Messaging and VoIP apps will soon land on cars running Android Automotive

[phillynews215]

• Google is opening up a new “Communications” category of apps for cars with Google built-in.
• This “Communications” category will consist of approved messaging and VoIP apps.
• Google already allows messaging apps on Android Auto but will also bring VoIP apps to that platform as well.

Millions of people use Android in their cars every day, whether its via their phone projecting to their cars head unit (Android Auto) or their headunits built-in operating system (Android Automotive OS). Because its so important for drivers to keep their eyes on the road, Google strictly limits what apps can do and how they behave when running on Android Auto or Automotive. Furthermore, Google only allows certain categories of apps to be distributed to Auto and Automotive users via Google Play. Google has slowly opened up Android Automotive to more types of apps, and soon, messaging and VoIP apps will be allowed on the platform.

Support for messaging apps would allow users to read or reply to important messages from their personal or business contacts while driving. For safety while driving, the voice assistant could utilize text-to-speech to read out any incoming messages, keeping drivers focused on driving. Similarly, the messaging app could use voice input to send replies while the user is driving. When the car is parked, though, full keyboard input could be allowed.




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