In March 2013, current Audi owners were asked "[URL=]Which type of mobile/wireless phone do you use most for personal use?" Here are the results:[/URL]
iPhone (60.3%), Android (23.4%), BlackBerry (7.0%), Windows Phone (2.8%). Source: Ad-ology AudienceSCAN, www.ad-ology.com
Only makes sense. Premium car buyers buy premium products, not Android.
I'll be looking to buy my third Audi in a row in two years. No Apple integration... then no more Audis for me!!
I don't think you have anything to worry about. It sounds like the 'stand alone' functionality of the system will work in and of itself and be based off Android. I think the chances of it not being iPhone compatible and integrated is near zero.
I truly doubt the Android solution will work with 60% of those polled.
I think his point is that if Audi uses Android as the OS for the in-dash console that iOS, Android, WinPh, Symbian, et al. could still connect to it since it's just being used as an OS that Audi can manipulate in any way they see fit. This wouldn't be unlike how Chromecast, which is Android at its heart, has an iOS app in the App Store right now.
Now if Audi only partners with Google for allowing Android devices to connect to their vehicles in a more significant manner the way then then I agree they are losing potential customers, but that it's still the same if they only partnered with Apple for iOS-based devices.
I can't express how much I wish there was a universal, open system in place, like VNC, because we shouldn't ever have to make a car buying decision based on the phone we use or vice versa. It's like if we couldn't buy an LG TV if we had a Sony Blu-ray player, or couldn't buy JBL speakers if we had a Bang & Olufsen stereo.
I can see where Auto manufacturers would find Android OS integrated into their car as a way to garner control over the services, albeit, Google Android is notoriously not open when the apps compete with Google e.g., music, maps, search, etc. thereby compromising this control, ask SAMSUNG.
However, this is a very complicated endeavor where underlying infrastructure is important. A car has a 5 to 15 year lifespan and this means support in the software and hardware for nearly an order of magnitude time horizon greater time horizon for Android 18 months. Apple, albeit not yet in that time league, has a 4X time line support and infrastructure upgrades advantage of 3-5 years for iOS and OSX, respectively. For the auto manufacturer having the driver bring the device to the car, substantially reduces the lifecycle support challenges. Note, i do not mean to say it goes away, but sure is easier.
A big concern for the automobile manufacturers is going to be licensing costs, Nokia, Apple, Microsoft, etc. are aggressively pursuing licensing agreements or denial of patents when using Android. Google has not developed an IP strategy that reduces any liability, case in point HTC with Nokia bans in Germany, soon in the US and UK, Apple's successful IP lawsuits with Samsung and more to come on that, and Microsoft on Motorola.
It is easy to imagine a licensing cost for auto manufactures of $50 to $100 or more per car. This is a liability that must be on the minds of the car manufacturers.
So allowing a phone iOS, Windows Mobile 8, or Android to interact in a limited way with the car is certainly valuable to customers and since these are "bring your own device" relatively low cost and risk free, but Android as core OS in cars is much more problematical.
Will it become commonplace to see Android used in embedded systems? I don't know. I do know that there's interest in Android for that market. You apparently would not be one of those with any interest.
You are right that I'm not an engineer myself so no need in wasting time failing your engineering knowledge test. Congrats to you tho on landing what's probably a pretty good paying job in an interesting and quickly changing field. I mean that sincerely.
Did you read through those links at all? They're not talking about Android as the OS in your car - they're talking about running Android ON TOP OF a Linux kernel inside of a "container". This way an Android application could run, but if it becomes unstable it can't bring down the device that's running it (your infotainment system).
Android as itself is simply not reliable for use as the primary OS in your car. iOS is also incapable of being your primary OS. Neither of them are robust enough or have the real-time capabilities (though iOS would be better in the real-time area).
As to the medical link you provided, they're talking about mobile health and attaching health monitors to Android devices (or building them in) to monitor things like blood sugar or heart rate. This is not mission critical stuff. The types of medical devices QNX (for example) is used in include things that affect life or death (like vital sign monitors in emergency rooms or for patients in critical condition). QNX has numerous certifications that make it suitable for these types of applications. Android doesn't. iOS doesn't. Windows doesn't either (including embedded Windows).
