Android Auto and CarPlay have built-in support for hands-free voice commands, ultimately reducing the level of distraction behind the wheel.
Both systems have one major drawback. Based on a fully car-optimized experience, it blocks certain apps from running. YouTube and Netflix are the two biggest names not allowed in the car, even though they make perfect sense when the car isn’t moving.
Automakers are aggressively investing in more advanced infotainment systems, and CarPlay and Android Auto are slowly losing momentum.
This is because the new generation of features will allow more apps to run in the car. In many cases, you don’t need a mobile device to enhance your experience.
A good example is Mercedes’ new MB.OS operating system.
Photo: Polestar
In addition to providing Google Maps Platform and YouTube to drivers, MB.OS also has one big advantage. This includes his new MBUX API for Android, which allows developers to essentially bring their apps to the operating system.
Android apps can run in the car via Android Automotive or on the Android head unit using a 3rd party HU upgrade.
The cheapest alternative to running Google Maps and Waze behind the wheel is to install an Android tablet on your dashboard. Bluetooth connectivity allows audio to be routed to vehicle speakers.
Mercedes’ new operating system runs Linux, a platform that has a lot in common with Android. For example, Google’s mobile OS runs on a custom version of the Linux kernel.
As such, Linux and Android are considered a perfect match, allowing mobile apps to run on the desktop. This is a concept that Microsoft uses for Windows as well. Microsoft’s operating system now lets you run Android apps on your desktop computer. This functionality is provided by a solution called Windows Subsystem for Android and is bundled with Windows 11.
Mercedes’ new API allows developers to optimize their apps to run in the company’s vehicles. No further guidance has been provided in this regard, but automakers may continue to introduce a range of restrictions. For example, video apps are blocked from running when the vehicle starts moving, but audio is still allowed. Additionally, some app categories may be prohibited.
Photo: Screenshot from GMC Hummer EV Channel
apple’s answer
Android is taking the car by storm, and Apple’s response is expected later this year. However, his Cupertino-based iPhone maker seems more inclined to rely on partnerships with automakers, and in the long run, this could affect adoption of the company’s software behind the wheel. I have.
Next-generation CarPlay, scheduled for later this year, will come as part of a collaboration between Apple and automakers. In fact, it offers a significantly upgraded experience compared to the current CarPlay version, including support for all screens in the cabin.
However, when it comes to apps, CarPlay is expected to concentrate in the same category as its existing siblings. This means most restrictions may still apply, so media apps like YouTube and Netflix may still be disallowed.
Honestly, there’s a good reason companies aren’t necessarily interested in putting these apps in their cars. Generated distractions aside, monetizing in-car video content is much more difficult than desktop computers and mobile phones. Video streaming services such as Netflix fit this strategy more efficiently because you already pay a subscription fee to access the content.
Photo: Apple
Ultimately, the app battle between Android and iOS extends to cars, and based on progress so far, Google seems to be gaining momentum faster than Apple.
Android Automotive, a full-featured operating system that automakers can install at the hardware level, is also winning the hearts of more companies. This is a big win for Google, not just in terms of Android adoption, but as far as data is concerned. Android Automotive allows Google to access vehicle data such as battery level for Google Maps navigation.
Not all automakers are willing to give up customer data in exchange for Android in their cars. BMW is one of the biggest names to refuse to do so, with the German automaker planning to use an open-source version of Android Automotive without Google services built-in.
This will allow BMW to maintain its own app store and offer drivers an alternative to Google services. Ultimately, we will continue to offer Android apps, but we will no longer give control to search companies. The German automaker will launch its first models with Android Automotive next year. The biggest challenge is developing apps to replace Google services, such as Google Maps, the default navigation software.
