DER) is strong in use and remains in cars
- Bluetooth Low Energy enables new use cases
- Cooperation with the GSMA e.g. to define requirements for mobile devices
- Release of Message Access Profile 1.3 with Instant Messaging functionality
- Participation and validation of documents in the Bluetooth SIG
- Cooperation with the GSMA e.g. to define requirements of mobile devices
Reference Platform News:
- Release 16.5 is now available for download
Standard Connector News:
- Conduction of a CE4A Expert Group Standard Connector Meeting with focus on wireless charging
- Participation of industry-related representatives and Wireless Power Consortium representatives
- Active participation and representation of CE4A interests at the NFC-Forum Automotive Workshop
- Development and distribution of the CE4A NFC-Position Paper in Version 20 to committees such as the NFC-Forum and GSMA
- Beginning of arrangements concerning the exchange of information and cooperation with other committees
Achievements of CE4A in 2015:
Telephone and PIM News:
- IOTS 02/2015: combined event with Bluetooth SIG UPF52. Over 160 registered platforms for the UPF event
- EGs provided requirements and use cases for Wi-Fi Alliance documents
- Contact for Wi-Fi 5-GHz discussions with other organizations and expert groups
- EGs provided content for the discussion "Hands free talking requirements for the ERA Glonass emergency calls"
- Roadmapping meeting: 11 participants from 5 companies discussed the actual market development
- EGs provided content for an update of the GSMA documents "Bluetooth Requirements for Terminal Devices"
- EGs created a Bluetooth feature Roadmap, describing the market launch and - extension of Bluetooth features and profiles
- "PIM Motivation Letter" release:
- PBAP for access to contacts
- MAP for access to various messaging types like SMS and email
- CTN for access to the calendar, notes and tasks
- EG-PIM pushed the standardization of Instant Messaging functionality in Bluetooth Message Access Profile v1.3 in cooperation with the developing team of Bluetooth SIG. Estimated MAP1.3 release in 2016
Reference Platform News:
- Release 15.5 is now available for download
Standard Connector News:
- NFC Position Paper 0.9 is now available for download
- 4th NFC Workshop Bad Boll:
- 65 national and international participants
- 9 OEMs
- 19 presentations
- Two NFC vehicles for demonstration
Achievements of CE4A in 2014:
Telephone and PIM News:
- Start of standardization in BT-SIG regarding Connection Handover of Bluetooth Low Energy, BTClassic and Wi-Fi
- EG Telephone supported the Wi-Fi Group developing a new version of the Wi-Fi Mobile Terminal Requirements document
- Collecting Wi-Fi use cases and requirements for GSMA and Wi-Fi Alliance Group
- IOTS 02/2014: during BT Unplugfest in Berlin. Most successful event with 301 participants from 89 countries
- Roadmapping meeting: Market expansion trend of BT Low Energy opens new use cases in the automotive section
- Release of CTN and GPP 1.0 in 09/2014
Terminal Mode News:
We are very proud to inform you that all Terminal Mode topics are now being discussed in the Car Connectivity Consortium (CCC).
Terminal Mode is a successful development which is now continued under the name MirrorLinkTM offering seamless connectivity between smart phones and vehicle infotainment systems. For additional information or questions please contact CCC.
