Honda & Google Built-In Collaboration

Honda and Google recently announced that they would collaborate, installing Google Built-In for vehicles manufactured after the second half of 2022. So what exactly does this mean? For Google, it’s one more manufacturer they’ve partnered with to become the in-vehicle default infotainment system platform. For Honda, it means elevating the customer’s user experience to sell more cars. It sounds like a win-win. So, let’s take a closer look at how this impacts Honda, Google, and you, the car-buying customer.

What Is Google Built-In?

“Google Play app icon on smartphone screen (perspective render)” licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Flickr by Yu. Samoilov

To understand what Google Built-In is, you must first understand Android. Google developed the embedded Android Automotive OS (operating system) that powers your infotainment system. Android Automotive isn’t the same as Android OS, though it was created from it. Android, Inc. initially developed android OS before Google acquired the company in 2005. Google has developed Android OS to operate all their touchscreen devices, cellphones, and tablets.

Android Automotive OS was designed specifically for the automotive industry as the default embedded platform for infotainment systems. Android Automotive OS includes Google Assistant, the voice-activated assistant used in Google home devices. It includes Google Maps, Google Play, and other Android apps approved for the auto industry. Google Play is the online store for all of Google’s apps.

Android Automotive OS runs not only your infotainment system but everything from heating and air conditioning to navigation systems and music. Android Auto OS has a distinctly focused approach designed to sync the smartphone to the infotainment display in your vehicle. Android Auto OS enables you to operate your cellphone from your vehicle’s infotainment system, make hands-free calls, respond to texts, access your favorite apps, and more.

Honda-Google Collaboration

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Honda and Google have announced their upcoming collaboration. These two companies have collaborated since 2015, as Honda has used an Android-based OS for years now. In fact, Honda has participated in the Open Automotive Alliance initiative led by Google and chip-make Nvidia. The initiative’s goal was to integrate Android Auto OS into vehicle infotainment systems. As a result, in 2016, the Honda Accord became the first Honda vehicle manufactured with Android Auto OS.

Google Built-In Operations

Google’s Android Auto OS optimizes your cellphone’s innovative features for drivers. This enables Honda to elevate its customer’s user experience safely and efficiently. As their collaboration continues, Honda anticipates further enhancements to their customers’ user experience. In addition, Honda wants to seamlessly connect your mobile devices using Honda-connected technologies and Google’s advanced systems. As a result, you’ll stay connected to your life with better in-vehicle programs designed to suit your needs while driving. Critical Google Built-In systems include:

• Google Assistant – Google’s favorite artificial intelligence (AI) home assistant now comes pre-installed on your Honda’s onboard touch-screen display. You can use Google Assistant to execute daily tasks using intuitive voice commands, enabling you to keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the steering wheel. With a compatible smart device, you can send text messages, make phone calls, get navigation information, stream your favorite music, and more. And, it all happens hands-free.
• Google Maps – Google Built-In includes Google Maps, the advanced GPS navigation system you have on your Android phone, tablet, or your home computer. Now, your touchscreen features the Google Maps app, enabling you to get navigation information such as an address, search for gas stations along your route, and more with simple voice commands.
• Google Play – Your online shopping destination for smart device applications comes embedded with Google Built-In. These apps can easily be downloaded to your infotainment system and then used on the Android Auto OS system because of the Google-Android partnership. In addition, drivers will have access to music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more directly from their infotainment system and without the need for a cellphone or tablet.

How Is Google Built-In Different From Android Auto?

You’ve probably seen Android Auto listed as a selling feature on new automobiles from nearly every manufacturer. Therefore, it’s natural to assume that you’ll have the same functionality since Google Built-In runs on the Android OS platform. This assumption remains valid to a certain extent.

For years, auto manufacturers wanted to keep technology companies at arm’s length, not wanting them to access the user data generated from thousands of drivers every day. Hence, the Android Auto capability, but not the embedded software. You see, cars with Android Auto capability can sync with your cellphone, enabling hands-free operations through your infotainment system. These operations use device mirroring technology requiring a compatible smartphone or tablet using the Android OS software.

You have no operating system without your compatible cellphone. As a result, you can use only those apps that come pre-installed on your infotainment system or those already downloaded to your cellphone using an Android OS.

Google Built-In eliminates the need for a compatible device. It has the Android Automotive OS embedded in the hardware within your Honda’s infotainment system. You use it similarly as you would your home computer. You turn on your vehicle’s infotainment system, and Google Built-In does the rest. You’ll see the Google Assistant, Google Play, and Google Maps show up on your infotainment system as apps. Touch the app to activate it, and you’re off and running.

When Will Your New Honda Have Google Built-In?

Honda recently announced their collaboration with Google to provide Google Built-In. The timeline remains fluid, but most Honda insiders believe that every new model manufactured in the second half of 2022 and beyond will have Google Built-In. While this means that Honda cedes a certain amount of data access to Google, they can achieve the ultimate goal of selling more cars.

At Ike Honda, we understand the future of mobility and how Google Built-In advances your mobile life through connectivity. That’s why we’re so excited for the arrival of Google Built-In to all new Honda vehicles. If you’re interested in learning more about Google Built-In and which models you can expect to have it, and when, you can contact us for more information.