Google is integrating Android into car dashboard and display systems, partnering with Audi, GM, Honda, Hyundai and hardware manufacturer NVIDIA in the Open Automotive Alliance.
Patrick Brady, Android’s director of engineering, announced the partnership in a blog post today in tandem with a press release from the newly formed OAA. The release claimed the first connected cars will be launched by the end of 2014, though it’s not specified which automaker will be the first to manufacture a vehicle with “Android integration.”
“Putting Android in the car will bring drivers apps and services they already know and love, while enabling automakers to more easily deliver cutting-edge technology to their customers,” Brady wrote. “And it will create new opportunities for developers to extend the variety and depth of the Android app ecosystem in new, exciting and safe ways.”
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According to the OAA website, new platform features for Android are being developed to enable the connected car itself to act as an Android device. One carmaker, GM, mentioned the opportunities of pairing the Android platform with OnStar 4G LTE connectivity in future Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles.
