Android Auto starts the engine for developers

Google has launched a new set of APIs for Android Auto, allowing third-party developers to start developing applications for this in-car software platform. The first batch of APIs will support audio and messaging applications, which is similar to the functions that Apple CarPlay first released.

The Android Auto platform needs to be used with your mobile device. After you connect your device to the car, the references to the in-vehicle system in the device will automatically appear. The new API is designed to make these software more suitable for use in the car, which means that the driver can be less distracted and use voice control to interact. The applications used in the in-vehicle system run on the mobile device, which also means that your in-vehicle system can be updated frequently.

Consumers who want to use these apps will have to wait a while - the current development phase is only for enterprise users, and developers cannot release their products yet. This will only be possible after Android Auto is released in consumer cars, when the platform will cooperate with a series of automakers, including parts manufacturers such as Pioneer.

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If you want to learn more about how Android Auto works and how to get started with app development, you can see the basics in the introductory video above, which is pretty much the same as what we saw at I/O in June.

Android Auto will go head-to-head with CarPlay when it eventually launches (which should be next year), but you won't have to choose based on which system your car supports, as most automakers will want to bet on both platforms.