Photo: edited by autoevolution
Soon enough, automakers won’t need to concentrate that much on their infotainment systems. Apple’s CarPlay is slowly making it’s way onto some select cars’ touchscreens enabling you to use most of an iPhone’s features with it. And now, Google Inc. is set to uncover its new in-car “operating system” too.
Internally known as Google Auto Link, the product will make its debut at the Google I/O conference between June 25-26th in San Francisco, revealing its interface and offer demonstrations. However, Google won’t say which automaker in the Open Automotive Alliance will be the first to use it.
Google Auto Link (if that will be its real name) follows the steps of Apple and won’t offer a fully embedded operating system for the vehicle infotainment gear, but simply create a bridge between your smartphone and the car’s screen for ease of access.
To make yourself a better idea over how it will work, after connecting an iPhone to the CarPlay system, the infotainment system will display an interface resembling that of the phone, with apps and everything. This lets you play songs, use the GPS, call somebody and even voice search without touching the phone.
Ultimately, Apple and Google aspire to create fully-embedded infotainment systems, adding up to their PCs, tablets and smartphones solutions. And it seems a natural step; most people have already accommodated to use iOS or Android on their handheld devices. It’s easy, intuitive and it would be nice to find the same things onto your car’s dashboard.
The new approach will cut down the production costs of infotainment systems and users will also be spared of learning to navigate menus every time they’ll get a new car. Not to mention that you won’t need third party subscriptions to use certain functions; an internet connection on your phone will be sufficient to quickly access up-to-date maps, radio stations, locations and more.
Google Auto Link (if that will be its real name) follows the steps of Apple and won’t offer a fully embedded operating system for the vehicle infotainment gear, but simply create a bridge between your smartphone and the car’s screen for ease of access.
To make yourself a better idea over how it will work, after connecting an iPhone to the CarPlay system, the infotainment system will display an interface resembling that of the phone, with apps and everything. This lets you play songs, use the GPS, call somebody and even voice search without touching the phone.
Ultimately, Apple and Google aspire to create fully-embedded infotainment systems, adding up to their PCs, tablets and smartphones solutions. And it seems a natural step; most people have already accommodated to use iOS or Android on their handheld devices. It’s easy, intuitive and it would be nice to find the same things onto your car’s dashboard.
The new approach will cut down the production costs of infotainment systems and users will also be spared of learning to navigate menus every time they’ll get a new car. Not to mention that you won’t need third party subscriptions to use certain functions; an internet connection on your phone will be sufficient to quickly access up-to-date maps, radio stations, locations and more.
Google News