Android Auto has come quite some ways from being a in-car only feature to a standalone app for your phone. Only being 3 years in, they’re supported by over 300 car makers & within aftermarket stereos. Now Google is ready to take it to the next level.
Welcome to the future of the Android-powered car. Earlier this week, Google announced that they partnered up w/ Audi & Volvo to bring the future forward. With the Audi Q8 Sport Concept and the Volvo XC60 Concept, their infotainment system will be powered by Android. So this means your car’s air conditioning, sunroof, windows, navigation via Google Maps, listen to Spotify/Pocket Casts, and use Google Assistant w/o the need of your smartphone.
We got a chance to demo both vehicles while out at I/O. Volvo and Audi utilized different takes on what their UI should look like. I prefer the Audi UI but the both look and work pretty cool. So turning on your AC via voice brings us closer to the Jetson future we’re still waiting for. Both are set to arrive within the next 2 years to select vehicles.
What do you think about what’s next for Android Auto?
