GM Now Has a Site to Convince You Android Automotive Is Better Than Android Auto

The company decided to go all-in on Android Automotive in future EVs, beginning with the 2024 Blazer EV. While Android Automotive technically allows Android Auto and CarPlay to run on top of the operating system, General Motors banned the phone projection systems, claiming it wants to offer more advanced features to customers.

Critics didn't receive GM's announcement well. Many accused the company of adopting Android Automotive because it wants to introduce infotainment subscriptions, but GM's executives praised the capabilities of Google's software on several occasions.

Compared to Android Auto and CarPlay, Android Automotive is an embedded operating system that doesn't require a mobile device to run in a car. Android Auto and CarPlay are screen projection systems powered by Android phones and iPhones, respectively, sporting no vehicle integration unless more advanced features are specifically unlocked. Ford recently announced EV routing in Google Maps on Android Auto, allowing the app to access battery information thanks to a project developed with Google.

General Motors adopted Android Automotive, claiming the OS has the backend to improve the driving and the infotainment experiences behind the wheel of a new-generation vehicle.

Now, the carmaker has decided to go a step further and clearly highlight the differences between Android Automotive and screen projection systems. The effort is an obvious attempt to defend its decision to adopt Android Automotive, though it still doesn't justify the ban on Android Auto and CarPlay. GM doesn't give customers the choice, forcing them to use Android Automotive if they buy a new-generation EV.

GM says Android Automotive offers a fully integrated Google Assistant, allowing drivers "to control your GM vehicle with your voice." Google Assistant is also available on Android Auto but offers only "standard capability" with "no control for vehicle functions." At the same time, CarPlay also offers standard Siri capability.

Google Maps also offers a more advanced experience on Android Automotive, GM says. The company didn't spend too much time detailing the Google Maps features available on Android Auto, claiming drivers only get "Google Maps capability." Android Automotive offers a fully integrated navigation experience, with support for finding Super Cruise-compatible roads. GM also claims that Google Maps offers map overlays of Ultium 360 chargers for EVs, Super Cruise routes, and more.

Eventually, the carmaker highlights the Google Play integration, allowing drivers to install more apps and access "GM-sponsored first-party apps (service scheduling, navigation, trailering." Without Android Automotive, drivers don't get "access to Google Play on Apple CarPlay."

GM's wording is often laughable. The "Google Maps capability," the "no access to Google Play on CarPlay" (a Google service on the Apple platform), and "introducing Waze" sound like desperate attempts to defend a decision that the carmaker can't fully justify.

Some of the reasons highlighted by General Motors don't make much sense either. The company announces the Waze integration with much fanfare, claiming the app "is now available on select vehicles with Google built-in" to help drivers navigate traffic, road closures, and accidents.

Waze has been available on Android Auto and CarPlay for several years, and the Android Automotive integration feels half-baked. Many features are still powered by the app installed on a mobile device (though a direct connection is not required), so Waze eventually offers a more refined experience on Android Auto and CarPlay.

GM also says that Google Maps offers access to Super Cruise-compatible roads and maps of Ultium 360 chargers. While true, the same data could also land on Android Auto and CarPlay thanks to EV-specific apps. Google Maps offers more capabilities on Android Automotive, including battery monitoring and automatic suggestions for charging stops, but GM highlights the wrong reasons.

Meanwhile, GM's decision to block CarPlay and Android Auto didn't turn the company into a trendsetter, as the carmaker probably hoped it would happen. Several car manufacturers have already confirmed their commitment to offering Android Auto and CarPlay in next-generation models.

Polestar's CEO recently commented on GM's choice, explaining that forcing customers to adopt a specific system isn't the right strategy. The CEO emphasized that carmakers must give customers the choice, especially because it's technically possible to offer Android Automotive alongside Android Auto and CarPlay.

Google has already teased big announcements on the Android Automotive front for 2024, but the company also revealed that the Android Auto adoption surpassed 200 million vehicles. Both systems keep growing, but CarPlay and Android Automotive have become must-have equipment many consider essential when ordering a new vehicle. Apple's data shows that nearly 80 percent of new-car buyers in the United States are ready to give up on the purchase if the vehicle they're looking into doesn't have CarPlay. The numbers are probably similar for Android Auto.