MUNICH, Germany — Carmaker Audi AG has concentrated all MMI (MultiMedia Interface) functions for its luxury-class vehicles in one box. The computer replaces functions earlier implemented in five different units.

The MMI device comprises audio functions for entertainment applications as well as navigation, voice recognition for navigation and mobile phone control, synthetic voice creation, and Bluetooth communication in one unit. The device is powered by two processors. Audi did not specify the type of these chips, but in earlier announcements the company said it uses Analog Devices' Sharc digital signal processor in very similar applications.

In addition to the DSP and the unnamed second processor, the company said the unit also contains an nVidia graphics processor which drives the LCD display. On this display, the user can navigate through the menus by means of a joystick and Audi's known rotary knob. The navigation algorithm computes 2D, 3D and bird's eye view of the respective data.

The audio landscape integrated in the device compares favorably to high-end home systems, decoding AAC, MP3 and WMA files and containing a double DAB digital tuner — a courageous step in Germany where DAB never really took off. The music data can be stored on a 40-GByte fixed disk where also resides an electronic log book as well as the navigation data. In addition, a DVD for video entertainment drive is integrated in the system.

By integrating five hitherto separate functional units into one box, Audi potentially acts as a precursor for future 'head units' which could comprise even more functions including telematics data entry.

As usual, the new MMI system will first be available in top-of-the line models. Later, the functions will be available also for other vehicles.