What is OTA in telematics?

OTA upgrade (Over-The-Air Technology) is a technology that remotely updates vehicle software or firmware via wireless networks, enabling function optimization or bug fixes without the vehicle owner having to visit a service center. This technology is divided into two categories: SOTA (Software Over-The-Air) and FOTA (Firmware Over-The-Air). The former targets surface-level applications such as in-vehicle entertainment systems and navigation, while the latter involves core systems like power control and battery management, directly affecting vehicle performance and safety. During the upgrade process, it is necessary to ensure the vehicle has sufficient battery level (it is recommended that pure electric vehicles maintain above 80% charge), a stable network connection, and that the upgrade is completed while the vehicle is stationary to avoid the risk of interruption. Its advantages include continuous function optimization (e.g., adding new driving modes, improving energy efficiency), rapid repair of safety hazards, and support for enhancing the vehicle's full-life-cycle value. According to industry data, the resale value of models supporting FOTA can be 8%-15% higher. It is worth noting that vehicle-level FOTA relies on a centralized electronic and electrical architecture. When purchasing a vehicle, priority can be given to such models to obtain a more comprehensive upgrade experience. With the popularization of 5G, OTA technology will further reduce upgrade time and expand its scope of application.

OTA (Over-the-Air) technology is primarily used for remote wireless upgrades of automotive electronic systems. It enables manufacturers to directly deliver software updates to vehicles via mobile networks, eliminating the need for owners to visit service centers. This technology can be applied to in-vehicle infotainment systems, driver assistance features (such as adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist), battery management systems (for new energy vehicles), and even powertrain control unit optimization. For instance, one automaker utilized OTA to correct in-vehicle navigation map errors and enhance charging efficiency by approximately 8%. In domestic markets, mainstream models like the Proton X70 and Perodua Ativa already support basic OTA functionality, while premium EV brands can perform synchronized updates across over 30 ECU modules in the vehicle. Proper OTA implementation can extend a vehicle's technical lifecycle, though users should ensure the vehicle is powered off with battery levels exceeding 50% during updates, which typically require 15 to 40 minutes. With 5G network adoption, OTA will increasingly facilitate real-time traffic data updates and emergency security patches. Vehicle owners are recommended to regularly check system notifications and use Wi-Fi connections to minimize data charges.

OTA upgrade is a standard wireless software update method provided by the Android system, with its full English name being Over-the-Air Technology. It automatically downloads update packages and completes system upgrades via wireless networks (such as Wi-Fi or mobile data), without requiring a computer connection or data backup. This technology employs a differential update mechanism, transmitting only the changed data portions, which typically results in upgrade package sizes ranging from a few MB to slightly over a dozen MB, significantly conserving data usage and time. During the upgrade process, digital signatures are verified to ensure security while preserving all user data, with the entire procedure completing in mere minutes. Beyond automatic push notifications, users can also manually download OTA packages to an SD card for local updates. In the smart device industry, OTA technology has emerged as a fundamental solution for maintaining system security, patching vulnerabilities, and introducing new features, with its reliability doubly ensured through cryptographic verification and rollback mechanisms. Note that maintaining a device battery level above 30% during upgrades is recommended to ensure process stability.

Modern cars can indeed achieve self-updates through OTA (Over-the-Air) technology, which allows vehicles to receive software or firmware upgrades via wireless networks without visiting a service center. OTA is divided into two categories: FOTA (Firmware Over-the-Air) and SOTA (Software Over-the-Air). The former targets core functions such as powertrain and chassis control, while the latter updates application-layer features like the infotainment system and navigation. For example, FOTA can optimize motor efficiency or brake response, while SOTA can add new voice commands or update map data. During the upgrade, it is necessary to ensure the battery level exceeds 50%, connect to a stable Wi-Fi network, and keep the vehicle stationary to avoid interruptions. Mainstream new energy vehicle models have generally adopted OTA support, and some brands have even implemented vehicle-level upgrades, enabling vehicles to continuously receive performance optimizations, feature expansions, and security patches. This technology not only saves car owners' time but also extends the technical lifecycle of vehicles. In the future, with the development of autonomous driving, the importance of OTA will be further enhanced.

OTA is the abbreviation of Over-the-Air Technology, which refers to the technology of remotely upgrading vehicle systems via wireless networks, enabling software or firmware updates without physical connection. In the automotive field, OTA is divided into two categories: FOTA (Firmware Over-the-Air) and SOTA (Software Over-the-Air). FOTA optimizes core modules of the vehicle's underlying systems such as power control and battery management, while SOTA is used to update application functions like in-car entertainment and navigation. This technology allows vehicles to continuously gain performance improvements and new features, such as optimizing electric vehicle range, adding advanced driver assistance systems, or updating map data. Currently, most new energy vehicles and intelligent connected models support full OTA, but traditional fuel vehicles may only allow entertainment system upgrades. When using OTA, it is necessary to ensure the vehicle is parked and has sufficient battery power (it is recommended to be above 50%). The upgrade process may take 1-2 hours, during which vehicle operation should be avoided. With the development of intelligentization, OTA has become an important indicator to measure the technological advancement of automobiles, but it should be noted that it relies on hardware foundations and cannot break through physical performance limitations.