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Open Automotive Alliance: Google Android In Audi, Honda, GM & Hyundai
What was only rumored last week was confirmed yesterday at the Consumer Electronic Show 2014 in Las Vegas. Google's Android OS is indeed coming to cars, but it turns out the plan is more elaborate than what was thought previously.
It is not just a partnership between Audi and Google, along with Nvidia, but a new group, called the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA). At present, OAA consists of technology companies Google and Nvidia and automobile manufacturers, Audi, Honda, Hyundai and General Motors. As the name suggests, this alliance of companies is an open one, meaning all are welcome to join this initiative.
The primary goal of OAA is to bring Android mobile OS to automobiles and the first car with Google's smartphone OS onboard will be launched before the end of the year.
Advantages
Bringing Android to cars makes a lot of sense for several reasons and following are some of them.
1. Provides a common, uniform platform for in car systems, across models and makes.
2. Gives in-car systems access to Android's vast hoard of existing apps
3. Makes the task of app developers easier by providing them with a common OS.
4. Allows seamless integration of existing Android based car services, including those from Google such as maps/navigation, music, video to name a few.
5. Provides users with a platform which they are already familiar with.
6. Allows car systems to easily connect and communicate with other Android devices
7. In short, in-car systems will become just another breed of Android device alongside smartphones, tablets, entertainment & gaming systems.
Besides the obvious advantages, bringing Android to cars will accelerate the ‘connected cars' services which several automakers are working on. At present, the best connected car systems are limited to models of the same make, but Android will remove that barrier.
Do not expect all new cars to come with Android infotainment systems overnight thought because manufacturers still have one more challenge to tackle. That of integrating their own existing OS and car electronics with Android. For instance, GM currently runs its OnStar communication system in some of its cars. It remains to be seen how this is integrated with a new Android system. Also, some automakers have already deeply invested in their systems and may not be willing to jump on-board OAA.
One example is Ford. The automaker's SYNC system was developed with the help of Microsoft, a Google rival and is current found in almost all Ford vehicles. One cannot expect Ford to abandon SYNC and long time partner Microsoft and join the Android bandwagon just for the sake of it.
Last, but not the least, there is the question of safety. Imagine, drivers updating their social media status or playing candy crush on the move. That would not be safe at all. However, OAA has stressed on the fact that safety is one of their top most priorities. In its statement it says, "..we have been in contact with government agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Our goal is to build an experience that helps drivers get what they're looking for without disrupting their focus on the road."
It adds, "OAA members share a vision for the connected car, and bringing these open standards of innovation to the market will help extend people's mobile experience seamlessly to another platform they already know and love. Timing from each automaker will vary, but you can expect to see the first cars with Android integration by the end of this year. The OAA invites other automotive technology companies to join in this endeavor."
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