Android Auto has become a super-common feature on new cars these days, but Google is also betting big on a separate project that would provide deeper integration of its services.
It’s Android Automotive, a fully-featured operating system that’s pre-loaded from the factory and which provides users with more advanced capabilities than Android Auto.
For example, since it’s the software powering the infotainment system, Android Automotive also has access to vehicle functions. And this means you can turn to Google Assistant to adjust your climate control system hands-free or even change the settings of your seats.
Android Automotive is already installed in a handful of cars, but at the same time, Google is already working with other automakers to embrace the OS as well.
After announcing the Hummer EV would come with Android Automotive pre-installed, GMC is now adopting the operating system once again on the new 2022 Sierra.
The company hasn’t talked a lot about this upgrade, though it did confirm in a recent announcement that it’s offering Google services as a built-in offering.
Furthermore, GMC explained the integration of Google services would allow drivers to “control vehicle functions and more,” so even if it doesn’t call Android Automotive by name, it’s pretty clear this is the OS to power the new experience.
Android Automotive will be offered alongside support for Android Auto and CarPlay, so in theory, if you’re not a big fan of Google’s platform and would rather stick with Apple, you can also connect an iPhone to the car.
But as said, the integration of Android Automotive comes with several benefits, and one of them is the more straightforward experience that doesn’t require a mobile device. Apps like Google Maps and Google Play Store run directly on the head unit, and after logging in with your Google account, you only need to connect your phone to the car for charging.
For example, since it’s the software powering the infotainment system, Android Automotive also has access to vehicle functions. And this means you can turn to Google Assistant to adjust your climate control system hands-free or even change the settings of your seats.
Android Automotive is already installed in a handful of cars, but at the same time, Google is already working with other automakers to embrace the OS as well.
After announcing the Hummer EV would come with Android Automotive pre-installed, GMC is now adopting the operating system once again on the new 2022 Sierra.
The company hasn’t talked a lot about this upgrade, though it did confirm in a recent announcement that it’s offering Google services as a built-in offering.
Furthermore, GMC explained the integration of Google services would allow drivers to “control vehicle functions and more,” so even if it doesn’t call Android Automotive by name, it’s pretty clear this is the OS to power the new experience.
Android Automotive will be offered alongside support for Android Auto and CarPlay, so in theory, if you’re not a big fan of Google’s platform and would rather stick with Apple, you can also connect an iPhone to the car.
But as said, the integration of Android Automotive comes with several benefits, and one of them is the more straightforward experience that doesn’t require a mobile device. Apps like Google Maps and Google Play Store run directly on the head unit, and after logging in with your Google account, you only need to connect your phone to the car for charging.