I bet you use Linux even if you don't know it!

A lot of modern car touchscreens run Linux, although it depends on the manufacturer and the particular infotainment system. 🚗🐧

Linux is particularly common because automakers can customize it heavily without having to build an operating system from scratch.

For example:

• Tesla — its infotainment systems have historically used a Linux-based operating system.
• Toyota/Lexus — some newer systems use Linux-based platforms, while others use different operating systems depending on generation.
• Mercedes-Benz — uses Linux in parts of its MBUX software stack.
• Volkswagen Group — uses Linux in some of its newer infotainment architecture.
• Ford — newer systems have used Android Automotive in some vehicles, while older systems used other platforms.
• GM — newer infotainment systems increasingly use Android Automotive rather than its older Linux-based systems.
• Android Automotive — despite the name, this is itself built on the Linux kernel.

There are actually several computers inside a modern car. The touchscreen is usually just the visible part:

Touchscreen → infotainment computer → operating system → Linux/Android/etc.

And the infotainment computer can communicate with other vehicle computers over networks such as CAN (Controller Area Network) and Automotive Ethernet.

One interesting thing is that a car running Linux doesn't necessarily look like Linux at all. You won't normally see a Linux desktop, terminal, or familiar Linux applications. The manufacturer builds a completely custom graphical interface on top of the underlying operating system.

So your Jeep's touchscreen, for example, is essentially a specialized computer running automotive software, rather than simply being a screen connected to the vehicle.

Source: Some or all of the content was generated using an AI language model