Carmakers To Roll Out Android Auto-Powered Rides In 2016

Android will be in your car, helping you drive. James Bond will probably say, “Reality is finally catching up.”

Smart cars have always been part of futuristic artists’ imaginations. From Isaac Asimov, to the lesser-known John Brunner, man has been dreaming of the day when cars are self-driving, or, at least, smart. These past few years have marked the time when tech companies are finally bringing these visionary men’s dreams into reality.

Although Google is bent on perfecting self-driving cars, they’re also in the business of giving cars a “smarter side,” with Android Auto.

Android Auto not only lets your car display GPS and turn-by-turn location information, it will also bring everything your Android can do onto your car’s dashboard screen. It’s going to bring a new world of infotainment into your car, which may prove useful for long drives.

Google Maps and GPS no longer need to be viewed from a separate device. The driver can just glance at the console beside him, while the passenger beside him can access media from the console as well. Android Auto hopes to bring apps such as Google Now, Google Play Music, Spotify, Pandora, and other third-party apps to redefine the driving experience.

Android Auto will roll out with Lollipop 5.1.1. out of the box. It will be powered by the user’s Android, and navigation will be via voice and the touch screen panel. Hands-free calls will be made easier, as well, through Bluetooth.

This week, Volkswagen announced that their 2016 models will be carrying Android Auto. Honda has also announced that their 2016 models will be powered by Android Auto. Pioneer has already rolled out head units powered by Android Auto.

The companies that have decided to adopt Android Auto include:

-Abarth

-Acura

-Alfa Romeo

-Audi Bentley

-Chevrolet

-Chrysler

-Citroën

-Dodge

-DS

-Fiat

-Ford

-Holden

-Honda

-Hyundai

-Infiniti

-Jeep

-Kia

-Mahindra

-Maserati

-Mazda

-Mitsubishi

-Nissan

-Opel

-Peugeot

-Ram

-Renault

-Seat

-Škoda

-Ssangyong

-Subaru

-Suzuki

-Vauxhall

-Volkswagen

-Volvo

Ferrari, Jaguar, Lamborghini, and Mercedes-Benz have not signed up for Android Auto, just yet.

Android Auto is the direct competitor of Apple’s CarPlay on iOS.