Google’s Android Automotive OS is coming to BMW automobiles subsequent 12 months

Google’s Android Automotive OS has been gaining traction within the trade, and this week, BMW introduced will probably be adopting the platform for some future autos. The corporate plans to develop their BMW Working System 8 infotainment software program utilizing Android Automotive for some car fashions starting in March 2023 but additionally preserve the present Linux-based model for others.

BMW Group’s lead developer for the digital driving expertise, Stephan Durach, stated it’s about having a second technological strategy. “We’re integrating the most effective points of all worlds — that might be our personal in-house developments, Open Supply or industrial software program merchandise, relying on what the particular answer seems to be like,” stated Durach.

Android Automotive is a full-on vehicular working system that may be embedded into automotive infotainment and instrument clusters. To not be confused with Android Auto, which is Google’s phone-to-dash connection system equal to Apple’s CarPlay.

Durach stated they make certain prospects at all times have a novel, personalized digital expertise of their car, and the strategy for 2 software program platforms can differ primarily based on what BMW sequence it’s working on, although the corporate didn’t present any particulars past that. The brand new OS may even have over-the-air software program updating functionality, a vital characteristic that permit the corporate lately ship prospects autos with lacking options like Apple CarPlay on account of provide chain points.

BMW is often forward of the curve in adopting new connectivity applied sciences. It was one of many first automakers to incorporate wi-fi Apple CarPlay, and it additionally was early getting in on Apple’s model of a phone-as-a-key characteristic that permits you to drive away with no fob. BMW was late on adopting Android Auto, although, for the reason that majority of BMW house owners have been discovered to be iPhone customers. However with Android Automotive, BMW is dipping into a comparatively empty pool that features Polestar, some Volvo fashions, GMC Hummer EV, Honda, and a few future Ford and Lincoln autos.

With Android Automotive, Google is trying to take its software program mass-market into many automobiles. And with BMW on board, the clock is ticking for Apple’s next-generation CarPlay to catch up. But when BMW decides to assist Apple’s newest integrations sooner or later, hopefully it received’t attempt to make it a subscription service once more.