Avidyne Invites Developers To Create New Mobile Apps

Avidyne, long famous for the open-architecture design of its avionics products, is inviting software developers to create new applications for mobile devices using data from the new IFD540 and IFD440 navigators. Two new Avidyne software developer kits (SDKs) will facilitate access to wireless data streams from the avionics, both for apps using data from the avionics and for apps that can send data back to the avionics. The apps typically run on smartphones and tablets.

The first SDK is for “Tier 1” developers who write applications that receive the data stream from the IFD units. “Tier 2” developers will go through “a more thorough vetting process and testing protocol” to obtain approval and authorization from Avidyne for apps that send data to the IFD avionics. The Tier 1 SDK will be available in the third quarter, and those interested in the Tier 2 SDK must contact Avidyne for further details.

“Our IFD540 and IFD440 each come with integrated Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capability at no additional charge,” said Avidyne president and CEO Dan Schwinn. “Our open-architecture SDK makes the data stream available not only for professional app developers, several of whom we are already working with, but also for students, flight schools and even hobbyists who want to create new and innovative solutions for the pilot community. From moving maps on iPads, to electronic flight logs, to fleet tracking, the possibilities are endless and we are excited to open this up to all comers.”

Avidyne also announced an updated version of its PC-based simulator software for the IFD540/440, available as a free download from Avidyne’s website. The new simulator software incorporates the latest Release 10.1 software features for the IFD units. And by using the USB port on their PC, users of the PC software can transfer settings to the IFDs installed in the aircraft. “This is not only beneficial for product familiarization,” Schwinn said, “but also an easy way for pilots to create custom checklists, user settings, datablock configurations and routes in the comfort of their home, then take them out to the airplane and quickly reconfigure their IFD with the exact same settings.”

Another new feature of the PC simulator is the ability to run dual IFDs at the same time, to mimic dual installations in the aircraft. This includes two IFD540s, two IFD440s, or one of each.