Google’s Android Automotive OS is coming to BMW cars next year

Google’s Android Automotive OS has been gaining traction in the business, and this week, BMW declared it will be adopting the system for some potential vehicles. The enterprise ideas to establish their BMW Functioning Method 8 infotainment program employing Android Automotive for some motor vehicle types beginning in March 2023 but also maintain the existing Linux-primarily based version for some others.

BMW Group’s lead developer for the digital driving knowledge, Stephan Durach, mentioned it’s about getting a second technological method. “We are integrating the ideal facets of all worlds — that could be our individual in-house developments, Open up Supply or industrial software program merchandise, relying on what the particular remedy seems to be like,” explained Durach.

Android Automotive is a entire-on vehicular working process that can be embedded into vehicle infotainment and instrument clusters. Not to be bewildered with Android Car, which is Google’s telephone-to-dash link procedure equal to Apple’s CarPlay.

Durach explained they make absolutely sure clients always have a distinctive, custom-made electronic practical experience in their automobile, and the technique for two computer software platforms can fluctuate centered on what BMW collection it is managing on, nevertheless the company did not present any information over and above that. The new OS will also have over-the-air application updating ability, a essential attribute that allow the corporation just lately ship consumers cars with lacking options like Apple CarPlay owing to provide chain difficulties.

BMW is usually ahead of the curve in adopting new connectivity systems. It was 1 of the 1st automakers to include wi-fi Apple CarPlay, and it also was early acquiring in on Apple’s variation of a telephone-as-a-important element that allows you travel away devoid of a fob. BMW was late on adopting Android Automobile, even though, because the vast majority of BMW owners have been found to be Iphone end users. But with Android Automotive, BMW is dipping into a rather empty pool that includes Polestar, some Volvo styles, GMC Hummer EV, Honda, and some foreseeable future Ford and Lincoln autos.

With Android Automotive, Google is searching to consider its software program mass-market into numerous autos. And with BMW on board, the clock is ticking for Apple’s next-era CarPlay to catch up. But if BMW decides to support Apple’s newest integrations in the foreseeable future, ideally it will not test to make it a subscription company all over again.