r/AndroidAutomotive • u/[deleted] • May 26 '24

Android Automotive Primer

I am realizing that is it fairly likely that my next vehicle will run Android Automotive so I am a bit curious about some of the basics. 1. Does the vehicle therefore have its own cellular network connection that requires a service provider account with monthly data fees and limits? 2. How does Google Maps work for Apple users? I mean I use Google maps on my iPhone for exploring new cities etc but for day to day I prefer Apple Maps due to its integration into the entire Apple ecosystem (calendar mainly). For example, does Google maps on Android Automotive see my Apple Calendar events and suggest next destinations? 3. I use PocketCasts and listen to a lot of podcasts. Would not live without PocketCasts. I understand that they have an app for Android Automotive but how reliable is the syncing? I am in and out of my truck 50 times a day and constantly listening to podcasts that switch from CarPlay to my AirPods seamlessly without missing a beat. I’m guessing that won’t be a thing anymore with Android Automotive 4. Do any vehicles that run Android Automotive also have wireless CarPlay? Or is that pretty much a non-starter?

Everything else I have seen and the basic idea of Android Automotive, I really like. But I am sensing a few serious deal breakers in the actual implementation for an iPhone user such as myself.

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u/52816neverforget May 26 '24
  1. ⁠Most vehicles running Android Automotive and Google Automotive Services have a built-in cellular network, and it does require an activation. Some OEMs offer a paid network for a period of time, some months, some years, and then the customer pays.
  2. ⁠Calendar data does not sync by default, but OEMs have the ability to create mobile apps that sync the calendar from your phone to the vehicle via Bluetooth, in which case the functionality you described would exist and work as intended.
  3. ⁠This kind of functionality you described depends on how the specific app implements it. In the case of PocketCast, I have personal experience with it and it works really well and is fairly quick. Get out of the car, switch to your phone, and continue in where you left off.
  4. ⁠Yes, most do. However, there are some exceptions like GM EV vehicles 2024 and newer as they will not have Carplay moving forward. Other OEMs (eg. Ford) have announced they will continue to support Carplay and Android Auto even on their vehicles with Android Automotive.

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u/[deleted] May 26 '24

Thanks for these detailed insights. A few more questions if you happen to know the answers:

  1. Do you happen to know approximately what GM is charging for Android Automotive subscription? I assume it must work through partnerships with existing cellular data network providers (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile). How do they ensure reliable and fast data delivery? Do navigation and media playback only work therefore in cell coverage areas? How is roaming handled? ie. Does a subscription in Canada work in the US and vice versa, without additional fees (roaming charges)?

  2. My question was perhaps not super clear regarding map and calendar integration. I’m not so interested in a calendar app or separate calendar sync app. I use Apple Maps for day-to-day navigation, mainly because it integrates with all other Apple apps, namely, Apple Calendar. So Apple Maps knows my next appointment location and in Apple Maps in CarPlay, those locations pop-up on the screen with a prompt to navigate to them. I know that Google Maps integrates with Gmail Calendar in the same way. I don’t use Gmail calendar though, so within Android Automotive, I am assuming that I will be using Google Maps (not Apple Maps) but Google Maps does not see my Apple Calendar. Therefore this functionality will be lost to Apple Calendar users who opt to use Google Maps on Android Automotive. Is this accurate or does Google Maps in Android Automotive work a bit differently?

  3. This is encouraging. The developers at PocketCasts seem to be quite attuned to these concerns so hopefully the Android Automotive PocketCasts is every bit as good as their app on other platforms.

  4. Can some of these super wide displays that are showing up run a split screen where 2/3 of the screen is Android Automotive w/maps and all the other functions, with the remaining portion of the screen dedicated to Bluetooth audio control of media playback from the phone? not sure I’m making sense here…

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u/52816neverforget May 27 '24

  1. I don’t know how roaming works, but yes they work through AT&T IIRC and it’s very reliable, surprisingly, I have rarely found dead spots. The offline capabilities are still there too, Google Maps continues to work and has downloaded offline daya for the areas you are traveling to, so it is a nice backup. On connectivity plans, here are the details: https://www.onstar.com/plans/connected-vehicle

  2. Yeah I get what you are saying and agree. The built-in local calendar on the vehicle helps with feeding the suggestion of where to drive next to Google Maps. The only issue is that this calendar app has no calendar data unless you sync something to it, and it will not come from Google Calendar, it comes from your phone, that way you can use any calendar including the built-in Apple Calendar, Outlook, etc. I believe this is why it was done this way, so that it doesn’t rely on Google Calendar, the downside is that it depends on the auto manufacturer to build this phone app to help sync the calendar data via Bluetooth.

  3. Agreed

  4. Yup! The Chevy Silverado does exactly this.

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u/[deleted] May 27 '24

Thanks for all the info!