Audi and Volvo take Google's Android for a ride

Over the past few years, multimedia interfaces in cars have started offering computer-rivalling features on 7-inch screens. With the addition of smart interfaces like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, the dashboard could do a lot more than show time and Fm Radio information. Now, Audi and Volvo have announced that they are putting the full-blown Android OS directly in their cars, thus making their cars smart.

With a direct implementation of the Android system right into the car’s computers, your car’s built-in infotainment system could allow you to control your air conditioning, sunroof, and windows, find the nearest restaurant with Google Maps, listen to Spotify or NPR, or just ask your Google Assistant for help. Unlike Android Auto, where you need to have the smartphone in your car, the new system will work even when you leave your phone behind. In short, it will be a standalone Android tablet that has access to most functions of your car.

However, implementation of Android into the car’s computer doesn’t mean that you will be able to access engine tweaking options or any other parameter that involves access to the mechanical parts of the car. The system only has access to multimedia options as well as basic comfort settings of the car. The probable reason behind those restrictions that Google doesn’t want to state is that they don’t want your car to be hackable.

Giving access to a computer that runs on an open source OS invites hackers to remotely control the whole car from their comfort zone. With restricted access, only the basic comfort and multimedia settings are vulnerable in worst-case scenarios. Once Google makes the Android platform as secure as iOS, we could then look at a car with complete Android functionalities.

The announcement comes just before Google’s I/O conference to be held on 17th of June. As of now, Audi and Volvo will show concept cars with the new system at the conference.