In this guide I explain what Android Automotive is and how it differs from Android Auto. I also tell you how to try this system right now.In this guide I want to explain what Android Automotive is and, above all, how it differs from Android Auto. You may have heard about this new operating system for vehicles, but you may not be sure what implications it will have on the sector. Don’t worry! Here I provide you with all the information you need to resolve your doubts and stay up to date.
What is Android Automotive
Android Automotive is an operating system designed by Google and Intel for the automotive sector and, more specifically, for controlling infotainment systems. In simple terms, it is a platform that can be integrated into the car’s display and control almost all aspects of the vehicle. Initially, brands such as Volvo and Audi joined in the development of this software.
It should be noted that every car has an operating system inside it . It is responsible for managing things like music, ventilation, driving parameters and more. In the beginning, these systems were nothing more than firmwares , that is, very simple platforms. But with the arrival of more advanced infotainment systems, most of which include support for CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as touch panels, each automotive group has developed its own solutions.
Google’s intention when launching Android Automotive is that brands no longer have to develop operating systems and start using this solution. In fact, it’s the same thing that happens in the smartphone market . With the exception of Apple, all manufacturers use Android as an operating system, adding their own functions and services to it. It is even possible to use Android without Google services to launch devices. The same thing happens with Android Automotive.
This operating system for vehicles is open source . This means that any manufacturer can take it, adapt it to their needs and implement it in their models. They will also be able to adapt it to the peculiarities of their vehicles and add a layer of customization to the interface or add their own services. This would be the equivalent of Android AOSP for mobile phones.
So what does Google gain from all this? Well, just like in the smartphone world (there are many parallels, in fact), Google provides services to manufacturers so that they do not have to develop them themselves. These are GAS (Google Automotive Services) . In order to use them, the company must certify the operating system. Then, the brand can include Google Play, Google Maps and the Google Assistant. Therefore, although Android Automotive is open source, Google maintains a closed part that requires payment from manufacturers.
As a curiosity, I will tell you that not all manufacturers are using Android Automotive with Google services. For example, Stellantis (Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat…) has opted for TomTom maps and to include Alexa as an assistant, thus leaving Google aside.
Android Automotive and Android Auto are not the same thing
You may already know the differences between Android Auto and Android Automotive, especially after the explanation above. The difference between the two platforms is clear: Android Automotive is a full-fledged operating system; Android Auto is not . What does this mean?
- Android Automotive – It runs from within the vehicle’s own system. Apps also run within the system itself and do not require a connection to a phone. Therefore, it is an integrated device that is completely independent of any other.
- Android Auto . This is an application that runs on your phone and is projected onto the vehicle’s screen. It is essential to keep your smartphone connected, either by cable or wirelessly . All data is processed from your phone, never in the vehicle’s system.
As you can see, Google’s aim is to conquer infotainment systems, just as it did in the mobile market. They want to do this with an operating system developed by the company, but which any manufacturer can adapt to their needs . The benefit is clear: many brands will use Android Automotive with Google’s apps and services. And all this without depending on the phone.
How to try this system right now
Currently, there are two ways to test this system . The first is to have a car that uses it in its infotainment system. However, the other way is more accessible. It consists of creating a virtual machine with Android Studio . However, instead of choosing Android as the system, it is necessary to choose Android Automotive.
I recommend that you carefully read the guide that I linked to in the previous section. In it you will be able to learn the steps to test the main Google devices and the latest versions of Android on your computer. As you can see in the image above, there is a section dedicated to Android Automotive. Let’s get to work!
