Android Auto and Android Automotive — What’s the Difference?
Advanced Android-based infotainment systems are found in most cars hitting the market today. Unlike the vehicle head units of the past, modern IVI systems provide a host of useful services to the driver and passengers alike. This includes navigation advice, display of engine parameters, parking guidance, 360-degree view of surroundings, etc. The driver can also connect a smartphone to the vehicle’s head unit and access the mobile apps from there.
In this context, you must have heard of how Android Auto and Android Automotive OS are providing superior in-car experiences to vehicle occupants. Although the nomenclature can be confusing, these are two very different products from Google.
Let’s take a look at how Android Auto differs from Android Automotive.
What is Android Auto?
Android Auto is an app that should be installed and configured on the driver’s phone. It projects the Android experience to the vehicle’s infotainment system, either through a USB connection or wirelessly. It is important for the vehicle stereo to be compatible with Android Auto for the connectivity to be established.
Android Auto is designed in such a way that it can also function as a standalone app on the mobile phone. However, once it is connected to the head unit, it opens up a lot of exclusive features that the driver can benefit from. The driver can avail Turn-By-Turn (TBT) navigation assistance, audio playback from mobile, hands-free calling, steering wheel audio controls, and more!
When you have an infotainment system with native apps, why would you opt for Android Auto? The primary advantage of using Android Auto is that the driver receives access to a huge library of Android Auto Apps. Using the chatting apps like FB Messenger, Skype and WhatsApp, the driver can actually speak, and the message will be delivered to the recipient via Text to Voice conversion. The driver does not even have to take their eyes off the road while messaging — how convenient is that?
Other apps like Waze for navigation, music streaming apps like Spotify, podcast apps and audiobook platforms are easily supported by Android Auto. Voice to text conversion of messages, simple UI designs, and display of only important information to the driver makes these apps far more suitable for usage while driving.
What is Android Automotive?
Android Automotive is an Android operating system that has been designed for use in automotive infotainment systems, e-cockpits and after-market product solutions. If a vehicle’s infotainment system is powered by Android Automotive, the driver can download media apps and run them without having to connect to a mobile phone. Android Automotive OS (AAOS) also integrates infotainment functionalities with other automotive features such as engine parameter monitoring, cabin climate control, EV battery charge level monitoring, etc. — all through a single interface.
Android Automotive gives the driver a standby Google Assistant feature, using which they can control vehicle functions through speech. The driver can also log in to the car’s OS using their Google account and access a plethora of customization options to suit their driving experiences. Hence, Android Automotive provides deeper integration with Google services, when compared to Android Auto.
It should be noted that Android Automotive cannot be installed by drivers themselves. The only way to have access to it is to purchase a new car that comes with the OS pre-installed.
Conclusion
While Android Auto only projects the mobile screen on the infotainment system display and integrates voice messaging, Android Automotive powers the entire IVI system and offers more advanced capabilities.
Android Automotive OS (AAOS) is designed to cater to the ever-increasing consumer demand for customization and personalized experience, and it is only a matter of time before it is found at the helm of all connected vehicles.
