Google And Audi To Launch Android Based Infotainment Systems

Google has big plans to put Android in cars, and will start by announcing a tie-up with Audi at CES 2014 next week, according to the WSJ. Its sources said that Android will power an in-car entertainment system for that automaker, which will run on hardware built directly into the car rather than your smartphone.

The collaboration will also involve NVIDIA, and such a system would give you access to the same navigation, entertainment and communication functions available on your handheld device.

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Agent009 - 12/30/2013 11:40:33 AM

+2 Boost

Hopefully the Germans won't get too upset when Google swipes their proprietary innovations and they end up in an Android phone.

After all isn't the Android way of doing things? Collaborate, and take as your own?

jeffy210 - 12/31/2013 2:52:38 PM

+1 Boost

So this shouldn't be too much of a departure for the MMI system. Currently it uses an underlying linux kernel already with it's own custom user-space and a nVidia chip for most of the rendering. This will basically swap out the custom user-space portion with a custom Android interface that will allow them access to more programs and developers.

The big risk will be making sure they develop the UI right and are more rigid about their acceptance criteria otherwise they'll have a problem on their hands. Hopefully it does mean an easier to hack and play with interface (though it's pretty customizable right now)