Google’s Android Automotive is moving from the dashboard to the “brain” of the car

Google has announced a new version of its open source Android Automotive operating system for software-defined vehicles. While Android Automotive previously worked exclusively in a car’s infotainment system, Google is now expanding its “open infrastructure” to include unsecured parts of a car’s internal computer system.

As cars are rapidly becoming “computers on wheels,” there is still a great deal of fragmentation in the industry, with many car manufacturers using different, non-identical software modules from dozens of different suppliers. Google wants to solve this fragmentation problem by – what else? – To become the de facto software provider for the industry.

But the company says this is not just an attempt to monopolize the market; It also wants to provide a better experience for drivers. With the new Android Automotive operating system for software-defined vehicles, the in-car experience will “feel more cohesive and the latest features will arrive in your driveway faster,” Matt Crowley, Android Automotive group product manager, wrote in a blog post.

“From a truly integrated audio experience to proactive maintenance reminders, your car will become a true extension of your digital life,” Crowley adds.

Through its new software, Google promises faster over-the-air software updates, better voice assistants, and more proactive vehicle maintenance alerts. Non-driving functions such as climate control, lighting and seat adjustment are under Android’s control. The system will go beyond basic infotainment to create a unified ecosystem of features such as remote cabin air conditioning, digital key management, and personalized driver profiles.

For automakers, the new system promises lower software development costs and the opportunity to focus on what matters most to them: the brand. By providing “the underlying code and common language for their software,” Google says automakers will be free to design great experiences for their customers.

Google says it is already working with companies Like the Renault group and Qualcomm to bring the new software-defined car version of Android Automotive to more cars. A variety of automakers already use the stock Android Automotive, such as Volvo, Polestar, General Motors, Nissan, and Honda.

Google is competing with Apple to persuade more automakers to hand over control of their software development efforts. Most automakers allow their customers to use phone mirroring services like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But now the two companies are going a step further. Last year, Apple finally launched its product Ultra CarPlay feature Which handles more basic functions like heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and radio controls. This feature is available on selected Aston Martin vehicles, and will soon be available on Porsche.