Making technology in cars safer and better is a boon to Google and Apple, who have both developed alliances with car manufacturers. This is also a huge advantage to automakers. Car makers who try connectivity options on their own find their 4 to 5 year cycle for new car models makes them totally out of date with technology by the time their vehicles hit the market. By allying with mobile OS, they do not have to develop the technology in house and have the advantage of current developments by the OS provider.
Open Automotive Alliance – Google
Tech companies and auto industry leaders such as Audi, GM, Honda and Hyundai have joined forces in Open Automotive Alliance to make the connected car a reality. Google is expanding its mobile platform to the automotive industry, much in the same way that Apple is doing with its iOS initiative.
Mary Chan, President of General Motors’ Global Connected Consumer unit states “We see huge opportunities for the Android platform paired with OnStar 4G LTE connectivity in future Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles.”
“The expansion of the Android platform into automotive will allow our industry partners to more easily integrate mobile technology into cars and offer drivers a familiar, seamless experience so they can focus on the road,” according to Sundar Pichai, SVP of Android, Chrome & Apps at Google.
“The car is the ultimate mobile computer. With onboard supercomputing chips, futuristic cars of our dreams will no longer be science fiction,” said Jen-Hsun Huang, president and chief executive officer, NVIDIA. “The OAA will enable the car industry to bring these amazing cars to market faster.”
Automobile safety is a great concern to Google and the carmakers. They are working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to ensure drivers remain focused and safe on the road while using these new technologies.
iOS in the Car – Apple
Apple now has a Siri-centric iOS for the Car user environment optimized for safer,
eyes free vehicle use. Apple’s chief executive Tim Cook addressed “iOS in the Car,” the company’s strategy for automobiles, calling it “very, very important” and a “key focus for us.” The name of their iOS system for cars is “CarPlay”.
Cook explained, “It is a part of the ecosystem. And so just like the App Store is a key part of the ecosystem, and iTunes and all of our content is key, and the services we provide from messaging to Siri and so forth, having something in the automobile is very, very important. It’s something that people want. And I think that Apple can do this in a unique way, and better than anyone else. And so it’s a key focus for us.”
Both Google and Apple have their systems in a wide range of vehicles that have been released over the past few years. If your current car or truck doesn’t already have this technology, there’s a good chance your next one will.
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