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But things are different with EVs.
Basically, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are band-aids for poor native infotainment software.
Polestar 3 and its infotainment system(Image credit: Myriam Joire)
You dont project your iPhones screen onto your iPad.
You login to your iPad with your Apple ID and all your iPhones content is immediately available.
As with Android on mobile devices, AAOS comes in two flavors.
Polestar 3 and its infotainment system(Image credit: Myriam Joire)
Sounds awesome, right?
Unfortunately, things arent so great out there in the real world.
To be honest, Android Automotive with Google built-in is kind of a mess right now.
(Image credit: Myriam Joire)
But fear not: there is hope.
Polestar used to be Volvos performance division and is now an EV-only brand.
Polestar and Volvo are both owned by Chinese manufacturer Geely.
Acura-ZDX-Type-S exterior and infotainment system.(Image credit: Myriam Joire)
Both cars share the same SPA2 EV platform and are assembled in Volvos Ridgeville, South Carolina plant.
The Polestar 3 is sportier and more performance-oriented.
It features two rows of seats, with more space in the back.
(Image credit: Myriam Joire)
Meanwhile, the Volvo EX90 is a family-friendly 3-row SUV geared more toward comfort and luxury.
It competes squarely withKias top-range EV9and RiviansR1S.
To be honest, Android Automotive with Google built-in is kind of a mess right now.
(Image credit: Myriam Joire)
But fear not: there is hope.
Instead, Android Automotive with Google built-in takes center stage without becoming overbearing.
This infotainment software was clearly designed with care and attention to detail.
Cadillac-Lyriq exterior and infotainment system.(Image credit: Myriam Joire)
It works well and looks great, making it a pleasure to use.
Still, the software in these two cars isnt perfect.
Obviously, these cars share a lot of parts, especially interior parts.
(Image credit: Myriam Joire)
Its worth mentioning that, despite its heft, the Silverado EV RST drives really well.
As for Android Automotive with Google built-in, it looks and feels like an afterthought in all these EVs.
The infotainment experience isnt intuitive or attractive and lacks the modern design touches of Tesla or Rivians infotainment software.
(Image credit: Myriam Joire)
It looks and feels like usingWindows Mobileinstead of Android, with monochromatic icons and generic fonts.
Theres very little about this infotainment experience thats Google-rich.
And here we are.
Chevrolet Silverado EV RST exterior and infotainment system.(Image credit: Myriam Joire)
Wheres Google in all this?
Remember theHTC Dream/T-Mobile G1?
So I decided to reach out to Google and ask why Android Automotive is kind of a mess.
(Image credit: Myriam Joire)
In retrospect, that probably wasnt the most diplomatic question to start an interview.
Then again, Im not known to pull any punches.
Plus, its coming from a place of love Im a big fan of Android, after all.
Honda Prologue exterior and infotainment system.(Image credit: Myriam Joire)
Heres what I found out.
Basically, think of Android smartphones circa 2012.
RememberHTC Sense(the good) andSamsung TouchWiz(the bad)?
(Image credit: Myriam Joire)
Yeah, Android was kind of messy back then, too.
Fortunately, it didnt take long for things to mature.
Googles Pixel smartphones came out when Android was seven years old, and changed the game.
The exec reminded me that things move more slowly in the auto industry.
While thats true, I also think thats a bit of a cop-out.
Auto manufacturers tend to move more slowly, yes, but things are changing.
Tesla and Rivian are proof.
So it is possible for auto manufacturers to pick up the pace.
They just arent very good at making software and adopting new tech, so they are stalling.
I believe that Google needs to reign these OEMs in like it did with smartphones back in the day.
Lead by example and guide auto manufacturers by being more hands-on and by having stricter requirements.
Partner with Polestar, Volvo, and others to create something likeGoogle Play editionfor AAOS with GAS.
This will result in significantly better infotainment experiences and make Android Automotive more appealing to everyone.
Obviously, apps need to behave differently when a vehicle is parked than when its driving.
You dont want a driver to be distracted by a video or too much text on the infotainment screen.
Take Googles very ownYouTubeMusic app for example.
This appears to have been fixed since my meeting with Google.
Im sure its just a coincidence, but Ill take it.
Regardless, YouTube Music for AAOS is nowhere near as polished as it is on your phone.
Theres no NetFlix to watch videos while charging, and no Apple Music.
Forget messaging and communications apps.
You wont find Gmail, Google Calendar,WhatsApp, or Telegram.
Theres no Instagram or Tiktok here.
Going forward, developers will be able to choose between three Android app tiers for AAOS.
These apps require the most customization from developers.
It’s been seven years; its time.
