Buying a car in two years? It might come with Android built in. No, not Android Auto, the interface that allows you to project parts of your phone's screen on an in-dash display—that's already in many cars on the road today.
Instead, Google wants automakers to install the Android operating system itself in the dashboard computers of future models, where it could one day send text messages and maybe even control the fan speed in your luxury sedan's ventilated seats.
And it is luxury vehicles where Android, like most new technology in the car industry, will first appear. Volvo on Monday announced plans to launch it on new models within two years (including in the XC60, pictured above); Audi plans to do the same.
The exact feature set isn't clear yet, but Google suggested in a blog post on Monday that Android will be able to control the car's air conditioning, sunroof, and windows. Being Android, it will also be able to perform the driving-related tasks you've come to expect from your phone, like looking up directions, streaming a road trip playlist, or conversing with the Google Assistant.
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The prospect of a car with Android powering its infotainment system sounds great in theory, until you consider that part of the reason for the existence of Android Auto and its competitor Apple CarPlay is to get technology into cars faster than would otherwise be possible by relying on the auto industry's lethargic tech upgrade lifecycle.
With Android Auto, you can upgrade your car's in-dash tech simply by buying a new phone, but with Android built in, you'd likely have to rely on the automaker for OS updates, and your mechanic for tech support. That's an unappealing proposition for people who always like to have the latest software.
Google plans to show off a preview of the Android car version at its I/O developers conference this week, so stay tuned to learn more about how the system will work.
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