Google Launches Initiative to bring Android into Your Car

Google has recently teamed up with Audi, Honda and General Motors to form the ‘Open Auto Alliance’, which is pushing for the Android operating system to be installed into every new car that roles off the production line from 2014 onwards.

Google is hoping that it will help to make Android a common standard for all in-car computers, which would bring the existing 700,000 apps in Google Play to car dashboards. This new innovation would make driving safer and easier, giving users the ability to access emails, apps and music which would be held on their smart phone, directly through the car dashboard. It is expected that Android’s in car system would be operated by voice recognition technology, therefore allowing hands free control with GPS navigation becoming another key feature.

Google and Android’s main rival Apple has already taken a similar approach in this new market; recently announcing deals with BMW, Daimler, Mercedes, Honda, Nissan, Ferrari, Infiniti, Kia, Hyundai, Volvo, Acura, Jaguar and Opel to produce smart dashboards featuring Apple’s iOS. Honda has already announced that it will be rolling out new car models that will enable the driver to activate Apple’s voice recognition feature ‘Siri’ by simply touching a button on the steering wheel; giving the driver access to their emails, text messages, weather and other information whilst they are still driving. Google’s approach would be different, embedding electronics into the car which would run Android natively.

Pre-launch information about Apple’s next iOS update, have included options for ‘car display’. This has fuelled speculation that Apple’s in-car system could be launched along with the iOS8 update, which is expected to be released, along with the iPhone 6, later this year.

Car electronics are becoming increasingly sophisticated and well-connected. General Motor’s chief executive recently announced that all models from 2015 onwards will be fitted with 4G chips to provide constant internet connections without the need for a smartphone. These new integrations are seen as complementing features to electric cars, which are gradually increasing in popularity.

Mobile phone technology is constantly developing and taking significant leaps forward as each year passes. These latest development by both Google and Apple are showing that smartphones and mobile technology is here to stay. As these companies continue to compete to release the latest in smartphone technology, the mobile industry will continue to get more and more exciting. With the mobile app market expected to grow by 1000% between now and 2015 the ever developing mobile market shows no signs of slowing down.