BMW announced in a press release that from 2023 will use Android Automotive on certain vehicles. The German company joins others such as Ford, Renault, Honda or Polestar using or planning to use the platform in the near future. software for cars designed by Google.

In the case of BMW, yes, there seems to be a feature: the company will use a version of Android Automotive without Google services. Earlier this year, the company announced a deal with Aptoide, an alternative app store, so they’ll likely use it instead of the Google Play Store.

This is possible because Android Automotive, like the mobile phone variant of Android, it’s free. Anyone who wants can take the system, modify it as they wish and implement it on the devices they need. Amazon is a good example of this. American company takes each release Android as a basis for the development of Fire OS systems, which they subsequently implement in their tablets, smart TVs and sticks like Fire TV.

Rival BMW brands such as Renault or Polestar have also opted to use Android Automotive, although they did so at the hands of Google. This means that the services of the American company (such as Google Maps, Google Assistant, Google Play Store or YouTube) are available in vehicles of the aforementioned brands. In the case of BMW, unless there is a future agreement, these services will not be available.

Photo by Artem Vallat on Unsplash

BMW concedes like everyone else with Android Automotive

Development software has always been one of the unresolved issues for automotive brands. For years, their infotainment systems have been far from what we’re used to in computers, mobile phones, or even smart TVs.

However, with the advent of electric, connected and autonomous vehicles many of these companies (including BMW) began to pay more attention software which they use in their vehicles as it becomes an increasingly influential factor in the overall perception of the product. New companies such as Tesla have also demonstrated the importance of caring for this section.

However, creating a platform software from scratch to what Google is offering with Android Automotive, what Tesla is offering in its vehicles, or what Apple is expected to allow with a future version of Carplay is difficult. D it is not enough to do the initial development; also need to release updates software periodicals that enrich or enhance the user experience. For this reason, many companies that initially developed their own operating systems ended up closing collaboration agreements with technology companies.

BMW’s departure, despite not reaching out to Google, is yet another example of how traditional car makers end up succumbing to the operating systems that tech companies have been developing in recent years. And they may not be the last to take such a step.

Source: Hiper Textual

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