Android Automotive Will Be In 10 Cars By End Of 2021
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Google has already announced at wireless Android Auto is soon going to be going to a legion of cars by mainstream manufacturers. At Google IO 2021, it also announced a new digital car key feature that works via NFC and ultra-wideband. It is also saying that we will see 10 new models based on its Android Automotive operating system by the end of the year. Android Auto and Automotive are different. Android Auto is a technology that basically allows the user to beam and mirror the smartphone interface and features using the infotainment system onto the car, while Android Automotive is a full car operating system based on Android.
Google has partnered with GM and Renault in addition to its existing partnership with Volvo and its electric subsidiary Polestar. It has also added Nissan and Ford to the list. Overall there will be more than 10 car models. This means the new GM Hummer EV — yes, it will be based on Google’s new car operating system.
After facing a strict fine in Italy, Google is also making it easier for third-party app developers to bring their navigation, EV charging, parking and media apps directly to the car interface. Android for Cars App Library is being extended to support the Automotive OS. This way developers can make one app that works both with the core Android OS for gadgets like phones and tablets and Android Auto. It also means that one app can work across different makes and models. This wasn’t possible earlier which added friction to the process of bringing new apps to Android Automotive.
Google is working with a bunch of Early Access Partners — Parkwhiz, Plugshare, Sygic, Chargepoint, Flitsmeister, SpotHero and many more to bring their apps to Android Automotive. Already third-party apps like Spotify support Cars App Library for Android Auto, now with that being extended to Automotive, that app should be presumably coming to cars using Android Automotive.
“The first cars based on this system were the Polestar 2 and the Volvo XC40 Recharge which is also coming to India later this year.”
Android itself is based on Linux and 2 years ago, Google modified it further to work on cars as an alternative and more scalable option to Android Auto which was running on the phone but the interface of the phone was being beamed on to the car using a USB connection or a combination of wifi and Bluetooth. This mean core Google features like Maps, and Assistant were embedded inside the car on a system level.
The first cars based on this system were the Polestar 2 and the Volvo XC40 Recharge which is also coming to India later this year.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which car manufacturers are confirmed partners for Google's Android Automotive operating system?
Which car manufacturers are confirmed partners for Google's Android Automotive operating system?
Google has partnered with GM, Renault, Volvo, Polestar, Nissan, and Ford. These manufacturers will be integrating the full Android Automotive operating system into some of their vehicle models, allowing for core Google features to be embedded directly.
Q.What is the key difference between Android Auto and Android Automotive?
What is the key difference between Android Auto and Android Automotive?
Android Auto mirrors a smartphone's interface and features onto a car's infotainment system. Android Automotive, however, is a full, standalone operating system based on Android, embedded directly into the car, not relying on a connected phone for its core functions.
Q.Which specific car models have already incorporated Android Automotive?
Which specific car models have already incorporated Android Automotive?
The Polestar 2 and the Volvo XC40 Recharge were the first cars based on this system. The new GM Hummer EV is also confirmed to be based on Google’s new car operating system later this year.
Q.How is Google making it easier for third-party app developers to integrate with Android Automotive?
How is Google making it easier for third-party app developers to integrate with Android Automotive?
Google is extending its Android for Cars App Library to support the Automotive OS. This allows developers to create one app that works across core Android, Android Auto, and now Android Automotive, streamlining the development process for car-specific applications.
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