In not such a surprising move – as we all knew that the next big thing to be turned into a “˜smart device‘ would, naturally , be a car – Google has announced its plans to bring Android to your car, and it seems they have the backing of some big players.
Yesterday, at the 2014 CES Show in Las Vegas, Google introduced the world to the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA). The OAA is a worldwide alliance that aims to connect tech and auto industry leaders.
The aim of the OAA is to enable (and inspire) a better integration between cars and Android devices. However, that being said, Google has also stated that they are actually developing a new Android platform that will enable the car itself to become a connected Android device. Think music streaming in your car via cloud, and having it automatically call up the maps you searched for on your smartphone…
Although Google will obviously be at the forefront of this development, they are also encouraging others (in the auto and tech industry) to join in on the fun.
Android‘s open development model – which has become somewhat of a trademark for them – will naturally make the process easier for different parties to join.
Along with Google, the other founding members of the OAA include Audi, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai and tech company, Nvidia.
These first, founding members have all committed to bring Android to cars within this year. This may sound like a hard act to follow through on – but considering the scale of the companies backing Google‘s idea, it might still become a reality.
However, there is no fun without a little competition, right? And who better to challenge Google and Android in their latest adventure than Apple and their iOS.
Back in October of 2013, Apple announced a similar idea to integrate iOS into cars at their Worldwide Development Conference.
“˜iOS in the Car‘ features messaging, Apple Maps and Siri voice control, which is all tailored specifically to in-car use.
While Apple managed to sign on a good couple of partners for their innovation, some of them have also lent their backing to Android – something that might become problematic in the future with the inevitable clash between the two.
In 2013, Honda, General Motors and Hyundai signed on with Apple, and, surprise surprise, yesterday they also signed on with the OAA.
While Google might be planning a car that will eventually be a total integration of yourself, Apple will most likely be gearing up to challenge them in the same direction.
Whether it‘s going to be Android or iOS, “˜smart-cars‘ (and not the tiny, multi-coloured road blimps we associate the term with now) is the way of the future. Now just to wait and see if “˜the future‘ will happen in 2014.
