Google and Fiat Chrysler have developed a new in-car infotainment system based on Android. The companies are likely to show it off during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). The project combines various Android apps such as Google Maps, Assistant, and Pandora with standard Fiat Chrysler interface.
The companies combined Google's Android 7.0 Nougat with Fiat Chrysler's Uconnect infotainment system.
"With Android, we are able to maintain our unique and intuitive Uconnect user interface, all while integrating our easy-to-use systems with Android's features and ecosystem of applications," Chris Barman, FCA's head of electrical engineering, stated.
Google and Fiat Chrysler are continuing with their partnership which involves developing 100 Pacifica minivans fitted with Google's autonomous driving software and hardware. Google also recently made its Android Auto available to all Android devices. Earlier, this facility required a compatible vehicle.
Android Auto is an in-car software platform. It is used to replicate the smartphone experience onto the car's central screen. It lets users access different apps including Google Assistant. It will also let users control their media streaming and audio, among other things.
The move will make the alliance pose a serious challenge to Apple's Car Play. Google stated that the partnership would help in developing Android as a formidable automotive platform. The company also believes that the new platform will be better integrated with vehicles in a more secure manner.
Google recently spun off its autonomous car project into a separate unit under its parent company Alphabet Inc. The project has been renamed Waymo. The project uses Chrysler's Pacifica minivan.
With the latest development, Google has turned the concept into reality. It is still not clear whether the company is looking to market the system any time soon on commercial basis.