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ElantraClub - For Elantra Owners and Enthusiasts _ The Auto Industry _ Open Automotive Alliance
Posted by: elantragt Jan 6 2014, 07:10 PM
"Common platforms allow for one connected experience across our phone, tablet and PC, so we get the right information at the right time, no matter what device we're using," Patrick Brady, director of Android Engineering, wrote in a blog post. "But there's still an important device that isn't yet connected as seamlessly to the other screens in our lives – the car."
As a result, the search giant is joining forces with automakers to help make it easier - and safer - to access Android devices from behind the wheel.
"Wouldn't it be great if you could bring your favorite apps and music with you, and use them safely with your car's built-in controls and in-dash display?" Brady wrote.
Using Android, he said, will make it easier for automakers to deliver "cutting-edge technology" to customers. A number of car makers already have in-car infotainment systems, like FordSync, but updates can be a hassle.
Meanwhile, the alliance "will create new opportunities for developers to extend the variety and depth of the Android app ecosystem in new, exciting and safe ways," Brady said.
"We see huge opportunities for the Android platform paired with OnStar 4G LTE connectivity in future Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac vehicles," said Mary Chan, president of General Motors' Global Connected Consumer unit.
"The worlds of consumer and automotive technologies have never been more closely aligned, and this alliance will only pave the way for faster innovation," said Ricky Hudi, Head of Electrics/Electronics Development at Audi AG. "Working toward a common ecosystems benefits driver safety above all."
Posted by: RPW00Mirage Jan 6 2014, 07:36 PM
but i dont want to use android products 
Posted by: Alex2013GT Jan 6 2014, 10:27 PM
Sounds interesting and its great to see the collaberation among different automakers to make this happen.
Posted by: roydjt Jan 6 2014, 11:33 PM
Now that I'm on my second Android phone (Motorola Razr M, after a Samsung Vibrant aka Galaxy S), I'm a huge fan of the platform. I use my phone as GPS navigation and I often stream podcasts and music when I'm on long drives. Recently I've started using Waze and I'm impressed by the accurate traffic data and points of interest (known speed traps, cheap gas, etc). It's about time Google partnered up with the auto industry to integrate all of this. I'm really happy to see that Hyundai is right in the middle of it!
-Roy
Posted by: a_v Jan 7 2014, 02:25 AM
So we'll be able to root our cars and install custom ROMs on them? Sounds good until "Activity 'Brakes' has stopped responding..."
Posted by: RPW00Mirage Jan 7 2014, 08:16 AM
im really glad that the 2014s dont have this. ipod support is huge. my infotainment center can do a ton of stuff from my iphone.
and why would they screw us? there are alot more of us than android and winphone users.
Posted by: Vinnie Jan 7 2014, 01:43 PM
Not in 2012 and certainly not in 2013....
http://www.gartner.com/newsroom/id/2623415
This actually shows a drop in apple sales & market share in 2012 and 2013.
Apple has screwed it's customers over many times in one way or another. Just some simple stupid WTFs - They went to the lightning cable - but couldn't include the 30-4 pin adapter with new phones. Cases - same phone... buttons a mm off.
The fact is, if apple was such an investment worth while Audi, GM, Google, Honda, Hyundai & NVidia wouldn't have teamed up.
Everything boils down to - What each month CEO/CIO weekly magazine says - that's what the market does.
As for my company - Here's one departments phone stats.
All of these users use to have blackberry phones, because rumor was that RIM was going out of business... we swung the way of the market.
Posted by: RPW00Mirage Jan 7 2014, 02:39 PM
or it could be the fact that there are billions of different android devices and builds versus a half dozen iOS devices.
android is just cheap. if you compare dollars to sense, dollars always wins.
Posted by: Vinnie Jan 7 2014, 03:00 PM
Could you explain this?
I spent $30 to get my wife a 30-4 pin adapter for her kia this christmas after spending $200 for an iphone 5 last year?
Upgraded 3 android devices in that time for luxury features... cable still works.
Posted by: roydjt Jan 7 2014, 03:37 PM
I don't see how "android is just cheap". I have all of the same functionality with my android phone that you have with your iPhone and more, since the apps market is wide open to developers and isn't watched over by a large corporation who decides which apps are and are not acceptable. The hardware is just as good if not better. Durability is comparable. I'm not confined to iTunes if I want to put music on my phone. I don't see how apple is that superior. As for market share, Apple has been losing their grasp each year for the last few years, and there's no sign of that turning back: 
-Roy
Posted by: elantragt Jan 7 2014, 04:02 PM
Here's an interesting article. Basically they are saying Android dominates market share but Apple makes all the profits.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/tonybradley/2013/11/15/android-dominates-market-share-but-apple-makes-all-the-money/
Well yeah, Apple makes incredible profit by it's over the top pricing structure. 
I think the reason Audi and Hyundai and Honda and GM are adopting Android is because Android has an ever increasing and dominant worldwide market share.
Posted by: RPW00Mirage Jan 8 2014, 01:03 PM
cheap = low cost. not low quality.
as for the cabling, apple used the same cable for nearly 10 years. the 30 pin cable has a big and bulky connector. the lightning cable is a big upgrade for miniaturization and it can be plugged in both ways - i can't count the number of devices i've replaced the slots on because some dumbass plugged it in backwards and forced it so it snapped off the connectors. the g1 wasnt even available until 2008, so they already benefitted from being able to use micro USB . i'm sure within the next 2 or 3 years there will be a new usb standard and everyone else will be butthurt just the same(android, winphone, rim) .
itunes today is much better than itunes years ago. i'll give you that. for the average moron, it works just fine.
you can't fault the fact that if i drop my phone, short of water damage apple will pretty much replace it at zero cost, or atleast pretty cheap. not only that, but since the existing iphone is still pretty useful when new hardware comes out, i'm not scrambling to replace my phone every few months. ive had my current iphone5 since release. i've never had to reset, restore, or re-anything it. moving kristen from a 3gs, to a 4 then a 4s was pretty painless and only took a little bit of time each upgrade. i did much of the same moving originally from a 3gs, to a 4 to a 4s and a 5 every few years.
Posted by: Vinnie Jan 8 2014, 01:56 PM
Actually....
AppleCare+ for iPhone and iPad, higher coverage is offered for accidental handling damage, for an additional service fee per incident, at up to two incidents per plan holder.
You must have purchased it within purchased within 30 days of buying the device. $99.00
The initial 1 year warranty;
This Warranty does not apply: (b) to cosmetic damage, including but not limited to scratches, dents and broken plastic on ports; (d) to damage caused by accident, abuse, misuse, liquid contact, fire, earthquake or other external cause;
Posted by: elantragt Jan 8 2014, 01:58 PM
Android isn't always cheap. I mean my S2 was not a cheap phone when it came out a couple years ago. I'm still happy with it and it's upgraded to Jelly Bean (although not the newest, pretty damn nice). I've heard many complaints regarding iPhone's mediocre battery life (depending on the generation) and not so amazing phone reception. The fact it can't play Flash content online is a limitation. The iPod is a nice piece but I'm happy with my cheap Sony MP3 player.
Chris... Apple makes quality products. I'm not saying otherwise, but Andoid has upped their game in recent times.
Clearly, the automakers are looking at the bottom line and Android is used by more people worldwide than any other mobile platform.
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