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Google Updated Android Auto, It's like an OEM Interface Now

Google is continuously developing the Android Auto interface, and the company has just launched a new version of the system.
The first interface version of Google's Android Auto 1 photo
Photo: Screenshot from YouTube
This time, the Android Auto system is capable of integrating in-car features into the unit, like climate control, AM/FM radio, and digital instrument clusters.

Thanks to these functions, automakers will be able to fit a larger screen to host the Android Auto interface into their cars, and users will be able to control more commands with their voice.

Google unveiled the latest novelties of its universe at its annual I/O developer conference, along with the new Android N. The latter will allow the tech giant to provide automakers with a more capable infotainment unit, which would be easily integrated into an automobile, instead of the issues encountered by early adopters.

Slowly, Google is transforming its Android Auto technology into a standalone platform for cars, not just something to connect your phone to while in a car. Speaking of connectivity, the company will finally enable wireless connection between the user’s smartphone and the system, as the current version requires a cable.

The Mountain View giant also showcased a concept of the new Android Auto interface, which was placed in a Maserati Ghibli, Automotive News reports. The car had a 15-inch multimedia screen, complete with a high-definition digital instrument cluster.

The processor behind it all was a Snapdragon 820 chip from Qualcomm. Quick translation for Apple users: that chip is the flagship from the supplier, and some claim it’s faster than the Apple A9 and Samsung’s Exynos 8890.

Furthermore, the biggest news from Google’s conference was the fact that Android Auto will be available in the form of an app. This would allow Android users with older-model cars to benefit from the hands-free part of the experience by mounting their phones on individual (third-party) windscreen holders or in the dash.

While Android and iOS users already have access to Google Maps and other apps while driving, the new Android Auto interface will be optimized for safe usage when the customer is behind the wheel. Naturally, it won’t work on Apple’s iPhone range, as it is an Android-exclusive for the time being, and possibly forever. However, in the tech world, one must never say never.

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About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
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