As to Android showing up on top in many embedded lists, well there's an easy explanation for that. Smartphones are considered embedded devices. Outside of smartphones Android is way behind as an embedded OS.
Although it's interesting to read some wild predictions from the Linux gurus (some saying by 2020 Linux will completely take over automotive and push QNX and MS to the side). Interesting how they can see so many years into the future. Also interesting to assume that QNX and MS (who currently have most of the market) are simply going to sit around and do nothing to improve their products while watching Linux get better. For example, QNX added the ability to run Android apps on QNX just this summer.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Gatorguy
If they went with an iOS in the Car solution then 40% of their buyers couldn't use it, restricted to Apple devices. Is that correct? I think the expectation would be that an Android-based one would work with nearly all smart-device OS's and not just Android thus being more usable to a broader range of Audi buyers. I doubt anyone would even realize it's Android unless someone told them so.
No. iOS in the car isn't an OS that replaces the OEM one used in their infotainment unit. It's just a method to make it easy to connect an iOS device to your car to get enhanced functionality. An automotive manufacturer could have both iOS In The Car and Android In The Car (for lack of a better term) at the same time. Just like I can connect iOS devices or Android devices to my PC there's no reason I can't connect both to my car.
Ha ha. Agree, a luxury car maker whose customer demographic are iPhone, not Android, users ties their product with the race-to-the-bottom, we'll-sell-your-personal-info mobile OS. This is a worse marketing decision than Ford's tie up with Microsoft.
This would/should be a HUGE concern if one had an Android device in his car and it had access to any of the vehicles onboard systems. Considering that Google seems to be in a neck & neck race with FaceBook and the NSA for the title of Data Mining World Champion, I can imagine getting a cancellation letter in the mail from my insurance company stating, "It has come to our attention that on your recent trip to Atlanta, you exceeded a speed of 90mph on six occasions. Goodbye forever!" Progressive Insurance is already offering discounts to suckers who willingly putting these nanny snoopers on their cars. I doubt Google/Android would even bother with getting permission - they don't with anything else.
If my company feels that Android is so unsecure that the CIO will not allow that OS on our network, then why in the world would I want such an OS in my car?! Especially considering a severe medical condition I have, known as LeadFootitis.
Surprised they don't already do it with iPhone geotracking.
Android makes sense for Audi. Most android users aren't able to upgrade their OS, so expectations for upgrades will be low. Most android devices are low power low capacity, so Audi can save money there. Also Audi can brand it's own fork of Android and start selling AudiPlay devices. And by promoting Android Audi will open up new markets for instance among the aspirational Walmart crowd. Maybe Walmart will start selling Audis like loss leader Avril Lavigne CD's. Win-win.
I agree, but I think that the problem is the customization. Android allows any level of customization, even a complete fork of the codebase with a dedicated app store (Amazon-like).
Correct. This system will likely work with all phone operating systems. Android OS is powering many car manufacturers infotainment systems already. It's Linux base is extremely stable. In fact, some of the best reviewed infotainment systems are actually skinned android. I'm not entirely sure why this is big news.
Apple's approach makes zero sense. They are immediately removing 80% of the population from considering a car powered by iOS in the car because it requires a firm commitment to iPhone for a decade or longer. Why would a car manufacturer sign up for that?
Audi is THE car company that most resembles apple, and in so many ways these two companies share affinity through design, quality, materials, aesthetics, and performance by need not brute force. I hope the partnership with google is more about having an open standard for VW , but not excluding apple technologies, rather an integrative approach. If the case should be that one would be tied to a google interface and only could use google i can say as an avid Apple and Audi user that i will move away from Audi, and i believe i represent the first mover / early adopter tier that constitute the core of a brand like Audi , a sort of combined idealist , ambassador of design the person that is influenced by aesthetics and design . My hope is that this coalition is actually more about VW not wanting to be locked in to one manufacturer, and will result in Apple creating an an even more strategic relationship with the VW group as VW with its co ownership of Porsche, /Audi, and VW represents the pinnacle in design-led car Brands and i strongly believe that their platforms centric approach is nearly identical to Apples way of thinking about design. These two companies belong together and i believe they will find a way to develop a greet interface. Looking at how apple maps currently work i have to give Google the edge, as apple maps continue to have issues, but that could be easily resolved if apple decided to throw some of its many billions towards a more technology centric vision and strengthening their technology BEHIND the interface..Apple needs to step up on all the technologies that actually ins stuff, not only front end and device design.
