More than just infotainment: Google announces new version of Android Automotive

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Google has announced a new version of its open-source operating system Android Automotive for software-defined vehicles (SDV). The previous solution was only used in the vehicle's infotainment system and was limited to navigation and music streaming. Now, the company wants to expand the operating system as an “open infrastructure” to the non-safety-relevant parts of the vehicle's internal computer system.

Against Fragmentation

Cars are increasingly becoming “computers on wheels”, but there is considerable fragmentation and a kind of patchwork in the automotive industry, according to Google. Many car manufacturers use different, uncoordinated software modules from various providers. With the new approach, Google wants to solve this problem of fragmentation by having Android Automotive occupy even more space in the vehicle's software architecture.

Android Automotive is no longer intended to operate solely on the infotainment system screen – “Android Automotive OS for Software Defined Vehicles” (AAOS SDV), which Google has developed with partners from the automotive industry, can control many other tasks. Examples given by Google include seat adjustment, air conditioning, lighting, cameras, mirrors, telemetry, the instrument cluster, and much more.

For drivers, “these in-car experiences will feel much more cohesive and the latest features will reach your driveway faster,” says Google. Furthermore, the expansion of Android Automotive should also enable a more deeply integrated voice assistant and proactive maintenance reminders.

First Partners

Google has already secured its first partners for the new Android Automotive: The company plans to work with the Renault Group and Qualcomm to introduce it in initial vehicles. Google also intends to release the new system as an open-source project later this year. “We remain committed to supporting our automotive partners with open source software that will shape the next generation of cars.” explains Google. For the system to work as easily as Google envisions, car manufacturers will ultimately need to license Google's Automotive Services (GAS – also known as “Built-in”).

More Data for Google

With the extended Android Automotive, Google would gain deeper insights into vehicle data – an aspect that numerous car manufacturers actively avoid, as they consider it their domain. For example, VW and BMW use Android Automotive in their infotainment systems, but largely refrain from using Google services such as the Play Store, Maps, and other Google components. Instead, they use alternative app stores purchased from third-party providers like Faurecia Aptoide or Samsung/Harman.

Other manufacturers such as Volvo, Polestar, Ford, GM, and others, meanwhile, use Google's services to streamline development, among other things. The Volkswagen brand Porsche also announced back in 2023 that it would rely on Google's services.

(afl)