In the automotive industry, stability has always been considered a paramount quality; however, this is changing.
Nowadays, stability remains an important factor to consider, but so are innovation and convenience.
Cars are typically used for convenience and it makes sense that the technological industry would want to increase this convenience in all manners – enter the Android Auto head unit.
This article will discuss what an Android Auto head unit is and why you should purchase one.
WHAT IS AN ANDROID AUTO HEAD UNIT?
To accommodate the general public’s growing dependency on their mobile devices, Android Auto and Apple Carplay were integrated to offer a single service: to integrate the smartphone with the vehicle’s audio system.
The main benefit from this service, in addition to being able to control the audio system wirelessly, is safety. By accessing the device without holding a device, the driver will have both hands on the steering wheel; thereby, increasing the degree of car safety.
An Android Auto head unit operates in a similar vein to using the smartphone with Bluetooth technology.
The head unit will display select apps on the head unit screen, which are controlled using voice activation. The majority of manufacturers are offering the Android Auto head unit as an integrated part of vehicles produced from 2017, older cars do not have this facility.
This does not mean the Android Auto cannot be used in older vehicle models – all you need to do is replace the traditional stereo with an Android Auto head unit.
Today, either buying or leasing a car you’ll find this option standard, even older models like these (click here).
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT REASONS TO PURCHASE AN ANDROID AUTO HEAD UNIT?
1. OEMS ARE GOOD AT HARDWARE, BUT NOT SOFTWARE
Until recently, vehicle OEMs or original equipment manufacturers did not involve themselves in the development of technological software.
The primary function of any OEM was to manufacture automobile hardware and create the systems required to effectively control and maintain the car.
The concept of an interactive audio head unit remained a complicated software trend and did not fall in line with the tasks completed by OEMs.
So, despite the implementation of the Android Auto head unit being available in new vehicle models, it would make sense to purchase this type of software from OEMs who have experience in technological development.
2. TRADITIONAL VEHICLE SOFTWARE DOES NOT MATCH CUSTOMER EXPECTATIONS
It currently takes approximately three years before a new head unit with in-car software will be placed on the market, and once it is available the software is predicted to last for approximately six years.
The average car owner will keep a vehicle for over ten years and, compared to the new operating versions which are released annually, the majority of customers find themselves replacing devices on a bi-yearly basis.
OEMs remaining in the traditional vehicle development sector find it difficult to innovate and introduce new software as quickly as technological companies; therefore resulting in consumers being disappointed by the lack of mobile devices in the car.
Rather than fighting this trend, many OEMs are choosing in integrate with Google allowing their customers to replace car radios with Android Auto head units.
This is a good reason to purchase a head unit because it will allow you to retain the vehicle will increasing the updated technological advancements of Google.