At the annual Google I/O developer conferment, Audi presented a more sophisticated take on its current Android-based infotainment system. Fitted to the Audi Q8 Sport Concept, this latest iteration offers a deeper integration of the Android operating system and adds a host of new apps including Spotify music streaming, Google Play Music, Google Assistant and a new message center for text and calls to the automaker’s existing brand-specific infotainment package.
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The enhanced Android setup permits information for all of the functions to appear on both the vehicle’s central touchscreen as well as in Audi’s driver-programmable Virtual Cockpit display. Audi says that while the on-board navigation system will still use its own HERE-generated digital-mapping database, owners also can choose to use the newly integrated Google Maps function as an alternative.
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Like Volvo, which also is adopting a similar fully integrated Google/Android OS package for its upcoming vehicles, Audi says the latest implementation of this open architecture will allow quicker development of a broader selection of connectivity apps and services. As a result, users will be able to more effectively personalize their experience and take full advantage of the full range of today’s and tomorrow’s smartphone apps.
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