Android Automotive is a proprietary OS for cars that Google has developed over the past few years and that can already be found at Polestar and Volvo. But in 2022 and 2023 many new cars with the OS will come onto the market.
Android Automotive gets a logo
These include new models from Polestar and Volvo, the Stellantis Group, i.e. Opel and Co. and Volkswagen AG is also partly involved, here a version of Android Automotive will be used by Audi and Porsche ( PPE models ).
But that’s not the end of it, as Renault is also moving to Google this year, as can Honda and BMW. The OS is just catching on and that’s why it’s now getting its own logo:
Oh, and a new logo…. Seems like folk are getting invested :). pic.twitter.com/7iERzFNwd7
— Al Sutton (@alsutton) March 17, 2022
Google uses the abbreviation AAOS (Android Automotive Operating System) and does without the green Android logo. Although you can see it (click on the picture) at the very bottom, a “Powered by Android” is included.
What is Android Automotive?
Android Automotive is sort of a native version of Android Auto, so you can use the OS without a smartphone (modern cars usually have their own internet connection). Android Auto apps can be easily customized and published to the Google Play Store (AAOS has its own Play Store).
Like Android, AAOS can be used as an open-source version. Then you don’t have to use Google services and can develop your own apps. That will probably be the way, because Volkswagen AG, for example, will soon be leaving.
But you can slowly see that Google has been able to inspire many brands to take the step to Android Automotive in recent months. Doesn’t surprise me, because such an OS can be very expensive to develop and maintain. Here you get it “for free” and then there are also apps like YouTube and Co. with it. I am sure that Android Automotive will be an important topic at Google I/O 2022, maybe Google will also talk about the new version 12 there.