VNC Automotive
Date:
7th October 2026
The new capabilities provide users with greater flexibility when managing connected devices and audio sources.
“We’ve worked closely with trusted partners for more than a year to refine these capabilities, combining extensive field testing with valuable feedback from those using the technology in real-world environments. This process has been fundamental in ensuring that we’re not simply adding features but delivering functions that address genuine operational needs.
Most importantly, these capabilities have now been proven in the field. Device Manager and Over-the-Air Updates are designed around the realities faced by frontline response users – making everyday connectivity easier while helping ensure vehicles can receive important system updates with minimal disruption.”
– Peter Galek, Product Engineering Director, VNC Automotive
VNC Automotive Ltd. introduces new Over-the-Air Updates and Device Manager to their Cobalt Cube® enhancing in-vehicle connectivity for first responders
New features on system update 3.0.0 of the Cobalt Cube® were developed specifically with the operational demands of frontline response teams in mind; the new capabilities provide users with greater flexibility when managing connected devices and audio sources, while enabling Cobalt Cube systems to receive important software updates quickly and conveniently, without unnecessarily taking vehicles out of service.
Simplifying audio connectivity with Device Manager
The new Device Manager provides an intuitive, central location for managing Bluetooth devices and audio sources. First responders can easily pair devices, switch between connected devices and select audio sources, as well as configure and manage their connections. The system supports a wide range of devices, including PCs, Android smartphones, and tablets, iPhones and iPads, allowing work-issued and personal devices to be used interchangeably.
Device Manager also ensures audio is effectively routed through the vehicle’s audio system, whether the source is a phone, PC application or media and music source. Importantly, Bluetooth Hands-Free calling can continue directly through the vehicle’s audio system while Cobalt Cube is operational, helping users remain connected without compromising the functionality of the system.
By bringing these controls together in an easy-to-find central interface, Device Manager is designed to reduce complexity and make managing multiple devices straightforward in the demanding environment of a frontline response vehicle.
Faster, more flexible system updates with Over-the-Air capability
The new Over-the-Air Update facility enables Cobalt Cube systems to receive secure software updates as soon as they are released, helping organisations minimise downtime and reduce the time vehicles or units need to be out of service.
Update files are securely delivered from designated servers and undergo robust on-device data integrity validation. The facility has been extensively tested across Ethernet, Wi-Fi and selected USB mobile data dongles, providing flexibility for different vehicle and operational environments.
Particular attention has been given to challenging connectivity conditions. The OTA system is optimised for low-bandwidth connections, including in remote and rural areas, and can resume partially received updates when connectivity becomes available again.
The feature can be enabled directly on the device without additional set-up, with external network server connections disabled by default. Pending updates can also be postponed to a convenient time, helping to prevent driver distraction or disruption during operational use. Updates can subsequently be applied unattended while the device is idle, for example overnight.
Existing offline update methods remain available where required, while comprehensive recovery processes are built into the system to support continued operation of the Cobalt Cube.
Developed with the frontline in mind
The new capabilities have been refined over more than a year in close collaboration with trusted partners, incorporating extensive field testing and detailed feedback cycles.
The introduction of Device Manager and Over-the-Air Updates represents a further step in Cobalt Cube’s development of connected in-vehicle technology for specialist and frontline applications, providing practical improvements that support both operational efficiency and user experience.
The fleet manager commented that: “VNC Automotive understands how vehicle manufacturers operate and their ability to keep us aligned with OEM developments has been excellent. The support team has been very responsive, engaged and helpful in resolving any challenges we’ve encountered, most of which have actually been of our own making and general finger trouble! We couldn’t wish for better support and visibility of their very exciting future developments.”
7th October 2026