Let’s go back in time a bit. Back to when Google announced Android Auto at Google I/O last summer. Google announced Android L (at the time, it was later named Lollipop) along with Android Wear, Android TV and Android Auto. The biggest question we had about Android Auto was how long before it’d be implemented, as well as if we’d get third party options. We saw that so many car makers had joined Google’s Open Automotive Alliance, including Acura, Chevy, Ford, Jeep, Chrysler, Honda, Kia, and many others. We just weren’t sure if they’d go 100% into Android Auto and how long it’d take to implement it. But it appears to not have taken that long. At CES 2015, we saw quite a few cars with Android Auto – some even gave you the option of Android Auto or Apple’s CarPlay, which is a big deal. We also saw plenty of after-market options from the likes of Kenwood, JVC, Panasonic and others. That definitely got me excited.
Android Auto is a fantastic infotainment system. It’s got a great UI, and the features are amazing. You’ve got Google Maps, Google Play Music and other apps like that on-board. I haven’t had a chance to play with Android Auto just yet, but I should get a chance next week at the North American International Auto Show when it opens here in Detroit. We saw Chevy, Audi and a few others with Android Auto in their entire lineup of 2016 vehicles which they’ll officially be announcing next week in Detroit.
Up until now, infotainment systems have been pretty clunky and almost useless. But with Android Auto it’ll be much better as it works with your smartphone. And with it being Android Auto, you’ve got a million smartphones to choose from here. It’s definitely an exciting time if you’re an Android fan and want Android everywhere. Because we saw the same thing with Android TV at CES this past week as well.
It’s no secret that my favorite car maker is Chevy, and to see them putting Android Auto into their entire lineup of 2016 vehicles really made me happy. Again, I’ll get a chance to play with Android Auto at the NAIAS next week here in Detroit. So we’ll have more extensive hands-on then. As we didn’t have time at CES this week due to all the other products there we were getting hands on of. How many of you were excited and a bit shocked to see all of the Android Auto announcements at CES 2015 this past week? Let us know in the comments down below.