Honda Will Use Google's Android Automotive OS In 2022

Honda will soon launch vehicles with Android Automotive OS. (photo: doc. unsplash)

JAKARTA - Google's Android Auto feature recently received a number of improvements, including the company will embed the Android Automotive operating system into more cars, and for the first time Honda has entered the list.

Honda will soon launch vehicles with Google's embedded Android Automotive OS, including Google Assistant, Google Maps, and other Android apps approved by the operating system as default infotainment.

The first Honda vehicles with embedded Android will start rolling out in 2022. The Japanese automaker did not say which model it expects to get the new infotainment system first.

"We will collaborate with Google to further integrate Google's in-vehicle services in our vehicles including the ability to more easily use features such as the Google Assistant, Google Maps functionality, and other in-vehicle applications offered through Google Play," said a Honda spokesperson. as quoted from The Verge, Friday, September 24.

Now that the Android Automotive OS is integrated with select Ford, GM and Volvo cars, be prepared to see it in many new brands and models, such as the Chevy Silverado and Renault Mégane E-Tech.

It should be noted that Android Automotive is different from Android Auto. Where Android Automotive is the car's default infotainment system, controlling everything from music, navigation to heating and air conditioning, while Android Auto projects from smartphones to car dashboard displays and serves as Apple's CarPlay competitor.

According to Engadget, Google introduced the Android Auto app in 2015, allowing drivers to run a tethered connection between their smartphone and their vehicle's stereo system to play music from the device, have Maps turn-by-turn directions read aloud, and take voice calls.

In the six years since, Android Auto and the infotainment systems they operate on have gotten a lot smarter. While Android Auto has been designed to minimize distraction to the driver while on the road, from the beginning connecting the phone to an infotainment or stereo system has been everything.

The user must make sure the Bluetooth radio is on on the phone, then coax the vehicle to recognize and pair it with the device, then remember various spoken commands to prompt Android Auto to do what the user wants. But with an update coming, now drivers will soon be able to effectively automate the tethering process by simply saying "Hey Google, let's go for a ride."

What's more, Google has redesigned the Auto UI to allow access to a range of content sources including Amazon Music, Audible, iHeartRadio, JioSaavn, Pandora, Podcast Addict, SoundCloud, and YouTube Music with one-tap accessibility and the system reads text messages and allows drivers to respond with sound.

These new features will arrive over the next few weeks in English-speaking markets as well as Germany, Spain, Mexico, France and Italy. And for international travelers using dual-SIM phones, Android Auto will allow users to create separate Work and Private profiles and display a list of contacts and appointments on a calendar, depending on when and why they are behind the wheel.

For vehicles with an in-car display, Android Auto (mirror version, not the one found in Polestar 2 or XC40 Recharge) will soon bring some new features, such as games.

Google partnered with GameSnacks to offer drivers play while the vehicle is parked. Google is also making paying for refueling easier. Just say “Ok Google, pay for gas” and the vehicle infotainment system will complete the contactless payment with Google Pay.