Google is significantly enhancing its in-car infotainment systems. During the Google I/O 2023 event, the company revealed a series of updates to both Android Auto and Android Automotive. These updates are designed to offer more features and better integration for users who prefer Google-based services in their vehicles.
To clarify, Android Auto and Android Automotive may sound similar but are quite different. Android Auto projects content from your phone to the car’s display via a wireless or wired connection, similar to Apple’s CarPlay, and requires a connected phone to function. On the other hand, Android Automotive is an operating system built directly into the car, acting as the main infotainment system and working independently of a connected phone. Google collectively refers to these systems as Android for Cars.
Let’s dive into the updates for each system.
Android Auto, which most Android users currently use to sync their phones with their car’s system, is expected to be available in nearly 200 million cars by the end of the year. Despite some car manufacturers moving away from offering CarPlay and Android Auto, millions of users still rely on these systems. The updates for Android Auto in Google I/O 2023 are relatively minor. Earlier this year, Google introduced a redesigned Android Auto, and now it’s adding support for conferencing apps like Zoom and Microsoft Teams. Users will be able to hear meeting audio and control calls directly from their car display.
The more significant updates are for Android Automotive, the built-in car operating system. Waze is finally rolling out to all cars with Android Automotive and will be accessible through the Play Store. The update includes new features for electric vehicles, such as the ability to find charging stations compatible with the car’s plug type.
Entertainment options are also improving in cars with Android Automotive. YouTube will now be available as an app on the Google Play Store for cars. Initially, it will only be available on Polestar cars but will expand to other brands soon. YouTube will likely be restricted while the car is moving and accessible when parked. Additionally, GameSnacks, which offers small games, is coming to Android Automotive, having been previously available on Android Auto.
Finally, Google is introducing smart suggestions through Google Assistant for Android Automotive, allowing drivers to respond to messages quickly and easily.
Overall, Android Automotive is becoming more comprehensive. As software becomes a more critical component of modern cars, many car manufacturers prefer to rely on systems like Android Automotive rather than developing their own software.