Google Announces Alliance To Bring Android To Cars

Google has recently announced the launch of a new group called the Open AutomotiveAlliance, which is a collaboration between Google and several automakers as well as a computer chip development company.Â The focus of this collaboration is to bring the highly successful Android operating system to the entertainment systems of new cars, to allow drivers and passengers to access music, navigation and apps in the way same that they do on their Android smartphones.Â The expectation is to have this exciting technology available in cars for consumer purchase by the end of 2014.

The alliance currently includes Google, GM, Honda, Audi, Hyundai and chipmaker Nvidia, and a recent press release states that the group has plans to add additional automakers and technology companies to this initiative in the near future.Â The Open Automotive Alliance is focused on developing new features for Android that will allow software developers to add car modes to both their existing and future apps.Â The alliance has been in discussions with the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to ensure that the system is completely safe for use in cars.Â The primary goal of the initiative is to “bring the best of Android into the automobile in a safe and seamless way.”

Google is in a fierce competition with other companies for control of this innovative in-car technology.Â The earliest cars with full Siri integration have already started appearing with the Sync system, based on Microsoft technology, being included in Ford vehicles.Â Several car manufacturers have been partnering with more than one company, such as Chevrolet, which is a division of Google’s partner GM but has also recently demonstrated an app store and in-car interface for its 2015 models.

The news of Google’s plan for an automotive version of Android came during a press release last year when they announced a partnership with Audi, but clearly the original concept has grown since then, with many other companies coming on board.

Seven months ago, Apple announced their plans for their iOS integration into cars.Â Apple integrates the iPhone into the entertainment system of the car, allowing drivers and passengers to access maps, messages and other apps, while Google’s technology plans to allow Android and Android-based apps to run on the hardware of the car itself.

Some fortunate Audi drivers can already access Google apps in their car as the manufacturer started including their Tegra-powered entertainment systems in their vehicles over the past year.Â The incredible ability of these cars was displayed by demonstrating their ability to navigate through parking lots without a driver.

With the increasing buzz of expanding in-car technology, and the involvement of major players in the automotive and computing industries in its development, the expectation is to experience massive advancements and continued integration into more and more cars over the coming year.