Honda Embraces Google’s Android Automotive OS To Power Its Upcoming Cars

Honda’s in-house infotainment systems have received a lot of criticism due to touch latency, compatibility issues, and unresponsiveness. Earlier, Honda said that it wouldn’t integrate Google’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality in its cars, but then it mended its ways to give people what they wanted. Now, to address the issue in an even better way, the Hamamatsu Auto Giant has decided to ditch its in-house systems in favour of Google’s Android Automotive operating system.

Starting from the second half of 2022, all Honda vehicles in the North American market will be based on the Android Automotive platform. It means that users won’t have to rely on Android smartphones to get turn-by-turn navigation or clutter and distraction-free UI. Instead, the whole car will be controlled using the Android Automotive OS. Users can control the AC, windows, doors, and various other things using Android Automotive-based controls.

Honda Cars With Android Automotive OS: What To Expect?

The new standalone Android Automotive platform would come with a built-in 4G/5G SIM card slot or an embedded eSIM which would enable seamless connectivity solutions. Google Assistant will provide voice assistance to control your media, reading/sending messages, GPS navigation, and a whole lot more while you focus on the road ahead with minimal distractions. Honda had recently integrated ‘Alexa Remote’ functionality in its cars, which offered connected car features such as starting and shut down the car, opening and closing the boot lid, turning the AC on or off, geo-fencing, car health alerts, and a lot more. These features will now be tied into the Android Automotive OS. One could also enjoy Android games on the screens inside future Honda cars when parked safely.

The system could also make use of the ‘Honda SAFE SWARM’ technology, which the company has been developing over the years. It recently deployed over 200 vehicles on Ohio’s Route 33 ‘Smart Mobility Corridor for testing purposes. It basically allows the car to communicate with other connected cars on the road to gather information for emergency braking, autonomous driving, and avoiding congestion to allow for a smooth sailing driving experience to its users.

Expect the technology to trickle down to the new mid-size SUV based on the Honda N7x concept that is currently under development and may reach the Indian shores in 2022. This vehicle would rival the likes of connected cars such as MG Astor, Hyundai Creta, and Kia Seltos in the Indian market.