Google’s planning to get Android into vehicles with Android Auto program. Android Auto will act as a basis for an upcoming version of Google’s operating system made especially for cars that would allow occupants to use the Internet without connecting to their smartphones, according to a new report.
Google Inc. has partnered with a number of automakers to bring Android Auto to new car models, the first of which are set to debut next month at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. While Android Auto requires a smartphone to connect to a compatible car, a new version of the operating system, dubbed Android M, could eventually allow access to Google Maps, streaming music and other apps independently, according to a Reuters report.
Direct integration into cars ensures that drivers will use Google’s services every time they turn on the ignition, without having to plug in the phone. It could allow Google to make more use of a car’s camera, sensors, fuel gauge, and Internet connections that come with some newer car models.
Google’s Android M could be a major step up from Android Auto sometime in 2015 or 2016. Android Auto will compete against the iPhone’s popularity as Apple Inc. Introduces CarPlay, a similar platform to expand iPhones onto touchscreens built into vehicles.
Android M could also allow Google to collect even more valuable data about consumers, including GPS location, where they stop, shop, travel, and buy gas. However, Google will face a number of challenges to convince manufacturers to implement Android M.
Google would still need to convince automakers of the value Android Auto integration would bring, with sources saying more work needs to be done in terms of performance (and stability) before Google can expect any sort of adoption. Because cars are constantly being powered on and off, Android M would need to boot up near instantly before it could be practical as a car’s main OS.
Both Apple and Google have signed up a number of manufacturers for their respective automotive efforts as they race to expand beyond smartphones to smart watches, car entertainment consoles and elsewhere.
