Google and Qualcomm might not be making phones together anymore with the search giant opting to build its chips in-house instead, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still pals. They’re now working collaboratively on the on-board CPU for Renault’s next electric vehicle: the Mégane E-Tech Electric.
Qualcomm, Google and Renault make a techie trio
Qualcomm announced in a press release that it would be partnering with Google and Renault Group, “to design a rich and immersive in-vehicle experience” for the automakers “next-generation electric vehicle, the new Mégane E-TECH Electric.”
Renault will make use of Qualcomm’s 3rd Generation Automotive Cockpit Platforms to power the E-TECH Electric’s infotainment system. It’ll use a touch screen display to control and display things like navigation and volume control. 3rd Generation Automotive Cockpit Platforms will also provide the high computational power necessary to support the E-TECH Electric’s AI functions, such as, “ in-car virtual assistance, natural interactions between the vehicle and driver, and contextual safety use cases.”
Google’s involvement comes in the form of its Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS), which the E-TECH Electric’s digital cockpit will run on. This will grant it built-in access to Google Assistant, navigation courtesy of Google Maps, and, “a rich ecosystem of automotive applications and services on Google Play that are connected and upgradeable.”
Qualcomm notes that the direct involvement of both it and Google in the E-TECH Electric’s DNA give it “substantial upgradeable capabilities” as and when new developments are made by either or both companies. We only hope this doesn’t start a trend where older cars are made redundant by dropped software support, like smartphones.
Nonetheless, Renault is excited by the partnership.
“Digital cockpits have quickly transformed how drivers and passengers interact with their vehicles, allowing for more personalization and enhanced comfort,” said Thierry Cammal, Alliance Global Vice President of Renault Software Factory. “We believe that our continued work with Google and Qualcomm Technologies is critical to redefining in-vehicle experiences, allowing us to provide advanced features and capabilities to elevate the experiences for drivers and passengers.”