Google’s Android Automotive OS is coming to Honda vehicles in 2022 | Engadget

A number of options are being added to Google’s Android Auto expertise, and the corporate’s Automotive OS will come to extra vehicles together with, for the primary time, Honda automobiles from 2022 onwards.

Google launched its Android Auto app in 2015, enabling drivers to run a tethered connection between their smartphone and their automobile’s stereo system to play music from the system, have Maps’ turn-by-turn instructions be learn aloud, and take calls by means of the sound system. In the six years since, each Android Auto and the infotainment methods they function on have gotten a complete lot smarter. On Thursday, Google introduced that it is going to be rolling out much more options and capabilities to drivers, whether or not they run Android Auto on their telephones or straight by means of their vehicles.

While Android Auto has been designed to attenuate distractions to the driving force when on the street, initially connecting the telephone to the infotainment or stereo system has so far been a complete factor. You’d have to verify the Bluetooth radio was dwell in your telephone, then cajole the automobile into recognizing and pairing with the system, then bear in mind the myriad numerous oral instructions to incite Android Auto into doing what you really needed it to. But now not! Drivers will quickly be capable to successfully automate the tethering course of simply by saying “Hey Google, let’s drive.” 

What’s extra, Google has redesigned the Auto UI to allow entry to a bevy of content material sources together with Amazon Music, Audible, iHeartRadio, JioSaavn, Pandora, Podcast Addict, SoundCloud, and YouTube Music with one-tap accessibility in addition to have the system learn incoming textual content messages aloud and permit the driving force to reply by voice. Expect to see these new options arrive over the subsequent few weeks in English-speaking markets in addition to Germany, Spain, Mexico, France and Italy.

And for worldwide vacationers utilizing dual-SIM telephones, Android Auto will let you set up separate Work and Personal profiles and have their related contact lists and calendar appointments show, relying on when and why they’re behind the wheel.

For automobiles with in-car shows, Android Auto (the mirroring model, not what you’d discover on the Polestar 2 or the XC40 Recharge) will quickly boast a number of new options, comparable to video games. Google is partnering with GameSnacks to supply drivers fast and enjoyable diversions to play whereas the automobile is parked. Finally, an finish to doom-scrolling whereas sitting in public charging tons. Conversely, Google is making paying for gasoline much less interactive. Just say “Hey Google, pay for gas” to have the automobile’s infotainment system full a contactless cost with Google Pay. You do have to pick the gas grade and, , really pump the gasoline however, nonetheless. The function will probably be out there at Exxon and Mobil gasoline stations to begin with help for Shell, Conoco, Phillips 66 and 76 stations coming quickly.

As for the built-in Android Automotive OS (like what you’d discover in choose Ford, GM, and Volvo automobiles), get able to see it in a complete bunch of recent makes and fashions. Google introduced on Thursday that its newest companion is Honda, which is able to start producing automobiles with built-in AAOS come the 2022 mannequin 12 months, and can quickly be out there in each the Chevy Silverado and the Renault Mégane E-Tech.