Some people see Android Automotive as the natural evolution of Android Auto. For others, it’s an alternative that stands out for its customization and control. In any case, Android Automotive has come to cars to continue to coexist with Android Auto, as each has its strengths and weaknesses. In this article we explain what is Android Automotive, how it works and what you can expect, and compatible cars.
What is Android Automotive?
Android Automotive is a platform based on the Android open source operating system Integrated by manufacturers into your car’s computer that works independently of your cell phone. It runs the pre-installed Android apps as well as other optional third-party apps, which you can install yourself directly from the console.
The development of Android Automotive was carried out jointly between Google, Intel and car manufacturers such as Audi or Volvo. It was announced in 2017 and the first car to feature it was the Polestar 2.
Android Automotive Portal customization and control of the vehicle’s infotainment unitmeaning that manufacturers can adapt their software as they see fit using the common Android framework, code and APIs, facilitating reproducibility and scalability.
How Android Automotive Works
It is important to be clear on how Android Automotive relates to the Android ecosystem and to Google, having several clear concepts:
- Android Automotive and Android, not a fork or parallel development. In this sense, it uses the same codebase and repository as the Android of tablets and phones. In this sense, it has behind it all the experience and solidity of the operating system in aspects such as customization, development, compatibility or infrastructure.
- Android Automotive amp to Android. In other words, it’s a complete infotainment platform that adds car-specific support, functions and technologies. So, while with Android Auto the vehicle functions are limited to making calls via the loudspeakers or via the browser, with Android Automotive you can, for example, activate the air conditioning.
Carriers, manufacturers, and development teams have used Android for years to build devices and apps that deliver engaging and functional experiences. With Android Automotive, all the muscle of Android reaches the vehicleswhere it’s the manufacturers who have the framework to create powerful infotainment systems.
What is Google Automotive Services (GAS)?
Google car services (Google Maps, Google Play, Google Assistant, among others) are a collection of apps and services that car manufacturers can choose to allow and integrate into their systems (or not).
In practice, having GAS or not means that you can install third-party apps available in the Google Play Store or on the contrary that you only have those that are preloaded or approved by the vehicle manufacturer.
Thus, brands such as Volvo, Ford or GM use AAOS with GAS, while for example Stellantis does not have GAS, using Alexa as voice assistant and TomTom as navigation services.
Vehicles with Android Automotive
These are the models confirmed with Android Automotive, although the respective proposals from BMW are expected shortly after leaving Linux and Mercedes with Aptoide and without GAS. Despite the fact that Google announced the arrival of Android Automotive in 2017, most of the vehicles that make it up date from 2021.
gas
- Cadillac Lyriq
- 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe
- 2022 Chevrolet Suburban
- 2022 Chevrolet Silverado
- Chevrolet Silverado EV
- GMC Electric Hummer
- 2022 GMC Sierra
- GMC Quebec 2022
- The North Star
- Polestar 3
- Polestar 4
- Polestar 5
- Renault Australe
- Renault Megane E-Tech Electric
- Volvo XC40 Refill
- VolvoC40
- Volvo S90, V90, C90 Cross Country 2022
- 2022 Volvo XC60
- 2023 Volvo XC90
- Volvo S60, V60, V60 Cross Country 2023
- Volvo XC40 2023
Without gas
- 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
- 2021 Dodge Durango
- lucid air
- Lynk & Co 01
- Maserati Ghibli 2022
- Maserati Levant 2022
- Maserati Quattroporte 2022
- Rivian R1T
- Rivian R1S
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