For the past few years, Google has been working on a model car phone operating system that automakers can customize. The Polestar 2, which will be the first vehicle with Android Automotive, will launch soon, and the initial line of applications was revealed.
The Polestar 2 is an electric fastback from the Volvo Car Group in Sweden and Geely from China. Competing with the Tesla Model 3, it is gearing up for retail availability later this year, and yesterday shared what Android Automotive media apps will be available at launch:
- Castbox and Pocket Casts podcast applications
- Libby library app
- Radio applications iHeartRadio, Swedish Radio Play and NRK Radio; Bauer Media Audio’s Magic Radio and Radioplayer applications
- Spotify music app and podcast
Google last year showed applications like YouTube Music, while integrated Google Maps is the other great attraction of the operating system. These apps will be available for all Android Automotive vehicles, including the Volvo XC40 Recharge and GM when it launches its first AA vehicles in 2021.
An optimized Play Store, accessible through the included three years of Internet connectivity, will be available directly inside the car, with the Google Assistant enabling hands-free voice control. Commands, such as “Hello Google, play music”, will work just like on smart phones and speakers.
Applications themselves must follow driver distraction guidelines and other restrictions, with media application templates available. Polestar says a new version of the Android Automotive emulator will feature a “full implementation of Google’s integrated apps and services” to improve testing:
This makes it possible for developers to test voice control and other integrations in their applications while work is in progress, allowing them to view and control applications in the same way as users within Polestar 2.
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