Millions of Ford vehicles will run on Google’s Android operating system from 2023

Millions of Ford vehicles will run on Google’s Android operating system from 2023

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The Android operating system will allow drivers to access Google Maps for in-vehicle navigation and Google Voice Assistant to handle voice commands in the car without using an Android phone. Ford vehicles have come with the automaker’s proprietary Sync system since 2007, which has been featured in its portfolio. It is not clear whether Ford will continue to use the name Sync in this new system.

Starting in 2023, Ford cars will also start offering a car version of the Google Play Store to download music apps, audiobooks and podcasts.

In addition, Google will also be Ford’s preferred provider for cloud data storage, executives at Ford and Google said. Ford will also use Google’s artificial intelligence and data analysis capabilities to better interpret the data it collects from vehicles and its own operations to improve things like customer service, manufacturing and marketing.

General Motors (GM) recently announced a similar agreement with Microsoft under which Microsoft will be the cloud storage provider for GM and Cruise, GM’s majority-owned autonomous car company. Ford and Google did not say specifically whether Google’s cloud computing systems would be used for autonomous vehicles, as in the deal between GM and Microsoft.
As part of your partnership, Ford (F) and Google (GOOG) will create a group called Team Upshift that will collaborate in new ways for companies to work together. Ford and Google executives imagine, for example, that the team will work on things like improving the online car buying experience using customer data.

The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the agreement.

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This is Google’s first large-scale partnership with an automaker, although Volvo and its Polestar electric vehicle spin-off use the Android operating system in some of their vehicles, with plans for more in the future.

Automotive user interfaces and navigation systems have become critical for automotive customers, said Kristin Kolodge, executive director of driver interaction at JD Power. Car owners have gotten used to the kind of ease of use and personalization they like on their smartphones, she said. Often, they end up being disappointed when their vehicles do not meet this goal.

“They are looking for an extended relationship,” she said. “So that the vehicle knows them in person,” she said.

On newer models, such as the redesigned Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150, Ford vehicles can download software updates “over the air”, as smartphones can, so customers don’t have to visit a dealership for service updates. software. This will also be valid for vehicles with the new Android Auto operating system.

Drivers with Apple devices will still have access to Apple CarPlay so they can also use their phones in the car. Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant will also continue to be offered on vehicles for customers who prefer.

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