"I won't buy if it's Android" "It will never get updates"
Wow! Get of your high horse and come back down to reality. This will be a base that all phones will be able to use. You really think they would just allow just one mobile OS to work? You're wrong.
Plus, what you consider as the best OS is just an opinion, not fact. Just because iOS works for you does not mean it works for everyone else. Your iPhone is no better than what I use. You do realize that there are premium Android phones out there that are A. Just as good if not better than your iPhone B. cost just as much if not more than your iPhone.
I can guarantee you that there is nothing on your almighty iPhone that does more or better than what I use if we take the same common things that we both do. Not one.
Also, what makes you think that Audi should only have iOS. Now that's not good for me and others like me. I will never buy a Apple product, not that there is anything wrong or bad about what they make, it's just doesn't work for me.
"I won't buy if it's Android" "It will never get updates"
Wow! Get of your high horse and come back down to reality. This will be a base that all phones will be able to use. You really think they would just allow just one mobile OS to work? You're wrong.
Plus, what you consider as the best OS is just an opinion, not fact. Just because iOS works for you does not mean it works for everyone else. Your iPhone is no better than what I use. You spoiled brats do realize that there are premium Android phones out there that are A. Just as good if not better than your iPhone B. cost just as much if not more than your iPhone.
I can guarantee you that there is nothing on your almighty iPhone that does more or better than what I use if we take the same common things that we both do. Not one.
Also, what makes you think that Audi should only have iOS. Now that's not good for me and others like me. I will never buy a Apple product, not that there is anything wrong or bad about what they make, it's just doesn't work for me.
Then what the hell are you doing on an Apple enthusiasts site? Dreaming about owning Apple stuff? Casting aspersions?
Only makes sense. Premium car buyers buy premium products, not Android.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpamSandwich
Then what the hell are you doing on an Apple enthusiasts site? Dreaming about owning Apple stuff? Casting aspersions?
Please leave.
See, this is what I am talking about. The world does not revolve around you and your iPhone. The tide is changing and Apple is not as dominate as it once was. I only buy premium things as they usually work well and that goes for top tier phones of all OS's. I drive a premium car and don't buy Apple so your statement is false.
See, this is what I am talking about. The world does not revolve around you and your iPhone. The tide is changing and Apple is not as dominate as it once was. I only buy premium things as they usually work well and that goes for top tier phones of all OS's. I drive a premium car and don't buy Apple so your statement is false.
How much is Samsung paying you? Whatever it is, it's too much.
Since you claim to drive a luxury vehicle, I believe you are obligated to provide evidence.
Many others on this same thread have made the same claims or they were going to buy an Audi. You never asked them, why should you ask me only and why don't you as well? I'm not here for a pissing match or who has the biggest wanker. I'm stating that Audi will make this work with all mobile OS's as that's the logical thing to do to cover everyone buying their product.
Many others on this same thread have made the same claims or they were going to buy an Audi. You never asked them, why should you ask me only and why don't you as well? I'm not here for a pissing match or who has the biggest wanker. I'm stating that Audi will make this work with all mobile OS's as that's the logical thing to do to cover everyone buying their product.
Many others on this same thread have made the same claims or they were going to buy an Audi. You never asked them, why should you ask me only and why don't you as well? I'm not here for a pissing match or who has the biggest wanker. I'm stating that Audi will make this work with all mobile OS's as that's the logical thing to do to cover everyone buying their product.
Quote:
Originally Posted by SpamSandwich
Since you claim to drive a luxury vehicle, I believe you are obligated to provide evidence.
More anecdotes, but my cousin drives a X5 and has an M5 for his weekend car. He uses a Note 3 and before that a Galaxy Nexus.
Comments
Only makes sense. Premium car buyers buy premium products, not Android.
I'll be looking to buy my third Audi in a row in two years. No Apple integration... then no more Audis for me!!
I don't think you have anything to worry about. It sounds like the 'stand alone' functionality of the system will work in and of itself and be based off Android. I think the chances of it not being iPhone compatible and integrated is near zero.
