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NEWS
Androids invade cars
Google's smartphone operating system set to keep Apple CarPlay honestAndroid Auto has been announced, providing the growing army of Android-wielding smartphone and tablet owners some nifty in-car connectivity.
Rolled out at the Google developer's conference in San Francisco last week, Android Auto almost mimics rival Apple's CarPlay integrated in-car deployment for iOS.
Like CarPlay, the idea is to merge the navigation, entertainment and other features of your smartphone with the vehicle's infotainment system. Connection is made via USB cable (to ensure throughput of data rates) and results in a standard interface screen with access to a variety of services.
Those services are divided into three main functions for now: navigation, phone and entertainment. Already in that set of function lists one could argue Android Auto has the edge over iOS CarPlay with the implementation of the favoured Google Maps service.
Voice recognition is used heavily, particularly for transcribing SMS (Short Message Service) texts along with control of Google Play streamed music via voice. The Android Auto system also integrates with the vehicle's physical infotainment controls either on dash or steering wheel.
Google's announcement was US-centric, and confirmed for that market are the following companion applications: Joyride, MLB At Bat, Pandora, Umano, Spotify, TuneIn, Pocket Casts, iHeart Radio, Songza and Stitcher apps.
Equipment wise, Google has announced that third-party component manufacturers are on board; this includes companies also producing Apple CarPlay products, with some announcing equipment able to run both systems. The list includes Alpine, Clarion, Cloudcar, Delphi, Freescale, Fujitsu Ten, Harman, JVC Kenwood, Nvidia, Panasonic, Parrot, Pioneer, Renesas and Symphony Technica.
Android Auto will roll out with Googles next 'L' release of software later in the year. In the US, compatible vehicles will arrive in showrooms soon after. Hyundai has announced that the 2014 Sonata sedan will be one of the first to sport the Android Auto compatibility.
Volvo has announced Android Auto will also appear alongside Apple CarPlay in the new XC90 to be revealed at the Paris Motor Show in October.
Other marques to commit to the system: Abarth, Acura, Alfa Romeo, Audi, Bentley, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Jeep, Kia, Maserati, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Opel, Ram, Renault, Seat, Skoda, Subaru, Suzuki, and Volkswagen.
Locally Australian representatives had no information to add regarding availability of the system, however, as a founding member of the Google Open Automotive Alliance (OAA) - the agreement that helped spawn the system – Audi Australia believes its customers in particular will be "really interested in this exciting new technology."
Like Volvo, Audi has also announced that the Android Play in-car systems will also be compatible with Apple's CarPlay. It would seem unlikely that manufacturers would install systems favouring either flavour given the iOS and Android domination of the smart phone and tablet market place.
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Written byMike Bantick
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Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
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