By Beyond gaming, I think one of the most underutilized opportunities for Android is in the automotive space, and I can understand why. With texting while driving being made illegal the world over, how many issues, problems and concerns does a full entertainment suite via Android include? Check out this nifty In-Car Infotainment center from Foryou/Adayo that we spotted at CES:
My first reaction was, “Cool!” and my second reaction was, “This is dangerous,” but after reflecting, I think automotive companies could create some interesting integrations that are enjoyable, informational, AND safe. Just a few ideas:
- Have the dash console be a dock for a tablet. When you dock it, you’re in NAV mode and can only use certain functions. If you remove the tablet, it turns into a more fully functional device that can be used by passengers or for a driver who is sitting still, parked, etc…
- Embed these in rear headrests
- Put them on other vehicles, like boats or hey… what about golf carts?!?!
I think combining Android with vehicles in general is an incredibly underutilized area and while the product displayed by Foryou/Adayo was pretty buggy, I applaud the effort. It looked pretty good and had a solid concept. Now it’s just about improving the hardware/software functionality and customizing it to a specific setting with specific features to aid in the given environment.
I’ve been thinking this for a while. It’s taking them a long time to come up with something people would actually use but the possibilities are endless. I really wish someone would come out with a fully functioning head unit that I can buy.
I’m tempted to mount a XOOM to my dash. I think there may be some legal concerns though.
^^im more than sure thats illegal. would be sick though.
use it as a diagnostic and maintenance tool. the car reminds you to inflate the tires, change the oil, get gas(and while you’re at it do it at “this” cheaper gas station). i can see a LOT of possible uses for this that would be not only safe, but beneficial. in general(obviously not this device) you could set it up with a SIM card and radio so that it could send notifications to your phone. it could also be used to dock with your phone and controll it(ie, make hands-free calls, play music on your phones drive, send voice-to-text e-mails, etc.) via bluetooth(or, if you want to get really bold NFC).
After I get the one of these new dual core phones. Im going to dash mount my old Dell streak into the dash. With the navigation and mobile hotspot I will have the best 5 inch touch screen for my Viper.
This territory should have been addressed already…the companies are lagging. would be nice to see a version of the android os optimized for ICE.
Love it
I actually just wrote a paper for a class about this topic not too long ago. I was analyzing google as a whole and determining areas for growth and suggested that Android be integrated into vehicles right from the factory as well as aftermarket systems like the one in this article. I won’t write it all here, but I do believe this a huge area for growth.
So a radio entertainment system thingy has Froyo before Samsung galaxy s devices woah xD
ive been thinking about this since the Archos 5!! and a year later they only have this. cmon.. im still leaning to buy a 7″ galaxy tab to install in my dash and use that for google navi, my own playlist of songs, or my own playlist from vevo, maps for cheapest gas station, and like @john the lesser said.. have an app that reminds you to tune your car or add oil.
I knew Android would find it’s way to carputers/infotainment systems.
However for it to be succesful and well-developed, it will most likely need a development organisation like the Open Handset Alliance.
I see a huge market here. Infotainment systems usually were exclusively used in full-size luxury cars.
But even entry-level cars have optional infotainment systems.
The possibilities are almost endless! Weather apps, petrol price apps, traffic updates, Google maps, a decent stereo. With a well designed layout and maybe some proper hard buttons this could be some relief to the over stressed motorist!
I wish there was a port for Android on the Pioneer Avic stereo line….
Work out the bugs and I am buying this!
I really want to use Backcountry Navigator on a nice, big, touchscreen that doesn’t move around when I drive. And of course music and google maps would also be awesome.
Glad to see someone breaking out on the market with one of these. I just replaced the stock head unit on my car and was looking for something like this. It’s really sad to see that there has been practically 0 Android integration in the car audio market.
@jmax The xoom is definitely going my car
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I think it will be better if you can connect your Android smartphone via a special dock (or wi-fi, so anyone in the car can control it) to a double din monitor+touchscreen+amplifier combo, and control the phone from there. All the processing power will be in a small form factor, and will be cheaper to upgrade when better CPU’s/ GPU’s are born; you just buy another android smartphone. Motorola did something like this with Atrix dock, but it lacks touchscreen.
After that, all you will need will be a nice user interface, suitable for a car.