Reference Platform News:
- Release 13.0: CTN implementation and PBAP enhancements (Client) with HMI
- Release 15.1 is now available for download
- Official start of MirrorLink implementation in RPI
Standard Connector News:
- NFC Position Paper 0.4 release (Definition of Use Cases)
Achievements of CE4A in 2013:
Telephone and PIM News:
- IOTS sessions: The CE4A has organized 2 IOTS test events with 80 participants each. The IOTS events have become a well-established testing opportunity with a growing number of participants among the CE industry
- Roadmapping meeting: Exchange of strategic focus and discussion of important and upcoming use cases with leading CE manufacturers
- Bluetooth SIG: The CE4A has committed to further innovation on Bluetooth technology in the automotive area
- Promotion of the GSMA Document "Bluetooth® Interoperability Requirements for Mobile Terminals v1.0" from Septermber 28th, 2012
- Promotion of the Whitepaper “SAP and remote network access” that defines solutions for SIM-Access Profile and seamless access to the internet for smartphones
- Cooperation with JasPar
Standardization:
- CE4A members have contributed to the adoption of Bluetooth specification enhancements for mobile messaging in the car
- CE4A members have contributed to the adoption of Bluetooth specification enhancements for Phonebook Access in the car
- CE4A members drove progress on Bluetooth specification work for accessing Personal Information Management features on the phone from the car
- CE4A members drove new Bluetooth specification work for enhancing messaging and voicemail use cases in the car
- CE4A members have strongly supported the adoption of Bluetooth specifications addressing concurrent usage of mulitple Bluetooth profiles in the automotive environment
Terminal Mode News:
- CE4A member companies are actively contributing to MirrorLink(tm) technology and ecosystem (http://www.mirrorlink.com/) within the Car Connectivity Consortium. The Car Connectivity Consortium was found by CE4A members and other leading companies to further develop Terminal Mode under the trademark of MirrorLink(tm)
- Finalization of specification MirrorLink v1.2
- Start MirrorLink v1.1 device certification within the CCC
- Definition and publication of application developer guidelines and test plans
Reference Platform News:
- Release 12.0 is now available for download
- Work is ongoing to integrate the latest Bluetooth developments in the RPI and to enhance even more the automatic/semiautomatic test suites
Standard Connector News:
- CE4A recommend Qi as current and future usable wireless charging standard
- 3rd wireless charging workshop, Bad Boll >> Coexistence wireless charging + NFC
- CE4A release requirements for wireless charging
Achievements of CE4A in 2012:
Telephone and PIM News:
- 2 IOTS events were held in 2012 (75 and 88 participants – new record)
- CE4A organized Roadmapping Meetings with selected Platform- and Mobile Phone Manufacturers
- CE4A to release an article about “CE4A promotes SAP”
- Cooperation with University of Duisburg regarding Wireless Charging
Terminal Mode News:
- Definition of Guidelines, Testplans and Infrastructure for App Certification started
- Finalization of specification MirrorLink V1.1 and first draft documents for MirrorLink V1.2 available
Reference Platform News:
- Presentation of Reference Platform Implementation (RPI) at the IOTS 2012 and the BT SIG UPF 43
- Support of the BT SIG standardization process with early prototyping for MAP and Multiprofile
- Development of a brand new HMI for the automatic tests
- Starting with Release 10.5 the RPI runs also on standard PCs equipped with 64 Bits Windows 7 New features added to the RPI in 2012: AVRCP-Enhancements, Device ID, MAP 1.2, CE4A test cases
- Release 11.0 with AVRCP and Device ID packages
- Latest RPI Release 11.5
Standard Connector News:
- Wireless power summit 2012 USA, Dallas >> CE4A requirements + discussion
- Wireless world 2012 Shanghai >> presentation CE4A requirements + discussion
- 2nd Wireless Charging Workshop Bad Boll >> FOD and influence to human body
- Draft version requirements wireless charging automotive
- EMC requirements released on CE4A Homepage
Achievements of CE4A in 2011:
Telephone and PIM News:
- 2 IOTS events were held in 2010
- CE4A Feature Set submitted to GSMA-TSG, JasPar, Mobile Phone Manufacturers and Bluetooth SIG in order to communicate CE4A Bluetooth requirements
- Private Bluetooth SIG –CE4A Group established on Bluetooth.org for communication purposes
- Coorporation Agreement with GSMA TSG in progress
- Roadmapping Meeting between CE4A and selected Platform- and Mobile Phone Manufacturers
Terminal Mode News:
