Google and Fiat Chrysler team up to launch Android-based car system

According to Fortune, Google and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV announced a partnership agreement on the 3rd to jointly develop self-driving minivans, which includes jointly developing an Android-based in-vehicle system.

Google and Fiat Chrysler have jointly launched an 8.4-inch UConnect concept system based on Android. The system does not use the Android Auto system designed by Google for cars, but uses the complete Android Nougat system.

The system interface uses the currently popular UConnect in-car system interface, but the underlying technology comes from Android. This architecture means that the system can be seamlessly connected with most Google services. Car owners can use Google Assistant to give instructions directly on the in-car system, or they can directly view Google Maps. In addition, the system also supports some third-party Android apps, such as Spotify, Pocket Casts, Pandora, etc.

"This system combines the UConnect interface that car owners are familiar with with the feature-rich Android system," praised Chris Barman, head of electronic engineering at Fiat Chrysler.

The battle between Google and Apple has extended to the field of in-vehicle systems in the past two years. Currently, the most popular in-vehicle systems among automakers are Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the two are fighting for this market. For automakers, being compatible with both is a common choice during the wait-and-see period.

In 2015, when Google established the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA), it announced Android Auto partners, including Volvo, Mazda, Bentley, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Maserati. Apple CarPlay partners include Hyundai, Honda, Ferrari, etc. Most of the above-mentioned automakers support both car systems, and only Ferrari supports Apple CarPlay.

Fiat Chrysler's participation will be a boost to the Android Auto camp. Google and Fiat Chrysler said they will showcase a Chrysler 300 sedan equipped with the new system at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show (CES).

As a winner of Toutiao's Qingyun Plan and Baijiahao's Bai+ Plan, the 2019 Baidu Digital Author of the Year, the Baijiahao's Most Popular Author in the Technology Field, the 2019 Sogou Technology and Culture Author, and the 2021 Baijiahao Quarterly Influential Creator, he has won many awards, including the 2013 Sohu Best Industry Media Person, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Beijing Third Place, the 2015 Guangmang Experience Award, the 2015 China New Media Entrepreneurship Competition Finals Third Place, and the 2018 Baidu Dynamic Annual Powerful Celebrity.