Ford will embed all of its and Lincoln’s cars with Android Automotive OS from 2023, bringing Google’s services into infotainment systems.
According to the official press release, Ford and Google are forming a strategic partnership that will push the automaker’s in-car tech to a whole new level. Namely, Ford has announced that future models will come equipped with Google’s latest Android Automotive OS for infotainment systems as a standard feature starting in 2023. As a result of the six-year partnership, millions of Ford and Lincoln models will be embedded with Google apps and services.
To initiate the move, Ford and Google will form a new collaborative group named ‘Team Upshift.’ The group will utilize both company’s employees’ talents for future innovations and deliver an enhanced user experience.
Furthermore, Google’s expertise in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning will benefit the team in developing various user-centric technologies and modernizing Ford’s business operations.
Ford will also use Google Cloud as the preferred cloud provider, opening the doors to several data-driven opportunities. The team aims to reinvent the retail experience and develop various data-based services to handle queries and issue notices. Moreover, Google’s cloud service will boost Ford’s digital transformation and further enhance the driving experience through personalized services.
Interestingly, Google’s Android Automotive OS is different from the current Android Auto. Namely, the latter requires smartphone pairing to connect with the infotainment system. Meanwhile, the Android Automotive OS provides seamless access to Google apps like Voice Assistant, Google Maps, and the Google Play Store—even without a phone.
Ford is currently using the Blackberry-built QNX OS in its ‘Sync 3 and Sync 4’ infotainment systems. However, it will switch to Android Automotive for future models to provide customers with improved functionalities.
“This integration will unleash our teams to innovate for Ford and Lincoln customers while seamlessly providing access to world-class apps and services,” said Ford’s outgoing CEO Jim Farley.
The Android Automotive OS is currently present on Volvo’s sub-brand Polestar models, the Polestar 1 and 2, and it’s safe to assume that several other carmakers might make the switch soon.
