As we’ve mentioned in our previous posts, part of Google’s
thrust for this year’s I/O developer conference is for users to bring the
Android experience to other screens, and that includes the screen on your car.
Today, the search company introduced its answer to Apple’s CarPlay
– Android Auto. In essence the platform strives to improve three major
components in the in-car environment namely: communication, music and
navigation while considering the driver and the passengers’ safety.
With Android Auto, drivers will still be able to control certain
functions of the car and a connected smartphone without having to take his eyes
off the road. This is made possible thanks to platform’s simple glanceable user interface coupled with
voice-enabled functions. For instance, a driver can easily make phone calls,
make searches or play audio tracks by giving voice orders to the car.
And speaking of audio tracks, Android Auto is also working
with different audio content providers including Spotify, Pandora, Songza and
iHeart Radio to name a few. And of course, there will be heavy integration with
Google Maps.
Just like Android
Wear and the L
Developer Preview, Android Auto will utilize Google’s new design language –
Material Design. Google has also announced that cars with Android Auto should
roll out before the end of the year starting from a few members of the Open
Automotive Alliance (around 40 members).