I think his point is that if Audi uses Android as the OS for the in-dash console that iOS, Android, WinPh, Symbian, et al. could still connect to it since it's just being used as an OS that Audi can manipulate in any way they see fit. This wouldn't be unlike how Chromecast, which is Android at its heart, has an iOS app in the App Store right now.
Now if Audi only partners with Google for allowing Android devices to connect to their vehicles in a more significant manner the way then then I agree they are losing potential customers, but that it's still the same if they only partnered with Apple for iOS-based devices.
I can't express how much I wish there was a universal, open system in place, like VNC, because we shouldn't ever have to make a car buying decision based on the phone we use or vice versa. It's like if we couldn't buy an LG TV if we had a Sony Blu-ray player, or couldn't buy JBL speakers if we had a Bang & Olufsen stereo.
Isn't Eddie Cue on the board of Porsche?
Ferrari, I think!
Parrot Asteroid Smart
www.parrot.com
http://blog.vdcresearch.com/embedded_sw/2013/10/android-to-transform-medical-device-market.html
http://www.mentor.com/embedded-software/multimedia/using-android-in-automotive-systems-with-linux-containers
http://hsc.com/services/product-engineering-services/embedded-android/telematics
http://www.tgdaily.com/hardware-features/49743-report-gm-eyes-android-for-in-vehicle-telematics
Further, 16% of embedded engineers surveyed by UBM say they are already using Android as their OS of choice.
http://images.content.ubmtechelectronics.com/Web/UBMTechElectronics/{a7a91f0e-87c0-4a6d-b861-d4147707f831}_2013EmbeddedMarketStudyb.pdf
Will it become commonplace to see Android used in embedded systems? I don't know. I do know that there's interest in Android for that market. You apparently would not be one of those with any interest.
You are right that I'm not an engineer myself so no need in wasting time failing your engineering knowledge test. Congrats to you tho on landing what's probably a pretty good paying job in an interesting and quickly changing field. I mean that sincerely.
Did you read through those links at all? They're not talking about Android as the OS in your car - they're talking about running Android ON TOP OF a Linux kernel inside of a "container". This way an Android application could run, but if it becomes unstable it can't bring down the device that's running it (your infotainment system).
Android as itself is simply not reliable for use as the primary OS in your car. iOS is also incapable of being your primary OS. Neither of them are robust enough or have the real-time capabilities (though iOS would be better in the real-time area).
As to the medical link you provided, they're talking about mobile health and attaching health monitors to Android devices (or building them in) to monitor things like blood sugar or heart rate. This is not mission critical stuff. The types of medical devices QNX (for example) is used in include things that affect life or death (like vital sign monitors in emergency rooms or for patients in critical condition). QNX has numerous certifications that make it suitable for these types of applications. Android doesn't. iOS doesn't. Windows doesn't either (including embedded Windows).
As to Android showing up on top in many embedded lists, well there's an easy explanation for that. Smartphones are considered embedded devices. Outside of smartphones Android is way behind as an embedded OS.
Although it's interesting to read some wild predictions from the Linux gurus (some saying by 2020 Linux will completely take over automotive and push QNX and MS to the side). Interesting how they can see so many years into the future. Also interesting to assume that QNX and MS (who currently have most of the market) are simply going to sit around and do nothing to improve their products while watching Linux get better. For example, QNX added the ability to run Android apps on QNX just this summer.
If they went with an iOS in the Car solution then 40% of their buyers couldn't use it, restricted to Apple devices. Is that correct? I think the expectation would be that an Android-based one would work with nearly all smart-device OS's and not just Android thus being more usable to a broader range of Audi buyers. I doubt anyone would even realize it's Android unless someone told them so.
No. iOS in the car isn't an OS that replaces the OEM one used in their infotainment unit. It's just a method to make it easy to connect an iOS device to your car to get enhanced functionality. An automotive manufacturer could have both iOS In The Car and Android In The Car (for lack of a better term) at the same time. Just like I can connect iOS devices or Android devices to my PC there's no reason I can't connect both to my car.
Surprised they don't already do it with iPhone geotracking.
I agree, but I think that the problem is the customization. Android allows any level of customization, even a complete fork of the codebase with a dedicated app store (Amazon-like).
