SmartDeviceLink (SDL) connects in-vehicle infotainment systems to applications. SDL allows automakers to provide highly integrated connected experiences and offers app developers new and exciting ways to connect with consumers.
There are many components that make up the SDL ecosystem, which is open source and available on GitHub. A few of the major components are described below.
SDL Core is the software that vehicle manufacturers (OEMs) implement in their In-Vehicle-Infotainment systems to enable SDL. Integrating this component into their head unit and human machine interface (HMI) based on a set of guidelines and templates enables access to various SDL applications.
The optional SDL Policy Server can be used by OEMs to manage application policies.
With SDL, consumers can interact with their application using common in-vehicle interfaces such as a touch screen display, embedded voice recognition, and steering wheel controls.
SDL is governed by the SmartDeviceLink Consortium (SDLC)an open source community made up of OEMs, suppliers, and application developers, focused on making SDL the industry standard for in-vehicle application connectivity.
For a more in-depth technical overview of the SmartDeviceLink project and its components, download the What is SmartDeviceLink White Paper.
What is SmartDeviceLink White PaperIn The Car If you're embedding SDL into the vehicle, your primary resource is ourCore Guides.
Developing for SDL is easy. Head over to the Android, iOS, JavaSE, JavaEE JavaScript Suite documentation pages to get started!
If you’re a smartphone owner and an internet user, the aggregate of information and personalization you’ve applied to various profiles and applications over the years has become an extension of yourself. SDL enables App Developers to bring that extension of you into the vehicle without exposing your data unnecessarily and through the developers you trust. SDL enables Automakers to complement their unique experiences and brands with your apps, rather than replace them.
Contribute
Core For OEMs and suppliers implementing SDL in their vehicle, access the SDL_Core GitHub repository.
Android, Java, iOS, and JavaScript Suite For Application Developers creating SDL-enabled applications, access the Java Suite, iOS, and JavaScript Suite libraries.
SDL Evolution Have an idea for a new SDL feature? Submit a proposal in the SDL Evolution repository on GitHub. Check out the SDL Evolution Process doc for more information before getting started.