Google aims to put Android in cars

Google has announced a partnership with four leading car companies and a global technology firm to make it easier to use Android devices while behind the wheel.

The Open Automotive Alliance (OAA), unveiled on Monday, will work to help drivers seamlessly use the platform in cars and “enable the car itself to become a connected Android device,” it said. The move follows a similar 2007 campaign to integrate the operating system with cellphones, which helped turn the Android platform into major competitor in the market.

“Today, millions of people already bring Android phones and tablets into their cars, but it’s not yet a driving-optimized experience. Wouldn’t it be great if you could bring your favorite apps and music with you, and use them safely with your car’s built-in controls and in-dash display?” Android engineering director Patrick Brady wrote in a blog post on Monday.

{mosads}“Putting Android in the car will bring drivers apps and services they already know and love, while enabling automakers to more easily deliver cutting-edge technology to their customers.”

In addition to Google, Audi, Honda, General Motors, Hyundai and the visual computing company Nvidia are signing on as part of the OAA.

“Through the OAA, our customers using Android devices will soon be able to enjoy the continuous user experience in their Hyundai and Kia vehicles,” said Woong-Chul Yang, vice chairman of research and development at Hyundai Motor Group, in a statement. “By introducing the latest IT technologies safely and securely throughout our full range of vehicles, we continually strive to provide the highest levels of convenience and enhance the in-vehicle experience.”

The alliance pledged to start unveiling Android-integrated cars “by the end of this year.”

Google isn’t the only company trying to connect operating systems with cars. Last summer, Apple announced that it is working on a similar technology connecting users’ devices with their automobiles, called iOS in the Car.