Introducing Brainiac: Connected Car Technology With a 10.1" Display For Your Subaru

[Workshop12]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Tim Neil and I'm a Co-Founder of Workshop 12. Even though Workshop 12 is a new vendor on NASIOC I've actually been a long time member as brcewane. You may have seen some pictures of my Widebody flat gray bugeye in some of the gallery threads.

I'm going to do my best Troy McClure impression and say that "You may remember me from":

• Batmobile goes under the knife... Project Hybrid Build begins
• About to start new bugeye headlight project
• New Build... 1989 Batmobile

My business partner (Rob Williams) and I have co-founded a new start-up called Workshop 12 where we're bringing some really cool connected car technology to vehicles that people already own. We grew tired of seeing all the new cool technology only showing up in concept cars, and if any of that tech managed to trickle through to production vehicles it would end up in some $80K-$100K+ vehicle that was out of our reach. But what about the vehicles that we already own and love to modify? I personally don't want to sell my Scoobie. I love that car! But I do want a great in-car experience.

Since both Rob and I have a long history in technology, and we've been building prototypes of connected car technology for the Batmobile for quite some time now, we decided we would do something about fixing this problem. Addressing this challenge was the birth of Workshop 12's upcoming product called Brainiac. We recently published a blog article that talks more about the background and goals of Brainiac that I think you'll enjoy reading.

As a summary, Brainiac replaces your existing stereo head unit with a new intelligent computer controlled by a touch screen interface and a series of buttons. It's connected to your car via OBDII (without blocking your port) and also connects to the internet and integrates with your phone. It has 4 core features:

• Data Logging: Log data both for commuting and performance. Think of it somewhat like a fitbit for your car that can track things like how much time you spend stuck in traffic and log data such as HP, lateral G's, 0-60 and 1/4 mile times.
• Infotainment: A great multimedia experience including Google Maps, a full in-dash browser, hands-free calling and integration with your cell phone for both media and apps
• Automation: Brainiac is an integration backbone for controlling accessories and systems in your vehicle. This could be something as simple as running a set of relays for switches and linear actuators to plugging into your digital air suspension controller or ECU programmer.
• Community: The system creates an online profile for your car so that your data, achievements and performance stats are synced up with your profile. You get to choose what information you wish to share with your friends or with everyone. Different points are awarded for different achievements so that you can compete with your friends or create online car clubs where you can see how your car stacks up against others around the world.

But here's where it gets extra sweet for Subaru owners. The standard Brainiac unit is a 7" double-din stereo replacement (which is awesome) but we're also providing custom fit 10.1" touch screen displays for select vehicles that create a really unique experience for your car. Since I've had such a great experience with Subaru's, and our awesome community, the first two models of vehicles receiving a 10.1" display are in the Subaru family

The first two vehicles receiving a custom fit 10.1" display are the 2005-2007 Impreza WRX/STI equipped with electronic climate control, and the 2012-2015 Subaru BRZ/Toyota FR-S. I encourage you to read our announcement blog post for the details of what an installation kit includes, but in summary you receive the following:

• Replacement Trim Pieces (Plastic Injection Molded Parts) that re-use stock mounting points
• Brainiac computing unit
• 10.1" touch screen display
• Climate control replacement electronics

That's right, since Brainiac allows for multiple hardware accessories, we're able to replace the climate control electronics from your dashboard with a replacement unit freeing up the space for a large 10.1" display! The drawings that I've posted are initial concept drawings that our industrial designer has pulled together to better understand the concept. Final plastics and hardware are still being worked on. Even if the 10.1" display option isn't available for your vehicle yet, the 7" double-din unit is designed in a way that would allow you to upgrade it to a 10.1" kit when one does become available.

We're starting to share information about Brainiac now so that you can follow along and have an opportunity provide feedback to help us make this product great. I mean, who doesn't love a good build thread Participating with us in this build process gets a little easier because we've actually published an installable Brainiac emulator for your Mac or PC that will allow you to preview the Brainiac experience before it becomes available. We'll be updating this emulator with more features as they become ready for release.

I'm sure by now you're probably wondering "How much is this all going to cost me?". We haven't revealed pricing just yet, but I can say that it will be competitive with the high-end existing 7" touch screen double-din stereos out on the market today. We're also providing a limited time offer for those who sign-up for our newsletter to receive 10% off of their first order. There's no commitment to buy, just by signing up you'll have the discount attached to your email address should you choose to purchase Brainiac when it becomes available.

Well, there it is, our first post here on NASIOC. Please feel free to post suggestions and ask any questions that you like. We'll do our best to get you the answers.

Sincerely,

Tim Neil

[Stretch18]

This looks neat. I might be interested, once you have a 3g wrx/sti option available...

[Workshop12]

Originally Posted by Stretch18

This looks neat. I might be interested, once you have a 3g wrx/sti option available...

Thanks! We've been designing the system so that even if there isn't a 10.1" installation kit available for your vehicle at the beginning you can still install the 7" double din unit.

The double-din unit is designed in a manner where you'll be able to simply disconnect the 7" display and plug in a 10.1" install kit so that you don't have to re-purchase everything again.

Just thought I'd put that out there. I personally like modular systems that I can upgrade when the time comes

[Workshop12]

We just posted a Build Thread for Brainiac if you're interested in following the step-by-step construction of the system as we continue to work toward product availability

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show....php?t=2733089

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Tricky!!!