Google and Fiat Chrysler (FCA) have worked together to
build a new infotainment system on top of Android, the companies
announced ahead of the beginning of CES today. The project combines
FCA’s UConnect infotainment system with Android 7.0 Nougat. It keeps the
carmaker’s user interface while integrating a number of apps like
Google Assistant and Maps, as well as other Android apps like Pandora,
Spotify, and others.
It’s an expansion of a partnership between the two companies that saw Chrysler working with Google to build 100 Pacifica minivans integrated with Google’s autonomous driving hardware and software.
At Google I/O earlier this year, the company laid out its ambitions
to have Android tied into every user-facing system in the car,
integrated into everything from climate control and audio controls to
the speedometer. That system is open-source and available for
customization to the automaker’s tastes, even including support for
Android Auto and CarPlay. Many carmakers believe their infotainment user
interface is an extension of the car brand itself, which makes
customizability hugely important.
“With Android, we are able to maintain our unique and
intuitive Uconnect user interface, all while
integrating our easy-to-use
systems with Android’s features and ecosystem of applications,” said
Chris Barman, FCA’s head of electrical engineering, in a statement.
If carmakers can save time and money developing
infotainment systems on top of Android, especially with a pre-existing
Android app ecosystem, the platform could take off. It faces competition
both from advanced platforms divisions within carmakers (like Audi’s virtual cockpit) as well as other platforms like BlackBerry’s QNX.
Since most vehicle infotainment systems are terribly
difficult to use, just about anything that can make them better is a
must-have, but there’s no word from FCA or Google on when the platform
might make it to dealer showrooms.
Source : TheVerge
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