- More Android Automotive apps coming to cars soon
- Small adjustments made by developers will ensure that applications are authorized for use
- Gaming and streaming services are the focus of the first wave
An increasing number of major automakers are turning to Android Automotive as the operating system of choice to power modern automobile infotainment systems. It’s a no-brainer, really: a tablet-like user experience that includes native Google Maps is possibly all the software you need.
However, the Google Play store is often quite dismal when accessed from a vehicle’s infotainment system, simply because the number of apps that have been cleared for safe and legal use in the automotive space is currently limited. .
But that’s all about to change, as Google has announced a “car-ready mobile app program” that it says will distribute eligible mobile apps in the video, gaming and browser categories to cars with “little to no work.” of further development”.
This is expected to accelerate a glut of new apps in the Google Play store, meaning drivers and vehicle owners will have a lot more to download from the aforementioned categories in February and beyond.
According to Android Authority, Google has essentially spent time searching the Google Play store for quality mobile apps that are compatible with large screens and evaluating them to see if they are safe to use in cars while they are parked.
In addition to this, applications must be able to run on the x86 CPUs and relative application binary interface (ABI) found in most automotive applications today, rather than the ARM devices found on mobile devices and tablets.
While this first wave of the program focuses on the three categories mentioned above and features a fairly strict set of compatibility guidelines, the company says that a large number of apps will also work with a recent ‘compatibility mode’ software update that is being implemented. to vehicles powered by Android Automotive.
Analysis: Towards a smartphone experience in the car
Of the many infotainment systems I’ve used over the past 12 months, those running Android Automotive have always been among the best.
They are clever, easy to use and the fact that Google Maps communicates with the vehicle in question ensures that route planning and navigation is done taking into account the range and battery charge of the electric vehicle.
However, the Google Play store has been quite limited in what it can offer on the increasingly larger touchscreens found in current-generation vehicles.
There’s also a discrepancy between which models and manufacturers get the greatest variety of apps, as Google has to certify that vehicles “meet program requirements” before rolling out updates, according to Android Authority.
The same applies here, as the apps that have been accelerated through the Car-Ready Mobile Apps program will only be available on those vehicles with Google integrated that, according to the Californian tech giant, meet all of these requirements.
The good news is that Google is working with OEMs to strengthen its list of certified manufacturers and brands, meaning that most cars running Android Automotive are likely to have access to a much larger number of apps. by mid-2025.
