FOSS@Porsche
Android Open Source Project
19th February 2024 · 5min reading time
The new-generation infotainment system in the Macan is based on Android Automotive OS. In this contributor story, Michael Eichler highlights the benefits of building upon a well-proven and established open-source platform instead of having to reinvent the wheel.
Tell us a little more about yourself, your role at Porsche and what topics drive you.
I am a solution architect with a solid background in software engineering. From
2021, I am part of the Android Automotive development team at Porsche. I am
passionate about breaking new ground, building vibrant, user-centric features,
and increasing the overall driver experience.
You are currently leading Porsche’s efforts around the Android open-source project. How would you explain your project to a five-year-old? What problem does your project solve for Porsche?
Android is an operating system that is collectively maintained by a global
community of individuals and companies. What started a decade ago as a technical
foundation for nowadays around 70% of all smartphones, has quickly evolved to a
Swiss army knife that powers watches, televisions, and car infotainment systems.
Porsche is integrating Android Automotive OS (AAOS) with the help of our Tier 2
and Tier 1 suppliers into our future infotainment control units. By building upon a
well-proven and established open platform, we have significantly reduced the pain of
having to integrate proprietary solutions being sold as a black box to Porsche.
The freedom to analyze and modify the source code allows us to confirm issues and
request changes that meet our requirements at Porsche. It is also worth noting,
that the prospering ecosystem around the Android open-source project offers us the
ability to easily find new talents and seek help from a global community of
technology leaders.
By contributing to AOSP, you have made a big step ahead in our FOSS movement. What was your initial motivation to take this path? Can you tell us why you have chosen to collaborate with an open-source community?
All officially approved Android products, e.g., our car infotainment system,
must adhere to the Android Compatibility Definition Document (CDD). To
automatically test devices for compliance, the community has developed a
Compatibility Test Suite (CTS) that executes various test cases directly on the
device. My team diligently works together with our suppliers to make sure that
all tests are completed successfully. During our joint work, we encountered
several unit tests that have failed due to a bug within the test itself. By
reporting the bugs directly to the community, not only do we benefit from future
fixes, but so do all our partners, such as Audi, whose Android team is currently
doing the same integration work. Breaking new ground, creating synergies between
teams, and fostering collaboration is right up my ally!
What did you learn along the way? What were the benefits of this strategy for you, your team and Porsche?
As great as open-source projects are, there are unfortunately every now and then
features that do not work as expected, e.g., parts of the Android Compatibility
Test Suite. On the other hand, the four freedoms of FOSS allow us to act, change
the code and propose changes to the community.
Together with Legal and the Open Source Office, we have taken all necessary
steps that enable us to report the above-mentioned bugs to Google. All teams
involved were highly dedicated to supporting us and made it possible not only
for us to contribute to the Android project, but in the future all other teams
at Porsche who want to contribute to Google Open Source projects.
It is thrilling to see how a global community can use their collective
brainpower to continuously improve a product such as Android and I am happy that
we have joined this journey.
With a glimpse into the future: What are your further plans for FOSS Contributions? Who would you like to see next joining our FOSS Contributor community?
Only reporting bugs is not where we should stop at. Porsche has all means
regarding knowledge and capabilities to also propose changes to the Android
community. By moving towards a stronger focus on in-house development, we can
build the necessary skills to lead by example in this important project and
collaborate with technology leaders at eye level.
