We don’t cover much about the automotive space here at EyeOnMobility but, as we saw at Google I/O, Android is spreading its wings to an increasing range of devices, including vehicles with Android Auto. The South Korean company announced days ago that it has the Open Automotive Alliance formed earlier this year. It joins a range of companies that includes Google, General Motors, Hyundai, Honda and NVIDIA. The OAA aims to bring “greater connectivity into cars through the innovative application of the Android platform.”
“As a top technology company with a strong mobile business, LG has a great deal to contribute to the connected car space,” said Jong-rak Lim, vice president and head of In-vehicle Infotainment Development at LG Electronics’ Vehicle Components Company. “LG will strive to strengthen its cooperation with OAA partners to bring connected vehicles to consumers sooner rather than later.”
LG showed off a range of audio, visual and navigation (AVN) system solutions at Google I/O 2014. Users can connect their devices to their car’s system via a single cable. Android Auto then gives them access to their device’s features and functions. For example, the driver can use the navigation app on their phone or access their contact list to make phone calls or send a text message through the in-car display.
LG expects its AVN system to start appearing on cars in 2015.
While LG is the first smartphone manufacturer to join, it is likely not to be the only one. With as many as 60 million connected cars expected on the roads by 2018, other device manufacturers are likely to join LG soon.
Source : LG