Early last year, Google introduced the Open Automotive Alliance. A joint effort by the software company and automobile manufacturers, the goal was to bring a smarter and safer in car experience to consumers. All of this would be powered by Android Auto, of course. So far the mainstay of luxury car manufacturers, Mahindra & Mahindra has announced it’s intention to join the OAA and to offer Android Auto as an option on their vehicles.
Solutions for better in car connectivity have involved proprietary solutions that lack polish or compatibility with all smartphones. Android Auto is purpose built for driving and to integrate phones, tablets with in car entertainment systems. The entire interface can be voice driven with hardware controls being relegated to steering wheel buttons to facilitate distraction free driving. Apple’s CarPlay offers similar capabilities but is strictly geared towards the iOS running devices. Mahindra & Mahindra plan to roll out Android Auto as an option over the course of the year for the XUV 500 and Scorpio with other platforms also expected to see it available as an option in the future.
[Via – Mahindra]