Android cars: Dream of every driver
At a first look, cars and Smartphone don’t seem to have a very solid connection. We use our smartphones to talk with friends and family, access the web, and take photos; on the other hand, we use cars to move from one place to another, so it appears that the two tech innovations are pretty different from each other.
In spite of all these apparent discrepancies, car manufacturers have started to spot all sorts of similarities between these two, and they’re investing huge amounts of money into wireless features in an effort to make them proficient mobile devices that can also move at an incredible speed. Over the past few years, the term ‘Android cars’ has managed to revolutionize the market; car makers have started to integrate iOS systems into their vehicles in order to make the smarter and a lot more practical.
Android cars – the smart car of 2014
At the CES 2013, in January, over one hundred famous technology corporations have presented their services allied with futuristic “smart cars”. Plus, several renowned carmakers, such as General Motors, Ford and Hyundai, have introduced their technological works of art. Among the most impressive trends that they’ve recently embraced we should point out: parking guidance, self-driving technology, improved entertainment facilities, and more.
Consequently, a popular application known as Waze, includes modern GPS navigation services right on your personal Smartphone, and car manufacturers are constantly struggling to integrate their own, unique, software services and overcome their competitors.
These types of services generally use operating systems to function and connect to web protocols. Yet, the main question is: what’s the name of the operating system? Well, that’s one secret manufacturers haven’t revealed thus far.
Several exquisite carmakers, like Audi and BMW, use their own software platforms, such as Audi’s MMI, which incorporates Google Earth imagery, as well as Google Maps data, both incorporated in its A3 model. Other manufacturers like Ford, use special in-car system that utilizes Microsoft’s “Windows Embedded Automotive” OS. However, there are some that have been experimenting open-source platforms, such as GENIVI, Linux, and even the popular Android.
Are all manufacturers using the Android OS?
Thomas Stuermer, from the Accenture’s high-tech and electronics group, claims that some of these corporations have been utilizing the kernel of Android to strengthen their infotainment systems, and power their in-vehicle systems, such as the audio, video, navigation, and the controller operating system. However, he refused to name any of the car manufacturers that were doing it.
However, these were several car producers that were honest, and admitted that they employed the Android operating system. For instance Renault’s latest Clio model comes with an infotainment system that features the Android-based R-link, as well as the famous Saab model. Intel subsidiary Wind River collaborated in 2011 with the stereo maker Clarion to produce various types of Android-based infotainment systems. Also, the selection of operating systems for vehicles has become extremely significant for both producers and consumers; hence, these are a lot more knowledgeable and capricious.
In most cases, the winning infotainment system for most customers should have a safe, robust, and flexible operating system. Surely, an Android automobile might have some similarities with Android for smartphones, but there will also be significant differences.
Considering that the platform is open-source, vehicle manufacturers will most probably customize it, just like Amazon personalized Android to go with its Kindle operating system. Likewise, car producers seem to be extremely vigilant about aligning themselves with less widespread mobile ecosystems, such as Android, as they fear to put people off.
All in all, in spite of all technological innovations that invaded the market lately, it seems that for most clients an operating system for cars is of the utmost importance. People are interested in the functionality and the features of a certain vehicle, but they also want to know how car can it be.
Android cars – a dream car for every driver
There’s no doubt that Android cars will be revolutionary. At this point, car makers are preparing the people for the unexpected, and although some secrets have been revealed, more innovations will follow up. Today’s modern driver is looking for a lot more than just functionality. While Bluetooth integration’s and Google Maps data are being a high demand, several other ground-breaking features will soon be revealed.
Author Bio: The article is written by Michael Clark. He is a professional blogger and content writer. He always tries to keep his articles interesting and useful for readers. He also works as a writer at the site design911.co.uk, which is for Porsche spare parts and accessories.