Avidyne sees the future of avionics—or at least one version of it—driven by independent developers of apps that can work with panel-mount products through Bluetooth and wireless. And to make that future a reality, it announced at AirVenture Monday a software developer kit for its IFR440/540 panel-mount GPS/FMS units. Both of these products have built-in Bluetooth and wireless, making them compatible with a range of tablets and smartphones, although the company’s CEO, Dan Schwinn, said at a press briefing that this capability is still awaiting final approval by the FAA before being available for customers.
“We want to try to encourage small developers with our open architecture,” Schwinn said, adding that the interface with the 440/540 series could include apps for data logging, performance analysis and tracking and supplemental navigation and planning. This business model follows the example that currently animates the iOS and Android app universe and Avidyne sees no reason it can’t work in aviation.
Following Apple’s example in customer service, at AirVenture, Avidyne is hosting what it’s calling the ADS-B Genius Counter. It’s similar to the Genius Bar found in most Apple retail stores, except that rather than consumer products, Avidyne will offer advice on ADS-B equipage. “You can bring us a picture of your instrument panel and we can tell you exactly what you can do. You can walk away with a full printout,” Schwinn said. He added that the avionics industry is reaching an inflection point on ADS-B equipage. “We’re getting to the point in this industry where we need to get people to think about ADS-B for their specific airplanes,” Schwinn said. “We have to get the industry capacity built up to pull this off,” he added. You can find the Genius Counter in booth 3130 and an additional Avidyne display in outdoor booth 477. For more, see Avidyne.com.
