Not wanting to be left behind in the automobile space, Google has revealed its plans to invade our cars with its Android Auto initiative. More details on how it works, and when it will be available can be found right after the leap.
Given the ubiquitous nature of Android, it was only a matter of time before a variation of the software reached our automobiles, and as a part of the big Android L shake-up, Android Auto will also be integral to the advancement of the company’s flagship mobile OS.
Android Auto couldn’t be any more self-explanatory. It’s essentially the same UI that we’re already accustomed to, but tweaked to suit the needs of drivers.
Google Now has become central to the majority of Google’s Android-related moves over the past few years, and with Android Auto, context-based information will very much be atop the agenda. As with CarPlay, it’s also voice-based, meaning you can get a hold of the information you require without taking your eyes off the road at any point, and having partnered with a multitude of automobile manufacturers, the first Android Auto-ready road vehicles should manifest later on this year.
Google’s Android has many strengths over its major rivals in the mobile game, and Google Now is certainly a feature we’ve grown to love. It was always inevitable that the Chrome maker’s in-car endeavors would encircle Google Now, and with further integration with Google Maps, Play Music, and a plethora of other services, it’s the all-in-one solution for Android users on the road.
Third-party developers will be able to integrate their services into Android Auto, with Spotify, Pandora, Stitcher and several other big-named apps already on board.
The key thing about Android Auto is that it is a standalone platform, and doesn’t require a connected Android device in order to function. Sure, it will complement the overall experience and work as an extension of your handset with features like text message support, but unlike CarPlay, which feeds off a paired iPhone, you can fully utilize Android Auto without your smartphone.
What are your first impressions of Android Auto?
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