What3words and Jaguar Land Rover pioneer always-on navigation
The collaboration gives drivers a precise navigation technology using a unique combination of three random words without the need to rely on a phone signal.
Jaguar Land Rover has become the first automotive manufacturer to integrate what3words global location technology into vehicles already on the road through a software-over-the-air (Sota) update.
The collaboration means that the “always-on” technology, which works without the need for mobile connectivity, will enable drivers to navigate to any precise location in the world, using just three words.
Global grid
What3words has divided the globe into a grid of 3m x 3m squares and given each one a unique combination of three words: a what3words address. It is designed as a human-friendly way to share very precise locations with other people, or to input them into platforms and machines such as ride-hailing apps or e-commerce checkouts. It is already being used by logistics companies.
It is optimised for voice input and contains built-in error prevention to immediately identify and correct input mistakes.
“This technology is all about simplification, providing our customers with a seamless modern luxury experience that means they can find their way anywhere in the world without having to worry about connectivity”
“This partnership ensures you can get to the exact destination of your next adventure with ease and in comfort,” said Chris Sheldrick, co-founder and CEO of what3words. “Jaguar Land Rover recognised the benefits our innovative technology brings to those on the road, and we’re proud that our partnership with Here Technologies has made this possible.”
The move by Jaguar Land Rover is part of the latest Sota upgrade offered to customers this year, following the previous update which gave more than 200,000 owners of existing Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles access to Amazon Alexa.
Once updated, the system allows customers to input what3words addresses directly into the navigation bar on the Pivi Pro Infotainment system. The integration has been delivered by location data and technology platform Here Technologies, Jaguar Land Rover’s navigation partner for the past 25 years.
Here’s end-to-end, connected driving services include turn-by-turn guidance, real-time traffic and on and off-street parking that enable a personalised experience, intuitively guiding drivers through their entire journey.
In total, Jaguar Land Rover has completed more than 1.3 million vehicle-level updates and more than three million engine control unit updates as part of its always-on, always-connected capability.
Integrated what3words is available in all new and existing Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles fitted with its advanced Pivi Pro infotainment system.
“This world-changing technology is all about simplification, providing our customers with a seamless modern luxury experience that means they can find their way anywhere in the world without having to worry about connectivity,” said Mark Carter, navigation product owner, digital product platform at Jaguar Land Rover.
“The partnership with what3words, enabled by Here Technologies, further highlights our world-leading Sota capability which allows us to offer services that are always on and always connected.”
Jaguar Land Rover and what3words have worked together since 2018, when they created what3words addresses to help improve healthcare administration on the remote Scottish island of Mull.
Leave A Comment