Google today announced a partnership with a range of automobile manufacturers that aims to bring Android to cars. Dubbed the Open Automotive Alliance, it consists of the likes of Honda, Audi, Hyundai, GM, Google as well as Nvidia. The aim here is to bring compelling Android integration in automobiles with the first such vehicles to be launched by the end of 2014.
Google plans to increase the number of automobile manufacturers and technology partners with a focus on adding car modes to popular applications. This move comes as several automakers have brought full Siri integration to their vehicles. Microsoft too has been a player in this field with their Sync system being a part of Ford’s automobile range. Brands like Chevrolet have also announced plans to have their own app store and interface for vehicles while others dabble with multiple partners.
The Open Automobile Alliance might be able to bring some consistency across vehicles for in car options and enable app developers to target multiple vehicle platforms. The announcement was first hinted at by Google’s collaboration with Audi last year but today’s announcement reveals much larger plans. It’ll be interesting to see if the Open Automotive Alliance can do for Google’s ambitions for smart cars what the Open Handset Alliance did for Android on smartphones.
