TatraApp is dead, here comes QCar

Jirka Jirout · 12-09-2006, 07:58 AM

So here it comes. Based on 4 years of experience with TatraApp, we have decided to re-write our front-end application from scratch and created the QCar.

The concept is stil the same - a host application, providing API and environment for plug-ins or modules, that implement particular functionality. Here is the list of new stuff in the main application:

- completely screen size-independent. It is possible to define different layouts of the user interface, with different sizes of the slots. Depending on the size, the main area for activated slot can either be displayed permanently or can only be brought up on request. We tested the application with different screens, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, even 480x640 (portrait mode). The display calibration can also compensate distortion (i.e. when feeding 800x600 signal into an 800x480 wide screen).

- skinnable. All the classes representing user interface elements are stored in a separate bundle. By changing the bundle, it is easy to completely change the whole look of the application. Multiple skins can be installed at the same time and switched by the user.

- the interface is primarily designed for rotating controllers such as PowerMate or NuLOOQ, but the application also has full support for touch screen.

- much improved internet connectivity. No annoying system error messages, automatic switching between different network connections.

And we will have some new functions in modules as well:
- Bluetooth phone control has been significantly improved. We will most probably have handsfree-calling function as well

- AM/FM Radio, including RDS and TMC - thanks to our Belgian neighbours for great HQCT unit!

- XM and Sirius radio support will be added during Q2 2007

- Navigation - including simplified scroller- and touchscreen-friendly user interface, turn-by-turn instructions and voice output

- The speech synthesis will work for English, French, German, Dutch, Italian and Spanish (although I admit we have few issues with determining the language in setups which are supposed to support more languages at a time.

- OBD II monitoring, including data logging, at first for ELM-chip based devices only

- Support generic NMEA-based GPS receivers (including Bluetooth)

- MP3 Player no longer uses iTunes application, however it does use the iTunes library, including iPod support. Unlike the old player, which only supported playlists, the new version supports iPod-like browsing, direct track selection, loop mode etc.

- Improved online services modules (weather, traffic info, webcams)

- voice memor recorder

- as soon as Leopard has been released, we will also support video capture using iSight or any other DV camera attached to the computer.

And now the not-so-good news ;-) It won't be open source and in most cases it won't be free. We will be releasing an SDK, including detailed documentation and there will also be some demo within a month. Detailed licensing conditions will be released in the beginning of January.

If someone with good knowledge of Cocoa is willing to give us hand, just pm or mail me, we can see whether we can work something out.

Jirka Jirout · 12-09-2006, 08:01 AM

And here goes the weird portrait display setup :-)

Bugbyte · 12-09-2006, 10:10 AM

Nice to see some additional activity in the Mac front end arena!

SnyperBob · 12-09-2006, 10:35 AM

Awesome!! Great job

pepsibobby · 12-09-2006, 11:45 AM

IT SAYS THAT THERE IS OBDII AND NAV its beatifull...tear

kandyman676 · 12-09-2006, 12:27 PM

Is there actual code, or this just another project at the "design and idea" state?

Jirka Jirout · 12-09-2006, 12:49 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by kandyman676

Is there actual code, or this just another project at the "design and idea" state?

Let's say we have a working beta, undergoing extensive tests and debugging now. All the images are actual screenshots of the running application, not Photoshop and I installed the current build on the mini in the car for the first time today. 3 more cars will be installed before end of the year for real-life testing of both hardware and software.

The host application and SDK are about 90% done (the remaining 10% is the documentation), the modules more like 50%, but they are very easy and quick to write (thanks to the API of the host app, which provides much more functionality than the original API of the TatraApp.)

At the moment we only have the default skin, but we hired a graphic designer to prepare at least two alternative designs and she is working on it right now.

aychamo · 12-09-2006, 01:48 PM

Hey Jirka,

It looks and sounds excellent. I've always liked that minimalist design style you do. Also, I fully support (and understand) your decision to go with both closed-source and pay-software. Looking forward to the demo!

UrbanSoot · 12-09-2006, 10:42 PM

looks ugly though... hope you implemented skins support =)

tominated · 12-09-2006, 10:53 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by UrbanSoot

looks ugly though... hope you implemented skins support =)

OMG! how can you say that! it looks beautiful

metalac · 12-09-2006, 11:31 PM

How's GPS supposed to be handled? Your own builtin app or are you going to use somebody else's application and integrate it in somehow?

Jirka Jirout · 12-10-2006, 03:55 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by UrbanSoot

looks ugly though... hope you implemented skins support =)

Yes, as written above, the application is fully skinnable.

Jirka Jirout · 12-10-2006, 03:57 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by metalac

How's GPS supposed to be handled? Your own builtin app or are you going to use somebody else's application and integrate it in somehow?

It will be a plug-in/bundle just like any other function.

ca55e5a · 12-10-2006, 04:28 AM

Still a couple of weeks to go

I'll finally experience if my gamble pays off

You've let a lot of dots along different threads, and when you filled in on those dots meaningful and wishful things you knew something was cooking

From what I see, not only is it looking great but insanely great, and as a great man we all somehow appreciate would say "AMAZING"

Thanks in advance

PS : I rather prefer small increments than a bagful of non or buggy modules, but at least as much you can throw out at first.
For roadtesting, I'm confident you will iron out even the slightest one

Please please deliver

kandyman676 · 12-10-2006, 12:32 PM

Good to hear. We have heard and seen many front end attempts here come and go, and the strongest offering right now is AMP. If your app is effective in doing its list of things and done WELL, then you have an advantage of hitting up this nitch market.