Google's Secret Weapon: How Android Auto Just Blew Apple CarPlay Out of the Water
Phone mirroring software has swiftly become essential for many drivers, who now view these solutions as must-have features in modern vehicles. Android Auto and CarPlay once revolutionized the automotive world by stepping in when carmakers showed limited interest in developing advanced in-house infotainment systems. This allowed Google and Apple to become predominant players, although automakers have since sought to regain control of these systems. Despite such efforts, consumers have solidly cast their votes, favoring Android Auto and CarPlay.
One of the toughest challenges facing both systems is staying current with increasingly advanced in-car entertainment technology. A crucial part of this involves expanding both the supported capabilities and the selection of apps available. The first part requires deeper vehicle integration, a task that can be challenging given that both Android Auto and CarPlay rely on mobile devices. However, the second part is well underway, especially as both Apple and Google push to simplify the process for developers to bring their apps into the car ecosystem.
Google's Game-Changing Initiative
Recently, Google unveiled its “Car-ready mobile apps” program, a move designed to broaden the appeal of the Google Play Store for Android Auto. The aim is clear: to offer users compelling reasons to opt for Android Auto over CarPlay, and by extension, Android over iPhone.
Google's new endeavor offers straightforward resources for developers to get their apps compatible with automotive environments, addressing a significant hurdle. Launching an app on Android Auto has traditionally required considerable effort and optimization, but Google's new program promises to handle much of this work for developers. This is a revolutionary step for Google, aiming to bring new apps to both Android Auto and Android Automotive with minimal developer intervention.
Eliminating Developer Barriers
The company plans to bring new app categories that were previously inaccessible—such as video, games, and web browsers—into the car, marking a key expansion. Google will assume responsibility for the entire integration process, provided that apps meet certain requirements. The focus will be on applications that are adaptive and optimized for large screens, which aligns with the nature of in-car displays.
In other words, if your app already exists in the Google Play Store and fits these criteria, Google will make it compatible with Android Auto and Android Automotive without requiring you to lift a finger. For developers who may not want their apps available in cars, opting out is an easy option, though few are expected to take this route given the enormous potential for increased adoption.
Quality Tiers for Development
Apps need to meet specific quality standards to launch on Android Auto and Android Automotive, organized into three tiers: Car Differentiated, Car Optimized, and Car Ready. Each tier has distinct rules that apps must comply with, and some categories will need to meet all the requirements before becoming available.
For instance, parking apps, which help users locate, pay for, and reserve parking spots, must satisfy all the conditions under Tier 3 before appearing in the Google Play Store. These stringent rules ensure a seamless user experience that aligns with the unique demands of operating within a vehicle.
The Future: A Revolution in Your Car
The introduction of car-ready apps in Tier 3 marks the dawn of an app revolution for Android Auto. These requirements include specific checklists for various app categories. Intriguingly, all apps in video, gaming, and web browser categories must support x86_64 and ARM CPUs, and they must not issue heads-up notifications—considered unnecessary distractions by Google. Additionally, these apps must not be usable when the vehicle is in motion and cannot produce audio content while driving, a move to ensure driver focus and safety.
Particularly noteworthy in Google’s expansion is the support for video, gaming, and web browsing apps, heralding a new era for in-car infotainment. However, these apps will only offer optimal user experiences when developed to Tier 1 standards, subjecting them to more rigorous requirements that include font size limitations and touch target criteria.
With Google’s new program slated to launch later this year, developers can already submit their apps manually for review. Once live, Google will automatically review and launch these apps on the Google Play Store for Android Auto and Android Automotive, provided they meet stipulated criteria.
Meanwhile, Apple is yet to make any notable responses to Google’s groundbreaking initiative, as it appears to be focusing on the upcoming generation of CarPlay. Given that no major CarPlay updates were announced at Apple's recent developer event, it seems Android Auto is taking the lead in this competitive landscape. Video and gaming features are expected to make Android Auto more appealing, helping Google win over users increasingly and edge closer to its ultimate goal: making Android the go-to operating system for both phones and cars.