Google Wants Android and Its Assistant to Power Your Car Too

The search giant is partnering with Audi and Volvo to ship car systems running the Android operating system.

Google's Android operating system showing the navigation view in a new Volvo SUV.
Source: Google

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By Mark Gurman and Mark Bergen

May 15, 2017 at 1:00 PM UTC

This article is for subscribers only.

Android already powers most smartphones on earth. Now Google is placing its mobile operating system right inside cars, a bid to cement its core service in the auto industry as more technology sweeps in.

On Monday, ahead of its I/O mobile developers conference, Alphabet Inc.'s Google is showing off its next step in automotive software: an Android version of touchscreen car consoles and infotainment systems. It will host popular applications, like Google Maps and Spotify, but also control car features like seat positioning and temperature. The new system also embeds the Google Assistant -- the company's voice control service, for searching on the go, asking for directions, and making phone calls -- in cars for the first time.