In recent times, Google has really focused its efforts on the platform Android Automotive. This will gradually become the digitized brain of a large part of the models that we see in dealerships, so it is time we talk about what exactly is the improved and amplified replacement for Android Auto.
Along with Apple CarPlay and Mirror Link, these smart platforms use our mobile phones to power the entire optimized vehicle experience And since we all have one, it’s easy to see why so many people find it super convenient to mirror the interface onto the biggest screen in the cockpit. Android Auto itself can work with any device running Android 6.0 and above. And although Android Auto seems to be a success, Google is betting even harder on a much more advanced experience.
What is Android Automotive?
Android Automotive is basically, the operating system that will run the multimedia system of your next car (or at least you have plenty of ballots for it) and runs directly on the hardware vehicle. It is a complete, open source and highly customizable platform that powers the infotainment system. And it is compatible with applications created for Android and for Android Auto.
Automakers can still customize Android Automotive greatly, which means we could see some skins like we’ve seen on Android. It is a way for brands to differentiate their models from those of the competition and also make them better unify with the interior of the car. The Android Automotive system is in charge of everything, from the moment you start the engine to the moment you leave the car parked, with no option to have it turned off and running.
So for the infotainment system in your vehicle, Android Automotive is more or less what Windows for a computer. Needless to say, by offering Android at the operating system level, Google is able to provide drivers with some more advanced capabilities, some of which would not be possible without such deep integration into the car’s onboard system. You cannot install Android Automotive, because the only way to have it is with the purchase of a car that comes with the system preloaded.
How is it different from Android Auto?
Android Auto has been around since 2015, making Android Automotive even more confusing. But Google really does a good job of making it easier. decipher the difference between the two on their web page for developers:
- Android Auto is a platform that runs on the user’s mobile phone and projects the Android Auto user experience onto a compatible in-vehicle infotainment system via a USB connection, supporting applications designed for in-vehicle use.
- Android Automotive is an operating system and platform that run directly from the hardware of the car. It is a complete, open source and customizable platform that powers the infotainment experience. Android Automotive supports apps made for Android as well as apps made for Android Auto.
In other words, Android Auto is an experience that works with the smartphonewhile Android Automotive runs natively inside the car, no need to have a mobile. This helps provide users with a better experience, as they can simply get in the car and start using your services, such as Google Maps, and even make phone calls, without having to plug in the mobile. And you will say: is that what the wireless mode is for? Yes, but it will not drain the battery of the mobile and it will not have connectivity problems.
In fact, the biggest benefit of Android Automotive running natively on a head unit is that offers deeper integration with Google services. That means that while Android Auto can only control apps running on the phone, like navigation or music playback, Android Automotive also has access to car features. In addition, the Google Assistant is responsible for enhancing the hands-free experience with functions extended by the system.
The easiest way to see what a big difference Android Automotive integration makes is to look at the feature capabilities of Google Maps. We already know how Google Maps works on Android Auto, as the features available on the head unit are pretty much the same as on a mobile phone. But in Android Automotive, everything is taken to a new level, since Google Maps can monitor your battery level and calculate the route to a defined destination according to the remaining autonomylike a charging station.
Are there apps available on the Google Play Store?
As previously mentioned, Android Automotive works with Android apps and Android Auto, which means Android Automotive apps are available on the Google Play Store. that includes apps to control the temperature of your car. In fact, this app Polestar it is available in the virtual store (although you will only see it if you have a 2 in your Google account). But not all Android Auto apps are available for Android Automotive, as there is still room for development.
This opens up a lot of possibilities, as different brands could also choose to actually change the car’s interface or add additional modes. What all it takes is a simple app updateIt’s pretty similar to what Motorola did nearly a decade ago, where it pushed many of its system apps to the Play Store and updated them that way instead of via a system update. Of course, these are just the early days of Android Automotive, and it will change over the years.