Honda has announced that its next vehicles will arrive with Google’s operating system for the car, Android Automotive, as the result of a collaboration between the Japanese manufacturer and the Mountain View company. The first cars with the aforementioned platform will begin to be sold in 2022, although the models are unknown.
Until now, Honda has used its own operating system for its newer vehicles. This one is based on Android, which is open source. The functions, however, are more limited by not including Google services. With Android Automotive, the Japanese manufacturer will be able to maintain the benefits of its operating system, in addition to the possibility of using the functions that the American company develops for use in the car.
In fact, Honda has highlighted that adding Android Automotive aims to provide a better experience thanks to the functionalities offered by Google. “We will collaborate with Google to better integrate Google’s on-board services into our vehicles, including the ability to more easily use features such as Google Assistant, Google Maps functionality, and other in-vehicle applications offered through Google Play.” featured a spokesperson through an email sent to The Vergand.
Honda is not the only manufacturer that will bet on Android Automotive. At the beginning of the year, Ford confirmed that all models launched from 2023, even the cheapest ones, will arrive with this platform.
Honda bets on Android Automotive: more complete and intuitive than Android Auto
Android Automotive it is very different from Android Auto. In this case, the operating system that Honda intends to include in its vehicles does not need a connection to a smartphone, as it does with Android Auto. Automotive, in addition, can integrate controls like air conditioning, parking systems, seating configuration, etc. With the possibility, in addition, of using google applications for the car. Also synchronize the smartphone to receive calls and notifications or make use of the Google assistant.
Android Auto, on the other hand, stands out for the possibility of using applications or linking the smartphone on the car screen to improve the driving experience. This tool, however, is more limited. They don’t offer car controls and it needs a mobile connected via cable or wirelessly for it to work.