Google has Introduced Android Auto at Google I/O
We all know that Google, Audi, Honda, Hyundai, GM,as well as NVIDIA have all been working to bring Android safely to our cars in 2014. The idea sounds great, but these aren’t the only Android car-related plans that we have heard about. To be more precise, Google has just officially introduced Android Auto, a completely redesigned car-specific interface at the Google I/O developers conference (from San Francisco), a conference that we have all waited for.
What is Android Auto and how does it functions?
The new Android Auto is a voice-enabled, contextually based system that will show information relevant to your driving habits, information which is based on what Google and Google Now know about you. To be more specific, you can receive details on opening and closing times of places that are near you, you can display restaurant listings, you can choose to play the most recent songs of your favorite artist, make calls, send messages, request a certain navigation route that you are interested about and not only.
The info received is displayed on screen via cards, not to mention that a few popular apps like Songza, Spotify and MLB.com At Bat are already available starting with its launch.
And we have even seen a Google I/O onstage demo with a phone which was tethered to the car with a cable (HDMI in this case), though we have heard that the Bluetooth for audio method will work as well. The APIs which are used in Android Auto are then shared by Android Wear, so devs can port between your watch and the car or even integrate them.
Will your car brand have Android Auto?
From what it has been revealed, in seems that no less than 25 car brands have signed up an agreement with Google regarding the Android Auto integration; to be more precise, we are talking about car makers like Acura, Audi, Alfa Romeo, Bentley, Chevy, Chrysler, Dodge, Honda, Hyundai, VW, Maserati, Subaru, as well as Volvo and although the SDK is not available just yet, this will soon change.
When will we see the new Android Auto released?
If you are curious about when will we see the new Android Auto released, we can only tell you that Audi has already announced that it will be among the first cars to bring it to market, but we still have to wait a little longer than you might be expecting.
The car manufacturer will offer the Android Auto-enabled cars to market starting next year, making it clear that all new vehicles with Audi MMI infotainment systems will have Android Auto integrated.
Are you dreaming of becoming the owner of such a car? You can already start saving money and be sure that we’ll keep you updated.
