Google’s New In Car Interface News Part IV
My own realization of limitations came only after driving through a red light once and almost getting hit. I have a Commercial Driver’s License and know the safety precautions that need to be taken. Even so, in my own vehicle, I throw caution to the wind and talk on. After this experience, when I get into my car, I turn off my phone completely. Everyone can wait.
This is a shared effort by Google and archrival Apple Inc., whose new CarPlay interface also requires a phone to be plugged into the car and locked down.
Many automakers plan to offer both CarPlay and Android Auto capability in certain cars to appeal to more car shoppers. About 95 % of smartphones sold worldwide run on either Android or Apple’s iOS operating system.
Hyundai said last week that the 2015 Sonata will offer both CarPlay and Android Auto by the end of 2014. Audi said its first models with Android Auto will go on sale in Europe in 2015 and by early 2016 in the United States.
From the early moments on, these companies were very conservative about what they show and how they show it. Development of the Android Auto was done at Audi’s Research and Development center in Silicon Valley. In the future, Audi may eventually use software to figure out when a car is parked and unlock more functions for the driver. But not yet.
So keep your eyes always open, take in the knowledge and follow closely as these changes happen. As a collision repair specialist, you must be plugged in to modern technology. Not only is it a conversation piece with your customers, but it helps you to grasp how your industry will change with these changes. Less accidents? More? Who knows, but you should, at the very least, understand these changes.
