Google Accelerates Android Auto and Automotive OS Enhancements
Google is making significant strides in the automotive sphere, unveiling a suite of new updates aimed at enriching the Android Auto and Android Automotive OS experience. The tech giant’s efforts are set to make app integration within vehicles more intuitive and widespread.
Android Auto’s compatibility has soared, now encompassing over 200 million cars, while nearly 40 models, including the likes of the Nissan Rogue and Ford Explorer, come equipped with Google’s technology. This integration is paving the way for a host of new apps to enter the automotive scene, enhancing the in-car experience for drivers and passengers alike.
The past year has witnessed a burgeoning ecosystem of apps tailored for these platforms. Entertainment options are expanding, with the introduction of Max, Peacock, and even Angry Birds on select vehicles featuring Google built-in. Meanwhile, the Uber Driver app has made its way to Android Auto, offering a streamlined way for drivers to manage their services from their vehicle’s display.
In a notable innovation, Google Cast is making its debut in vehicles equipped with Android Automotive OS, starting with Rivian models. This feature will allow users to project video content from their devices to the car’s display while stationary, enriching the in-car entertainment options. For developers, this represents an opportunity to extend their reach within the automotive market with ease.
Google is also introducing new quality tiers to assist developers in overcoming the challenges associated with designing apps for automotive use. These tiers—Car Differentiated, Car Optimized, and Car Ready—are inspired by the standards set for large screens and aim to ensure a consistent, high-quality experience across the diverse array of in-car displays.
Quality Tiers Explained:
- Tier 1: Car Differentiated: These apps are meticulously crafted to function flawlessly within the automotive environment, adapting to various displays and ensuring an optimal experience in both driving and parked states.
- Tier 2: Car Optimized: Apps that fall into this category are designed to perform well on the main car display and include features tailored for automotive use, whether the vehicle is in motion or at rest.
- Tier 3: Car Ready: These are apps that are already compatible with large screens and require minimal tweaks to function when the vehicle is parked, offering an experience akin to that on larger Android devices.
Google’s Car Ready Mobile Apps program is set to further streamline the integration process, certifying existing mobile apps that are well-suited for use in vehicles. Starting with apps for parked use such as video and gaming, the program will eventually broaden its scope.
Developers aiming to tailor their apps for automotive screens will find a wealth of new tools and emulators at their disposal. These include an emulator for panoramic displays and a tool for adapting user interfaces to the unique screen shapes found in cars. Furthermore, an Android Automotive OS system image for the Pixel Tablet will enable developers to test their apps in a simulated automotive environment.
With these comprehensive resources and guidelines provided on the Android for Cars developer site, Google is inviting developers to bring their apps into the automotive domain, promising an enriched and connected experience for all users on the road.
For a deep dive into the world of automotive app development and to discover the latest tools and resources, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Android for Cars developer site.
