Audi is showcasing their Android feature-rich infotainment systems at the renowned Google I/O developer conference in Mountain View, California (May 17-19).
It is obvious that Audi wants the attention of the Android fraternity, and what would be a better platform than the largest and most important developer conference in the global software industry. Audi is essentially presenting its concept of a next-generation infotainment system that supports more functions with Android. It is featured in their Q8 sport concept technology platform and has more Android integrated features than any of their models till date.
As of now, the new functions include Google Play Music, Google Assistant and the music streaming service ‘Spotify’. These Android integrated features are to run on the large MMI touch display that will feature on the centre of the dashboard. In addition to this, the details from this infotainment system will also be relayed to the Audi Virtual Cockpit instrument cluster for easier viewing. Though the in-built navigation map will continue to use the HERE database, the user will now have the option to switch to Google Maps for navigation.
Audi admitted that this is the first time a new service has been fully integrated into an Audi brand-specific infotainment system. For those of you who are still scratching their heads, seamless integration of Android into in-car infotainment systems poses a great potential since the platform is now widely used. It is in fact, a huge revenue generator if it is developed as a proper business model by the right hands.
