Audi, Volvo are among the first to commit to Android Auto vehicles
Android Auto might not be a very exciting platform for vehicles, but with time it should blossom into something very interesting. Wondering which automobile manufacturers would be looking to bring their first Android Auto-equipped wheels?
Volvo and Audi have both confirmed plans to bring vehicles with the platform pre-installed later this year. For Volvo, they say all their newest vehicles based on their Scalable Product Architecture will be equipped with Android Auto. The first vehicle to kick that off is the Volvo XC90 which they’ll be unveiling at the Paris Motor Show later this year.
Audi didn’t exactly give us as much info as to which of their first cars would be tricked out with Android Auto, though they did tell us that we’ll be seeing goods from them in early 2015.
Android Auto provides a car-friendly user interface for accessing Google Maps and Places, Search, Google Play Music and more apps that help make your life on the road easier. The platform easily hooks into a car’s media controls (if applicable), so you’ll be able to do everything you need using the buttons on your steering wheel, the in-dash display or even just using your voice.
Android Auto isn’t something that’s going to revolutionize the automobile, but it is one of the first open platforms for smart car functions that we’ve seen, and it’s that openness that’s going to help Google get their platform into tons more cars going forward. There will be no shortage of manufacturers, either, with over 40 different partners forming up the initial group of the Open Automotive Alliance. Needless to say we should be hearing a lot more from many more manufacturers before the year is out.