Both of these developments will likely have a tremendous affect on the industry; drivers will find advanced features available within their vehicles, and a new type of driverless technology is likely to become dominant within the first half of the next decade.
The Droid coming to a car near you.
Google has entered into an agreement with multiple car manufacturers to bring the Android OS into infotainment systems. Audi, GM, Honda and Hyundai have all signed on to be part of this alliance. Infotainment systems have become one of the major selling points for vehicles: they include hands-free calling, streaming music systems, navigation systems and more. With Android OS in place rather than a proprietary system, drivers will have more options than ever.More tellingly, Apple has made a similar announcement stating that they will also be getting into the infotainment business. This indicates that there may very likely be a battle brewing in the war for vehicle technology. The infotainment industry is an extremely large one, and historically the software running these systems have not been very robust or advanced.
The Google driverless car project.
While it wasn't so long ago that a driverless car seemed nothing more than a dream, Google has made great strides in its development. Since 2011, driverless cars have been legal in Nevada, and California legalized driverless vehicles in 2012. Google has been testing driverless vehicles for many years, and has boasted that they completed 300,000 miles with about a dozen vehicles without a single accident. Many suspect that a driverless vehicle may be in the works within three to five years.Google has put through patents that would allow the showing of materials, and perhaps advertisements, while a driverless vehicle such as a taxi is ridden. With all considerations being equal, it's very likely that any user-based interface within such a vehicle will be based on Android OS technology.
While visions of driverless cars have danced in the heads of many, the first implementations of a Google driverless vehicle will likely operate more as a driver service rather than a vehicle that is purchased directly by consumers.
The "Internet of things" goes a step farther.
"With all of the new platforms for the Android device -- smartphones, tablets, Google Glass, smart watches and now vehicles -- it's very likely that Google is now poised to create its own Internet of things," stated security researcher for Armor for Android. "Through complete integration, Google could create a complete system involving all of these devices for better usability and increased functionality."Users may be able to take part in a world in which their wearable technology and tablets are all integrated with their vehicle. Through the related Chrome OS chromebook technology, it's even possible that integration could go a step further into computers. Integration at this level is a positive step for everyone: it allows a more seamless management of data that can ultimately increase any user's productivity.
Today, it seems like the Android OS is going everywhere. This is good news to both users and developers. The more the Android platform is used, the easier it will be to integrate all devices. Developers on the Android system will see far more volume as more users enter into the platform.
With Android moving into vehicles, developers will be able to focus on an entirely new array of applications with unique monetization concepts -- imagine an application that not only suggests restaurants nearby, but puts in an order for you and then drives you there.
Even better, it appears that the majority of these developments may not be very far off; the next three to five years should see a miraculous amount of change within the application and automotive sectors.
ChristopherAbout the Author:
Christopher is a writer for Android antivirus company Armor for Android. Christopher has worked in the Android security field for several years and provides content and advice to Android users.
