New clues found for standalone car OS based on Android

Google seems to be working on a separate Android version for cars. This is evident from the latest version of the Android compatibility definition document or cdd. In addition to references to Handheld, Television and Watch, the document also contains references to Automotive.

The current Android Auto is not a separate operating system, but an app that runs on Android. At present, Google makes three types of Android operating system, namely the base system Android for phones and tablets, Android TV for televisions, and Android Wear. Android Auto is an app that can only be installed on certain devices, but Android Auto cannot function as an underlying operating system for the car itself. The app cannot control anything like the heating, so you have to switch back to the car’s built-in OS.

The new CDD shows that Google is still working on a separate Android operating system for the car. In fact, it literally states that the Android Automotive implementation refers to an in-car entertainment system or infotainment system that runs partially or completely on Android Automotive as its operating system.

ArsTechnica points out that it is striking that Android Automotive must offer a Home function and that it can offer back and recent functions. For example, the current Auto app only has a home button, but because only three ‘apps’ are offered via Auto, music, phone and maps, there is no recent apps button. Being allowed to add a recent applications button shows that more complex functionality can be added to Automotive than what is now possible with the Auto app.

Android Automotive as fourth device type in the CDD