Volkswagen is now a member of the Open Automotive Alliance. The news was announced at this year’s Google I/O developers’ conference in San Francisco. The Open Automotive Alliance is a grouping of leading technology and vehicle manufacturers whose aim is the seamless integration of Android devices into cars. It makes sense as Volkwagen’s sister company, Audi is already part of the alliance.
The OAA defines the Android Auto interface as the standard for integrating Android devices. Android Auto is the next step in connectivity, linking smart phones and tablets to the infotainment system in the vehicle.
Android Auto makes it possible for smart phone content to be displayed on the vehicle infotainment system quickly and easily and intuitively used. Operation of the Android app is specifically optimised to the needs of the driver. That simplifies the interaction between driver, vehicle and smart phone and thus reduces any possible distraction of the driver from what’s happening on the road.
Volkswagen has already been working successfully with Google on integrating services into cars since 2009. “Joining the Open Automotive Alliance is the next milestone to connect our infotainment modules with the consumer electronics world”, says Dr. Volkmar Tanneberger, Head of Electrical and Electronic Development at Volkswagen.
