Tech giants like Google have made significant strides in capitalizing on data from modern vehicles and asserting their software dominance in the automotive sector. Google’s integration of its Android operating system, particularly through the Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS), marks its entry into the automotive realm. The “Google Built-in” platform further integrates AAOS and Google services (such as “Maps”) into vehicles. Apple’s CarPlay 2.0 is complementing these efforts, by seamlessly integrating with infotainment systems and mirroring the iPhone experience. These initiatives, which aim to transplant the app-centric model from smartphones to cars, have the potential to be game-changers in the vehicle industry, empowering third-party developers to create services utilizing vehicle sensor data. But what is the status of these Big Tech initiatives?
- Google Built-in
- Apple CarPlay 2.0
- How to tap into this New Era?
Built-in partners in 2024 are Polestar, Volvo, Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Renault, Honda, Acura, Nissan, Lincoln (see https://built-in.google/cars/). The newest OS version Android 14 was released on October 4, 2023 (see https://source.android.com/docs/automotive/start/releases/u_udc_release) – it includes additional vehicle signals, which are new non-ADAS signals (such as windows, mirrors and door properties or EV properties for Braking, Acceleration and Battery) and ADAS signals (such as AEB – Automatic emergency braking or LKA – Lane keep assist). Only a subset of vehicle signals is available without permissions or by asking the driver for permission. Other signals need the accessing app to be approved by OEMs.
Apple advanced in providing car services via iPhone with Apple CarPlay 2.0 as well. Apple presented the first participating OEMs in December 2023. Aston Martin & Porsche are confirmed partners and will provide CarPlay 2.0 in their vehicles. Originally, Apple CarPlay focused on the infotainment system and mirrored the iPhone content. However, today’s cars have several, significantly larger screens. This results in endless possibilities to improve the experience using new apps and widgets. New CarPlay 2.0 details were presented at the WWDC venue in June 2024. The new custom grid on your screens will be fully customizable without any apple branding, which means even an instrument cluster can be designed the way you want it in the colours you like. In addition to that the compatibility changed a lot and new exciting apps to control individual car model features such as air conditioning, radio and seats can be expected.
To stay ahead in developing future in-vehicle digital services for AAOS and CarPlay, a development and testing infrastructure is crucial but still hardly to be found. As an applied research centre and digital innovation hub, Virtual Vehicle Research has realized a comprehensive evaluation environment for partners, utilizing a real vehicle retrofitted with AAOS and corresponding technical, service-related building blocks – it is called “evodis”. This real-world laboratory lowers the entry barrier for new service concepts and hands-on development and thorough testing, minimizing risks at an early stage. Such an approach ensures that a future digital service product meets market needs and expectations, accelerating the innovation process.
