Saab is developing an Android-powered dash interface

Saab Automobile, out of Trollhättan, Sweden, is developing a new 'infotainment' system that will be powered by the Android operating system. The system, called IQon (pronounced like "icon"), will combine the flexibility and customization of an Android smartphone, with all the digitally transmitted information from your vehicle.

IQon will allow third party developers to make apps for your in-car experience, drawing on over 500 different sources of automotive sensors. For example, you can create apps to specifically control your car's air conditioning, measure and graph intricate fuel efficiency statistics, or add augmented reality to your car's GPS.

To fuel the development of such apps, Saab is releasing a special developer API, and will be distributing the apps through a dedicated Saab IQon storefront. "With Saab IQon, there are no limits to the potential for innovation," says Johan Formgren, project leader for IQon. While other automakers like Chevrolet have dabbled with in-car operating systems, Saab's is the first to create an experience to rival your smartphone or desktop computer.

While the most exciting apps will be those specific to the Saab experience, you can still use your IQon like you would a normal Android device, i.e. email, messaging, music, videos, and web-browsing. And the IQon's 8-inch touchscreen makes it essentially a stationary, vehicle-connected tablet. IQon is currently being tested on a fleet of Saab test vehicles, and is expected to be available in 2012.

source: Saab via GSMArena