Okay, so maybe the headline is a little misleading. Technically both Audi and Volvo will be making their own Android devices but before you get too excited about an Audi smartphone (which we would totally buy, FYI), we’re referring to the two auto-makers including Android in upcoming vehicles.
Yup, that’s a thing now. Has been for a while now, but Google snagging two of the world’s high-end auto manufacturers to build it in to their cars rather than just having a smartphone’s Android Auto app interact with the vehicle is quite a coup.
Google made the announcement yesterday, saying that the companies will be letting drivers “…control your air conditioning, sunroof, and windows, find the nearest restaurant with Google Maps, listen to Spotify or NPR, or just ask your Google Assistant for help”, sans phone, in future vehicles, via baked-in Android Auto.
Volvo says that models featuring the in-car systems will be launching within the next couple of years, while Audi hasn’t given a timeline for launch. Since it’s already incorporated in the “…Audi Q8 sport concept technology platform”, it’s probably not far off.
Audi and Volvo will have a preview of their new in-car systems at Google I/O, which runs from 17 to 19 May (American time), so we should get a closer look at what real Android for cars will be capable of later this week.
Source: Google