- Car Connectivity Consortium founded by Nokia / CE4A and other partners => Main work continues within the Car Connectivity Consortium
- Release of Specification 1.0.1 Reference Platform News:
- RPI Release 8.0 with WBS and MAP Fraction
- Latest RPI Release 9.0 Standard
Connector News:
- WPC automotive, presentation of CE4A requirements
- 1st Wireless Charging Workshop Bad Boll >> Vehicle integration, requirements
- Participation in Wireless Charging pre standardization work at CEA (USA)
Achievements of CE4A in 2010:
Telephone and PIM News:
- Phone conferences and F2F meetings were held to define PIM Use Cases and identify technical solution proposals
- CE4A organized Roadmapping Meetings with selected Platform- and Mobile Phone Manufacturers
- 2 IOTS events were held in 2010
- F2F Meeting with Bluetooth SIG to present the Automotive Usability Study
Terminal Mode News:
- Release of Specification 1.0
Media News:
- Complete set of audio test files has been created as reference files for usage with the CE4A RIP and for future IOTS
- CE4A Minimum Feature Set for A2DP/AVRCP consolidated and agreed within the EG Media
Reference Platform News:
- With Release 5.4 RPI is running with new USB Dongles (Trust) for BT 2.1
- Latest RPI Release 6.5
Standard Connector News:
- Discussion with Qualcomm about Wireless Charging
- Release of Positioning Paper V1.0
Achievements of CE4A in 2009:
Telephone and PIM News:
- Successful support of standardization of MAP v1.0
- 2 IOTS were organized and carried out (one IOTS in cooperation with Bluetooth SIG)
- Roadmap meeting with mobile phone manufacturers
- Conversation with JasPar and MCPC
- First steps for close cooperation with CTIA
- Contribution to the initiatives of Bluetooth SIG on
- usability
- multi profile /-device behaviour
- interoperability
- automotive related profile improvements
- Close Coordination with Bluetooth SIG
Media News:
- Discussions around the use cases of cover art over bluetooth and video from external devices within a vehicle
- Activities around CE device compatibility and multimedia standards such as AVRCP 1.4 and MTP
- 2 IOTS were organized and carried out - one IOTS in cooperation with Bluetooth SIG
- Road Map discussions with mobile phone manufacturers
- Conversation with MCPC
Terminal Mode News:
- Working out of a Protocol draft together with Nokia
- Integration of other mobile phone manufacturer: conversations with LG, TomTom, Google (Android) und Navigon
Reference Platform News:
- Presentation of Reference Platform Implementation (RPI) within IOTS 2009 (BT SIG UPF 34)
- Following features highly appreciated by CE Manufacturers and welcomed as a development standard:
- Tests of basically all Bluetooth profiles used within automotive industry, such as HFP, A2DP, AVRCP, PBAP, SAP from both sides as mobile device and as hands-free system
- Early implementation tests of brand new profiles such as MAP and AVRCP 1.4
- Current version implements 3 vehicle integration scenarios: Mobile Phone, Digital Audio Player, Messaging/ Personal Information Management
- The RPI runs on standard PCs equipped with appropriate Bluetooth hardware and Windows XP
- Besides, the RPI also accomplished the Proof of Concept for the automatic and semiautomatic testing of Bluetooth Profiles on Mobile Phones
- Work is ongoing to enhance the RPI with powerful tracing, meaningful configuration and automatic/semiautomatic test suites
Achievements of CE4A in 2008:
- Successful support of the standardization of AVRCP 1.4.
- 2 IOTS were organized and carried out. Revision of related Test Cases.
- Documentation of test cases for the RPI.
- 2 Road Map Meetings took place.
- Conversations with CTIA, JasPar were conducted.
- Close cooperation with BT SIG:
- Contribution to SIG Usability und Telephony Expert Group
- Introduction of an extension for cover art
- Further close cooperation with manufacturers of mobile communication devices.
Achievements of CE4A in 2006/2007:
- Identification and prioritisation of key activities on mutual basis
- Foundation of eight expert groups covering the main areas of interest
- Start-up operational work with some of the key players in CE industry
- Standard Bluetooth-Profile for access to the phone book and calling lists of a mobile phone in the car: Phone Book Access Profile (PBAP)
- Draft of a new Bluetooth-Profile for access to SMS and e-mail: Message Access Profile (MAP)
- Cooperation in the scope of mobile phones (road mapping meetings, IOP Testing) together with the CE industry and some mobile phone manufacturers
- Development of a position paper for audio player integration (already sent to audio player manufacturers)
- Objectives definition for the next steps (for example Bluetooth-Multiprofiling, standard automotive connectors, reference platform)