Google and a number of automakers are planning to bring Android to cars with the launch of a new group called the Open Automotive Alliance. The alliance consists of Google, GM, Honda, Audi, Hyundai, and chipmaker Nvidia, and will focus on bringing the successful mobile operating system to in-car entertainment systems "in a way that is purpose built for cars." The first cars with Android integration are planned for launch by the end of 2014.
In a press release, the group outlines its plans for the future, noting that it hopes to add more automakers and technology companies down the line. Its focus at the moment is to develop new features for Android that'll allow developers to easily add car modes to their apps. The Open Automotive Alliance has already been in touch with the National Highways Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in order to ensure the system is safe for in-car use. Its primary goal is to "bring the best of Android into the automobile in a safe and seamless way."
Google is just one of several companies shooting for in-car supremacy. The first cars with full Siri integration have begun to appear after Apple announced its own partnerships back in 2012, and the Sync system found in Fords is based on Microsoft technology. Car companies don't appear to be choosing just one partner either — Honda is already involved in Apple's efforts, while, Chevrolet, a division of Google's newly announced partner GM, recently demonstrated an app store and in-car interface for its 2015 lineup.
News of Google's plans for an automotive version of Android came late last year, when it was reported that the software giant was to partner with Audi. It turns out the partnership is far larger than originally expected.
Comments
Please just let me play candy crush with my voice while driving.
By VAGjew on 01.06.14 4:04am
Feasible. I’ve seen inmates play chess with just their voices. Would just take memorizing the gird, easier than chess as all moves are the same.
Of course, finding a new face after yours goes through the windshield because you had to play Candy Crush while operating a two thousand pound(+) vehicle.
By greatestNothing on 01.06.14 4:23am
Pshh, candy crush > death
By ferrari187 on 01.06.14 7:43am
Will we get GPE cars? I mean I’m OK with Audi A6 with Audi’s custom skin, but a GPE Audi A6 just seems so much more desirable.
By Uncl_J on 01.06.14 4:08am
Audi A6 with Gravitational Potential Energy?
Nice.
XD
By NetworkDude on 01.06.14 7:10am
“Okay Google, drive me home.”
By El Kanagavel on 01.06.14 4:09am
You jest, but maybe…..
By T1nman on 01.06.14 5:06am
Sure, but while we go home why don’t we call past Fred-Mart and pick up some good, then get some new shoes, a TV, some Viagra and , why bother going home, I know this great hotel just two blocks away…
By Boghog on 01.06.14 8:38am
Lol. But seriously, my phone has never done that, why would my car?
By Nightfall983 on 01.06.14 1:05pm
Your phone does that every time you search, every time you use maps
By Boghog on 01.06.14 1:14pm
Can’t wait to see posts on xda that go like “Shit I bricked my car by accidentally flashing my phone’s ROM on it”
By Pranav Tonseker on 01.06.14 4:12am
I got one of those. “I just flash 3/25 and my car broke down after Bluetooth sync…thanks….idiots.” To this day it’s my signature on XDA. : P
By molesarecoming on 01.06.14 5:34am
As vehicles become more integrated with computers…. who’s to stop the government from spying on people? If someday every car comes with cameras, microphones, and sensors…. what data will be collected? If these cars someday are attached to a grid, then that leaves it open to the possibility that the government could have complete control of where people go.
If you protest against the government - could they shut down your vehicle?
By Diingo on 01.06.14 4:23am
Or the government collects all the data and can revoke people licenses on the spot, we wouldn’t even need policemen on the road anymore.
By VoxMediaUser1009479 on 01.06.14 4:29am
They can already do this by putting speed cameras everywhere. They choose not to.
By CheesusCrust on 01.06.14 5:19am
That’s not really the same… Speed cameras cost much more, and if speeding is the only thing that can go wrong when driving. It could still be used for collisions, or just bad driving in general
By VoxMediaUser1009479 on 01.06.14 7:06am
oh god again with the privacy crap.
By ShamrockGx on 01.06.14 6:56am
It amuses me that people are so paranoid about government tracking but OK with an ad agency doing it.
By Boghog on 01.06.14 8:36am
You amuse us all.
By atlharry on 01.06.14 9:07am
The differences between potential advertising and government abuses (which is more threatening to a free society) are significant and wide.
By chesterharry on 01.06.14 9:47am
Yep.
By Joao Sousa on 01.06.14 10:27am
yes.
By ShamrockGx on 01.06.14 2:50pm
Yeah, Apple really needs to chill out with iAd.
By shadow31 on 01.06.14 2:16pm
Open source
By TheWhiteLotus on 01.06.14 9:57am
God I hope Ford drops a bombshell and announces iOS in the Car support,
By hiroprotagonist on 01.06.14 4:28am