BMW

Company realizes not everyone uses iPhones, adds Android Auto

Always wanted to use Android Auto on BMW's Operating System 7.0? Well, tough luck. BMW currently only offers Apple Carplay across all of its latest models. This meant that you will have to buy an Apple iPhone in order to make full use of the new system. However, come mid-2020, the Bavarian automaker will finally be offering the Android-based service to the market.
Like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto serves as a way to wirelessly connect your smartphone onto the Operating System 7.0. There, users can easily use and tap onto their preferred apps like Waze, Google Maps, Spotify, and YouTube.
Normally, Android Auto will only be shown on the center infotainment display. However, BMW mentioned that it will also work on the multi-info display, as well as on the heads-up display. This will allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road instead of having to switch views while driving.
When paired with the artificial-intelligent Google Assistant, drivers will be able to issue commands, or ask about the weather, check on local news, and even monitor real-time traffic conditions. It can be activated by simply saying “Hey Google”. But for those that prefer to use BMW's own intelligent voice assistant, drivers / passengers can still enable it by saying 'Hey BMW'.



“Many of our customers have pointed out the importance to them of having Android Auto inside a BMW for using a number of familiar Android smartphone features safely without being distracted from the road, in addition to BMW’s own functions and services,” said Peter Henrich, senior vice president for Product Management at BMW.
Android Auto for BMW will be demonstrated live for the first time at next year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and will officially be available to customers from July 2020 for all vehicles fitted with Operating System 7.0.
“We are excited to work with BMW to bring wireless Android Auto to their customers worldwide next year. The seamless connection from Android smartphones to BMW vehicles allows customers to hit the road faster while maintaining access to all of their favourite apps and services in a safer experience,” said Patrick Beady, vice president for Engineering at Google.
For Android users that had to put up with a Bluetooth connection on their BMW, it won't be long now until you will be able to finally use Android Auto starting in the middle of next year.

by Marcus De Guzman