New cars with Android-powered infotainment systems are set to become a reality within the next couple of years, with Audi and Volvo set to be the first brands to feature cars with such systems.
Full Android integration represents a step beyond Android Auto. Whereas users currently project car-specific versions of apps to a dashboard running other software; full Android integration will allow Android to independently power he entire system. Users will be able to use Android profiles and apps without needing to bring their smartphone with them.
Audi and Volvo will be the first manufacturers to show off cars with infotainment systems fully controlled by Android. An Audi R8 concept with such a system will be displayed this week at Google’s I/O developers conference.
Full Android integration will arrive to new Volvo models “within two years” according to the Swedish manufacturer.
The 'fully Android' infotainment system will allow users to run more of Android’s features than ever before, without the restraints of smartphone-reliant Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Besides being able to use features like Spotify and Google Maps in your car, which you can do with Android Auto already, the full Android system will allow for things like voice control to adjust the air conditioning or sunroof.
