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Google wants cars to have Android Automotive. The company has launched this operating system in the Polestar 2 car and it will reach more vehicles soon. Google has recently activated a new support page for users to understand how some of the features of this operating system work. Among them, the use of Google Maps, the Google assistant or the Play Store. Android Automotive is not the same as Android Auto, although they do have some features in common.However, Automotive has some very interesting extra features, while with Android Auto we also benefit from exclusive features. What are the differences between the two versions? Let's review them.
Both versions are operating systems for the car. The main difference between Android Auto and Android Automotive is that, in the first case, you need to connect the phone to the car. While in Automotive the system, which is open source, just like Android , is integrated into the vehicle itself In this way, just by starting the car we will have an interface (which changes slightly with respect to Android Auto) and we will not need to connect the mobile.
For Android Auto to work we need to connect a mobile phone, either via cable or via wireless. The positive point is that with this option we have a synchronization of our applications, contacts and notifications.With Automotive we can also receive calls via Bluetooth, but it does not offer such complete synchronization.
Another difference between Automotive and Android Auto is that with the system integrated in the car we can control different functions of the vehicle itself by For example, air conditioning, seats, lights, driving modes, etc. In Android Auto we cannot do this. And not only does it allow us to control some parameters, but the operating system itself integrates with the car's functions to use them in the applications.
Automotive: interface customizable by the manufacturer and integration of vehicle functions into apps
With the interface something similar happens. In Android Auto we have Google's own design. It is always the same style. With Automotive the manufacturer can customize the interface to adapt it to the lines of the vehicle. Therefore, and in most cases, the appearance of the screen will be somewhat more suitable for car interior design.
The same happens with the applications, which present a more adapted interface. They are not based on an adaptation of the mobile design, but rather integrate in a better wayFor example, in Spotify we can have a more complete design to search for songs or lists, and not only the music we have saved or the most recent PlayLists.
And not only are the apps more complete in terms of interface and functions, but they can also be adapted to the characteristics of the car. For example, Google Maps is compatible with Polestar 2's outdoor sensors, allowing Maps to recognize the car's surroundings
Possibly the most negative point of Android Automotive is that the synchronization with our mobile is not so completea. In other words, this operating system is like having a tablet in the car. The applications are synchronized through our Google account, but they are controlled independently of the phone. With Android Auto we only have to connect the mobile and all the compatible apps adapt. Therefore, if we were listening to music on the mobile and we connected it to the car, the music would continue playing.
In addition, if a car is compatible with Android Auto, it is very likely that it is also compatible with CarPlay, Apple's interface for the car. And if we don't want to use either of the two options, the car has its own operating system. It is unknown if with Automotive we can connect an iPhone and use CarPlay with all the synchronization that it entails, or simply link it via bluetooth to be able to synchronize calls.
Another point in favor of Android Auto is that it is present in a large number of vehicless. Automotive is only available in the electric Polestar 2. Of course, it will come later to cars from manufacturers such as Volvo, PSA and General Motors.
