After Google’s ‘Driverless Car’ And Apple’s ‘Electric Car’, Tech Giants To Battle For Connected Cars

Google and Apple have already indicated their interest in the automotive sector. While Google is reportedly working on its ‘Driverless car’, Apple is working towards its ‘Electric Car’. Besides that, the tech giants are trying to one up each other as the mainstream automotive companies are embracing the idea of connected cars and advanced technologies. Joining the bandwagon with Apple and Google is Microsoft that announced its ‘Windows for the car’.

Many automakers in Australia will be rolling out factory fitted in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) systems in the new models. As per the latest reports, Pioneer, an electronics firm has already sold two 7-inch display systems that are compatible with the new Android Auto. Two new Pioneer head units was launched to cater to the demand of carmakers planning to roll out factory fitted IVI systems in the newer car versions by the end of 2015, as per a report in Sydney Morning Herald.

The Pioneer has not ignored the potential of Apple’s Car Play, either. Last year, Pioneer had announced head units for the Car Play system, reports The Australian.

The two models priced at $1149 and $1999 with additional installation costs; feature a 7-inch touchscreen display that can be fastened to any phone running the Android Lollipop 5.0 software. The upcoming Samsung Galaxy S6, Google Nexus 5 and 6 and HTC One M9 runs the Android Lollipop 5.0 software.

The two head units from Pioneer also support Apple’s CarPlay system which is compatible with the iPhone 5/5c/5s/6/6+ that runs the latest 8.0 version of iOS. The external microphone provided in the system enables communication, mapping and music that can be controlled by voice activation.

The presence of both Android Auto and Car Play could have an influence on the buyer’s decision based on the phone’s brand and car system options, reports the Australian. The Android Auto runs key Google services like Google Play Music, Google Maps and it also supports other apps like Skype, Spotify, TuneIn Radio and podcasting service Pocket Casts.

Based on the driver’s travel history, the map services deliver real time traffic data information, however, it does not have common features found on most of the GPS systems like providing information about school areas, fixed speed cameras or warnings about speed limits.

With the automakers coming up with new auto products or the facelifted versions of their existing products, inclusion of ‘connected car’ platforms could be one of the factors influencing consumers’ decision.