Maruti Suzuki has started rolling out Android Auto as part of an update to its SmartPlay infotainment system. The automakers latest models – Ignis and Dzire, already came with Android Auto. Maruti had introduced the SmartPlay infotainment system with Ciaz and that was later expanded to Ertiga, Vitara Brezza and the S-Cross. These cars will now get the Android Auto update.
Owners of the aforementioned cars can contact their nearest Maruti service centre and ask for the update. The Android Auto update is of 2.5 GB and will be valid until 2020. In addition to the Android Auto update, Maruti has also updated the navigation system.Google’s Android Auto finally launched in India along with 17 other countries last year.
Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd had announced in 2015 that it will bring Android Auto to its vehicles. Android Auto lets drivers control music, make or receive calls, navigate and respond to messages, control apps from their cars’ screens. The entire interface can be voice driven to control the hardware in order to facilitate distraction free driving. Apple’s CarPlay offers similar capabilities but is strictly geared towards the iOS running devices.
At the beginning of this year, Ford introduced the next-generation of its voice activated in-car technology SYNC 3 in India.