Google is hitting the road with Android Auto, its interface for cars. On Wednesday at the I/O developer conference in San Francisco, Google showed off its "completely voice-enabled" system, which it said will appear in cars by the end of 2014. The idea is to let drivers access everything from Google Maps to text messages to music without ever having to take their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel. This is not a separate Android computer for cars; instead, it casts from Android smartphones to a screen built into the dashboard. Earlier this year, Google announced it was launching the Open Automotive Alliance with Audi, GM, Honda and other automakers to bring its technology into new cars. Android Auto will compete with Apple's CarPlay, which has deals with Volvo and Mercedes-Benz.
Sign up for top Technology news delivered direct to your inbox
IN-DEPTH
- Ads on Your Fridge? Google Says it Could Happen
- Driver-less Cars Are Rewriting the Rules of the Road
- Carplay: An iPhone on wheels gives cars an upgrade (CNBC)
SOCIAL
— Keith Wagstaff