Correct. This system will likely work with all phone operating systems. Android OS is powering many car manufacturers infotainment systems already. It's Linux base is extremely stable. In fact, some of the best reviewed infotainment systems are actually skinned android. I'm not entirely sure why this is big news.
Apple's approach makes zero sense. They are immediately removing 80% of the population from considering a car powered by iOS in the car because it requires a firm commitment to iPhone for a decade or longer. Why would a car manufacturer sign up for that?
I hope the partnership with google is more about having an open standard for VW , but not excluding apple technologies, rather an integrative approach.
If the case should be that one would be tied to a google interface and only could use google i can say as an avid Apple and Audi user that i will move away from Audi, and i believe i represent the first mover / early adopter tier that constitute the core of a brand like Audi , a sort of combined idealist , ambassador of design the person that is influenced by aesthetics and design .
My hope is that this coalition is actually more about VW not wanting to be locked in to one manufacturer, and will result in Apple creating an an even more strategic relationship with the VW group as VW with its co ownership of Porsche, /Audi, and VW represents the pinnacle in design-led car Brands and i strongly believe that their platforms centric approach is nearly identical to Apples way of thinking about design.
These two companies belong together and i believe they will find a way to develop a greet interface.
Looking at how apple maps currently work i have to give Google the edge, as apple maps continue to have issues, but that could be easily resolved if apple decided to throw some of its many billions towards a more technology centric vision and strengthening their technology BEHIND the interface..Apple needs to step up on all the technologies that actually ins stuff, not only front end and device design.
"I won't buy if it's Android" "It will never get updates"
Wow! Get of your high horse and come back down to reality. This will be a base that all phones will be able to use. You really think they would just allow just one mobile OS to work? You're wrong.
Plus, what you consider as the best OS is just an opinion, not fact. Just because iOS works for you does not mean it works for everyone else. Your iPhone is no better than what I use. You do realize that there are premium Android phones out there that are A. Just as good if not better than your iPhone B. cost just as much if not more than your iPhone.
I can guarantee you that there is nothing on your almighty iPhone that does more or better than what I use if we take the same common things that we both do. Not one.
Also, what makes you think that Audi should only have iOS. Now that's not good for me and others like me. I will never buy a Apple product, not that there is anything wrong or bad about what they make, it's just doesn't work for me.
Then what the hell are you doing on an Apple enthusiasts site? Dreaming about owning Apple stuff? Casting aspersions?
Please leave.
Only makes sense. Premium car buyers buy premium products, not Android.
Then what the hell are you doing on an Apple enthusiasts site? Dreaming about owning Apple stuff? Casting aspersions?
Please leave.
See, this is what I am talking about. The world does not revolve around you and your iPhone. The tide is changing and Apple is not as dominate as it once was. I only buy premium things as they usually work well and that goes for top tier phones of all OS's. I drive a premium car and don't buy Apple so your statement is false.
How much is Samsung paying you? Whatever it is, it's too much.
How much is Samsung paying you? Whatever it is, it's too much.
So since I disagree with you, you resort to slinging mud? And people wounder why some Apple people have a elitists stigma.
It's has nothing to do with Samsung. This has to do with a car manufacture doing what they can to support all mobile OS's.
Since you claim to drive a luxury vehicle, I believe you are obligated to provide evidence.
Since you claim to drive a luxury vehicle, I believe you are obligated to provide evidence.
Many others on this same thread have made the same claims or they were going to buy an Audi. You never asked them, why should you ask me only and why don't you as well? I'm not here for a pissing match or who has the biggest wanker. I'm stating that Audi will make this work with all mobile OS's as that's the logical thing to do to cover everyone buying their product.
With every post you invite greater scrutiny.
Many others on this same thread have made the same claims or they were going to buy an Audi. You never asked them, why should you ask me only and why don't you as well? I'm not here for a pissing match or who has the biggest wanker. I'm stating that Audi will make this work with all mobile OS's as that's the logical thing to do to cover everyone buying their product.
Since you claim to drive a luxury vehicle, I believe you are obligated to provide evidence.
More anecdotes, but my cousin drives a X5 and has an M5 for his weekend car. He uses a Note 3 and before that a Galaxy Nexus.