Google’s plan to take Android to the open road
Google has announced a new partnership with car manufacturers Honda, Hyundai and Audi to customise its operating system for their vehicles. The Android system would allow apps and music from Android devices to be integrated with onboard car systems. This would be powered by Nvidia chips, for its multimedia platforms.
The move could spell an end to the days of DVDs playing on backseat screens and mark a new wave of innovation for in-car entertainment. Instead, cars would be better connected with the services that people use on their tablets and smartphones.
The new partnership will be named the Open Automative Alliance and is intended to speed up innovation in the car industry.
Patrick Brady, director of Android Engineering, wrote in a blogpost:
Today, millions of people already bring Android phones and tablets into their cars, but it’s not yet a driving-optimized experience. Wouldn't it be great if you could bring your favourite apps and music with you, and use them safely with your car's built-in controls and in-dash display?