Google will bring support for meetings, games, YouTube and other new car apps

The tech giant is developing Android Auto and Android Automotive OS.

The cabins of modern cars are flooded with larger displays that promise good quality, high computing power, fast connections, etc. Apart from the usual multimedia displays, we are also increasingly encountering displays designed solely for the entertainment of passengers. So it’s no surprise that tech giants are trying to capitalize on this innovation in the automotive industry.

For example, during the recent Google I/O 2023 event, Google announced several innovations that it plans to implement in Android Auto functionality and in embedded systems with the Android Automotive OS operating system. It is already used by Renault, Ford, Nissan, Volvo, Honda, GMC and many others.

In the future, the Android Auto function should use applications such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams or WebEx, thanks to which employees will be able to participate in online meetings directly from the car. At the same time, Mercedes-Benz went a little further than Google and created a selfie camera in the new E-Class for the possibility of participating in meetings and videos. That is, when the car is parked.

However, the built-in Android Auto OS operating system should receive a larger share of information, which should provide more functionality focused on entertainment and communication. In the future, for example, the addition of the YouTube program is expected, thanks to which the employees of the electric car will be able to spend time watching their favorite videos on the charger.

Those who prefer less interactive usage time will also find it. In addition to YouTube, support for games is also planned – for example, GameSnacks studio. In this way, employees will be able to pass the time playing games such as Beach Buggy Racing 2, Solitare and many others.

The Google Assistant functionality should also receive new capabilities, which should be smarter overall. Thanks to its intelligent suggestions, the driver will be able, for example, to easily respond to messages, share his current location, etc.

We will also see improvements in the area of ​​navigation, while the traditional Google Maps will be supplemented by the Waze application, which is enjoying increasing popularity worldwide. In the case of electric vehicles, the application should also enable the search for chargers and the correct connector near or along the planned route.

Thanks to the connection to the vehicle system, instructions from the navigation can also be seen on the instrument panel, and the app can contain an overview of, for example, the battery/tank status. After all, thanks to the integration of the Google system directly into the car, manufacturers should also get data from various sensors, etc.

In relation to the increasing popularity of displays in front of passengers / passengers, Google is also working on multi-screen functionality, thanks to which each screen will be able to provide different content. At the same time, they will still be connected to the main multimedia system, thanks to which, for example, passengers from the back seats can send content to passengers in front. This feature is planned for Android Automotive OS 14.

Last but not least, the built-in system should also provide weather applications or IoT (Internet of Things) applications. At the same time, the Car Software Library should provide developers with a variety of frameworks that will facilitate the development of their applications. In addition, Google wants to facilitate the transfer of applications from tablets to cars. Obviously we have something to look forward to.