The Google I/O 2014 was held yesterday and it was a feast to each and every gadget lover out here. Other than gadgets, there was one other thing that seemed really interesting for vehicle owners, i.e. Android Auto. Now, Android needs no introduction at all. Everyone here knows that it is one of the leading mobile operating systems and it has been incorporated by many major as well as minor smartphone manufacturers on their devices. While Android phones have been successful, Google is now planning to venture into other markets where the amazing operating system can be used.
Android Auto was announced at the 2014 Google I/O. Android Auto basically means that a vehicle’s infotainment system or head unit will come loaded with Android software, enabling users to make use of a host of functions that will not only ease the driving experience but also reduce distraction while driving. The software has been designed to incorporate a lot of features such as maps, music, voice commands and applications to be used inside the vehicles. For maps, Android Auto will make use of Google Maps which have already proven to be successful in the navigation field.
Android Auto will also be able to play music through the vehicle’s multimedia system and it will make use of Google Play Music, Pandora and Spotify to stream music easily. The system will also come incorporated with Google’s voice command system which can identify and understand a user’s voice and carry out functions or commands as required. To make travelling an enjoyable affair, the Android Auto system will make use of the following applications that will come useful to users – iHeart Radio, Joyride, MLB.com At Bat (baseball updates), Pandora internet radio, Pocket Casts (podcasts app), Sticher, Songza, Spotify, TuneIn Player and Umano (helps users to listen to news articles).
Android Auto also has the basic ability to access a user’s contacts and messages directly from the phone without creating distractions. With such great innovations in the field of in-car entertainment, customers are only going to be delighted. While Google might add more compatible applications to Android Auto, the current list also seems to be more than enough. We will soon see various manufacturers across the globe adding Android Auto-enabled multimedia systems in their vehicles. Honda, Skoda, Hyundai, Audi, Ford and Fiat have already confirmed plans to use Android Auto in their cars. The key rival to Android Auto is Apple’s CarPlay, which was first unveiled on a Ferrari FF.
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