Googles Android M Expands Its Android Auto Platform to the Car

Monday, December 22, 2014

Google recently announced that they are seeking auto industry partners who will help develop over the next 5 years their self-driving car.

Google is expanding its existing version of “Android M” that will be built just for cars. According to sources, drivers can have access to the Internet without having to plug into their smartphones. Google's current Android Autosoftware includes the latest version of its smartphone OS and requires the phone to be plugged in at any compatible car which hosts access to a built-in screen including maps, streaming music and other apps.

Users can get access to GPS location, where you stop, where you travel everyday, your speed, your fuel level, where you stop for gas," one of the sources said to Reuters. The source also noted Android would need major improvements in performance and stability for carmakers to adopt it stating that Android Auto would need to power-up instantly when the driver turns the car on, instead of having to wait more than 30 seconds.

The vehicles are scheduled to debut in 2015. Google has not provided any direct details or timeframes for Android Auto’s long term plans to integrate directly into cars. Thilo Koslowski, vice president and Automotive Practice Leader of industry research firm Gartner had stated to Reuters that this provides a much stronger foothold for Google to really be part of the vehicle rather than being an add-on. Google is planning to give out more information as the next version of Android M releases in a year or so, according to sources.

Many of the technology companies are focused on wearables, design appliances and devices which connect to the Internet Automobiles. According to U.S. Census data, Americans spend nearly 50 minutes per day on average on their commute. Android would eventually become a standard systems for automotive vehicle’s navigation and entertainment feature.

Google would have an edge on this new market over rival Apple."With embedded it's always on, always there," said one of the sources, referring to the built-in version of Android Auto. "You don't have to depend on your phone being there and on."