Guide to OTA Updates: Working, Advantages & More

Cloud-based systems work on sophisticated technology that receives continuous updates to ensure seamless performance. Whether it is a smartphone application or computer software, all receive constant updates over-the-air (OTA). In today’s tech-savvy world, people demand convenient solutions to their problems. Hence, auto manufacturers felt the need of over-the-air (through the internet) software updates in cars to automate installation of new features instead of consumers driving their car to the dealerships for car softwares updates.

Tesla was the first company to completely implement OTA updates in their electric vehicles, followed by other OEMs such as Ford, GM and Volkswagen. Let’s find out more on how OTA updates work and its advantages:

WHAT IS AN OTA UPDATE?

Many car owners think only infotainment systems receive over-the-air updates. On the contrary, modern vehicles are equipped with electronic control units (ECU) integrated with powertrains needing regular updates. Auto manufacturers started implementing methods to send OTA updates directly to the car computers and infotainment system. Hence, the updates via the internet are making life easier for car owners as they won’t need to visit service stations or dealerships for installation of any new update.

Car computers control the major systems of the vehicles. For instance, the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) won’t function properly if the ECU is not updated. Hence, OTA updates enhance the car’s performance and working of different sensors actuating modern safety features.

Some of the car softwares and safety systems needing regular over-the-air are as follows:

Yaw sensor
Car steering system sensors
Electronic stability control
Infotainment features

HOW DO OTA UPDATES WORK

Since computers and electronics grew in cars, regular updates became necessary. This is the reason why OEM manufacturers began to install cloud computing systems helping installation of software updates via internet connections. OTA updates are necessary for the EVs because these vehicles’ performance depends on the latest updates. It has become easy for the auto brands to send updates remotely and freshen up the systems of EVs.

Since electric vehicles have no engines, they require less hardware maintenance. However, the electronically controlled units require constant upgrades to function properly. Moreover, a software containing millions of coding lines needs updating. Until the OTA updates in cars became common, users took their vehicles to dealerships for new upgrades.

OTA updates can be distinguished into two categories i.e. SOTA and FOTA. Let’s find out major differences between Software over-the-air (SOTA) and Firmware over-the-air (FOTA) updates.

SOTA

Software over-the-air updates are much more common. SOTA updates are integrated by almost all the large EV manufacturers to upgrade systems. These software updates are majorly developed for the infotainment features and GPS navigation systems.

FOTA

While SOTA updates have been rapidly adapted by the auto manufacturers, only EV pioneers such as Tesla and NIO have cracked the code of firmware over-the-air updates. Firmware updates need cybersecurity, high-speed internet connectivity, huge computing power and memory.

FOTA needs intelligent gateway chips to bridge the communication gap between systems, sensors, cloud memory, and devices. This is why many EV manufacturers haven’t adapted it. However, firmware updates via the internet are essential for EVs and self-driving cars to compete in today’s market.

OTA UPDATES BY DIFFERENT AUTO MAKES

Auto manufacturers adapted over-the-air updates not so long ago. Some auto brands facilitate OTA updates in infotainment systems while others provide a complete update option for powertrain, modern safety features and infotainment systems.

The following list will give you an idea of OTA capabilities by different auto brands in their latest EV models.

AUDI

Currently, Audi offers over-the-air updates in navigation maps. Moreover, Audi car owners have to visit the official dealerships for other software updates.

BMW

The German auto manufacturer, BMW, started OTA updates in 2018. However, over-the-air updates by BMW don’t cover the complete extent. The updates are for infotainment features, installing additional equipment features and ADAS.

FIAT CHRYSLER

Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Fiat and Chrysler are operated under Fiat Chrysler (FCA). The brand offers FOTA updates for their Uconnect infotainment system. The updates are for features such as navigation, Alexa, Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

FORD

Ford Motors has made advancements in the overall OTA updates. Moreover, the company claims to have the first OTA system that allows the previous software to function until the new one is installed. Ford offers updates in ADAS and several other systems via the internet.

GENERAL MOTORS

GMC has incorporated OTA capabilities into all the components of its electric vehicles. Alongside, some safety and infotainment features are also updated via cloud in the combustion cars.

TESLA

The all-electric vehicle manufacturer is the pioneer of OTA updates. It sends updates for infotainment and powertrain systems. Moreover, Tesla updates have set new standards of FOTA updates in the automotive industry.

VOLKSWAGEN

VW is one of the automotive manufacturers joining the OTA updates club recently. It sends over-the-air updates for its ID EVs.

VOLVO

Volvo’s EVs feature with the technology and charging capabilities with regular OTA updates. Moreover, this auto brand claims to facilitate over 190,000 customers with regular over-the-air updates. All the latest Volvo models can now receive updates via the internet at home.

Besides, there are other different auto brands that only offer infotainment system updates via the internet. For instance, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota are few of the auto brands offering over-the-air capabilities in their infotainment system.

ADVANTAGES OF OTA UPDATES

As more and more vehicles are manufactured with software integrations, over-the-air updates have become necessary. Following are the advantages of OTA updates making it necessary for auto manufacturers to be more competitive:

Saves time and money as drivers can update it by connecting to the internet and don’t need to visit the dealership.
New updates enhance the cybersecurity as connected vehicles are easy to target for hackers.
Makes maintenance of electric vehicles convenient as EVs require software updates for performance enhancement.
Artificial intelligence and IoT in automotives detect sensors and systems that require maintenance. Hence, auto manufacturers can send updates over-the-air on the request of the owner.

ARE OTA UPDATES SECURE?

Since connectivity is required, vehicle systems may be subjected to viruses and malware. Hence, it is the car owner’s responsibility to update the car systems via a secure internet connection at home rather than the cafe or restaurant’s internet to prevent car hacking.

Automotive manufacturers constantly make efforts to enhance user experience. OTA updates is one such capability adapted by the automotive industry to improve vehicle performance and features. Customers get a new way of customising their vehicles by requesting their car brand.

In the modern day, it is essential to look out for necessary features in cars that have a better user experience. Therefore, you can browse through the following used cars for sale in the UAE providing updates for most of the safety and performance features via the internet:

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Everything You Need to Know about OTA Updates in Car