Android Automotive Car Development Might Be Easier Due to Google’s Emulator

Android Automotive cars — specifically Volvo XC40 and Polestar 2 — are still some way away, scheduled to see the launch at some point in 2020. However, Google’s new Android Automotive emulator might speed things up, or at least help developers create apps for the infotainment system of the upcoming models. With the emulator including Google Play Store, it will be quite simple to download, install, and test various apps without the need to wait for the cars to be ready and equipped with Android Automotive. Google is known for its very close ties to Android Auto, and the company stated that porting over any pre-existing experiences to Android Automotive will be a simple enough process. The company even displayed some examples, including Audioburst and Amazon. For those who are excited about Android Automotive arrival, this is quite good news, as it shows that Google is working on preparing the ecosystem for the upcoming models ahead of time. It also indicates that the ecosystems will be ready as soon as the cars see the launch if all goes well, and no new challenges emerge. Meanwhile, the lower entry barrier is an indication that a number of apps will be available, instead of the new systems only featuring big names, such as Amazon and Spotify. Earlier this year, in May, Google also announced that it has bigger plans for the future. Specifically, the company is considering allowing third-party app-makers to develop more than just media apps. They still did not announce when they will allow this, although it is very likely that dev shops will be allowed to bring their own apps for navigation and communication into the new ecosystem at some point in the near future. Are you excited about Android Automotive arrival? Do you plan to purchase one of these cars once they hit the market? Leave a comment below, and let us know.

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