Guest Jeff Causey Posted May 27, 2014 Posted May 27, 2014 Earlier this year Google announced a partnership with several automakers to create the Open Automotive Alliance with the goal of bringing the Android platform to onboard computer systems in cars. Although there has not been much news on this effort the last few months, it is easy to see that several of Google’s initiatives could easily be ported over to an automobile interface. Sources with Android Police say they have seen some early work on “Android in the Car” and they have even recreated some of the functionality for demonstration purposes in a first peek at the new system. One of the characteristics of the new Android system for autos is the heavy reliance on voice commands. Google really started in earnest to develop their voice command system with the Google Glass project. Those capabilities to issue commands, type messages, and generally interact with a system using just the voice have spread to other platforms like their Google Now interface on smartphones and tablets and even Google’s search function on laptops and desktops. With all of the attention on distracted driving, it makes sense that Google would want to emphasize the use of voice commands and minimize the time drivers may have to look at a screen. In some of the mockups for the auto interface, when composing a text message it appears the system will not display a draft message on the screen, relying solely on the system reading it back for confirmation. According to the sources, the new system works around four “spaces” – navigation, music, communication, and search functions. Clearly the navigation system will be based on Google Maps and the navigation features they have been adding over the years. Search will probably be ubiquitous to the whole system and likely based on a command like “Ok Google…” For communication, it seems the system will handle at least telephone and text messaging functions with both able to operate hands-free and with minimal, if any, interaction with a touchscreen. The last area, music, remains unclear as to what will be available or how it will work. Many systems currently in the market come preloaded with a variety of third-party services like Pandora or iHeart Radio. Google could obviously add their Play Music as an option. However, it is not know whether users will be able to add new services or apps to their system. It is also not known whether music would only be accessible via the cloud or whether it could be downloaded to a hard drive located in the vehicle. You can check out some mock-up animations below that show how the system is likely to work. Search from Music interface Click here to view the embedded video. Telephony from Music interface Click here to view the embedded video. Messaging from Music interface Click here to view the embedded video. source: Android Police Come comment on this article: Get a peek at possible Android for automobiles interface Visit TalkAndroid for Android news, Android guides, and much more! News via TalkAndroid
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