Google and Audi plot new front in Android vs. iOS war

Google and Audi plot new front in Android vs. iOS war

After starting out in the world of smartphones, Google’s Android has since grown its presence in the world of technology by appearing on tablets, televisions, eyewear and more. Now it looks like we may know the market that the Bugdroid has its sights set on next: The world of automobiles.

A new report from The Wall Street Journal claims that Google and Audi are planning to take to the CES stage next month to announce their plans to create an Android-powered in-car entertainment system. Sources claim that Google and Audi will team up with other automotive and technology companies on the effort, including NVIDIA.

The announcement that Google is working directly with a car manufacturer comes seven months after Apple announced iOS in the Car. Where Apple’s platform integrates the iPhone into the car’s infotainment system to provide access to maps, messages, and other apps, Google and Audi’s joint efforts will see Android and Android-based apps run on the car’s own hardware.

GOOGLE’S ANNOUNCEMENT WILL COME SEVEN MONTHS AFTER APPLE ANNOUNCED IOS IN THE CAR

Eventually the project could allow drivers and passengers to access apps, music, navigation and other services that are similar to what’s already found on Android smartphones. This software would reportedly run on hardware built directly into the vehicle rather than rely on an Android-powered smartphone for the heavy lifting.

Some Audi drivers can already access Google products through their car: the German manufacturer started rolling out Tegra-powered entertainment and information systems in its vehicles in the same year that it demonstrated cars that could navigate through parking lots without a driver behind the wheel.

 ANDROID WILL RUN ON THE CAR’S OWN HARDWARE

Many of the details of Google and Audi’s work are still a mystery for now, but it makes sense that The Big G would look to vehicles as a way to help Android grow. Not only is it still a fairly wide open market, but Google can use its existing Android app base to ensure that its in-car system has a large selection of software for consumers at launch. Plus, as more people adopt smartphones and integrate them into their daily lives, they’ll want to be connected as much as possible and could see a familiar-looking Android entertainment system as a good reason to buy one vehicle over a different one that’s not similarly-equipped.

The Wall Street Journal says that Google and Audi will outline a timetable to offer Android-based systems in new models due to arrive over the next four or five years. Details of the collaboratively created systems aren’t yet known, but Google’s direct influence and quick response to its biggest competitor’s move into the automotive field ensure that the car will be the newest battleground for Android and iOS.

What do you think of the possibility of an Android-powered in-car entertainment system? Would such a setup influence your decision on whether or not to purchase a particular vehicle?