From Specs to Software: How Our Hardware Mindset Is Evolving
In today’s automotive landscape, building great user experiences isn’t just a matter of design — it’s a matter of architecture. At HaleyTek, we’ve seen firsthand how software priorities are starting to shape hardware decisions in ways that weren’t possible — or prioritized — just a few years ago.
From “What can we run?” to “What do we want to build?”
While hardware specs are still a practical starting point today, our focus is shifting. We're no longer solely constrained by chip capabilities. Instead, we begin by envisioning the experience we want to deliver — and then consider how the hardware can enable it.
This mindset shift is more than philosophical. It’s already reshaping how we plan and build.
“Allowing software to drive hardware choices for a head unit enables more long-term planning for software support. This is critical for ensuring sustained support and guaranteeing a high-performance system for the end customer. Developers can now focus on creating new features for all products, rather than just targeting the latest devices.”
Long-Term Support Means Platform Harmony
Planning for software that evolves over 10+ years requires stability and reuse at the hardware level. That’s especially true when supporting OTA updates across multiple car programs.
As Erik Gustavsson, our system architect, explains:
“More powerful SoCs enables software solutions that could reduce the need for expensive and dedicated hardware. It offers more flexibility to enable customized user experience, e.g. software defined audio levels.”
It’s a Transition — Not a Flip of a Switch
We’re not claiming this is complete. At HaleyTek, hardware still matters — deeply. But software is increasingly setting the tone. That shift brings more adaptability, more collaboration across teams and frankly, more creative possibilities.