[Aditya]

Mahindra & Mahindra has announced that it had become a member of the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA), a global alliance of vehicle manufacturers, committed to bringing the Android platform to cars. The announcement was made at Google I/O, Google's developer conference in San Francisco.



Under the aegis of this association with Google and the OAA, Mahindra will provide its customers with connectivity through Android Auto, which extends the Android platform into the car in a way that is purpose-built for driving. It offers a solution in connectivity by linking smart phones and tablets with the in-vehicle infotainment system. Mahindra will be offering Android Auto in its XUV 500 and the Scorpio models as well as its future platforms.

It comes with eyes-free technology like voice and spoken directions combined with integrated controls (like steering wheel buttons), which are said to reduce driver intervention significantly and improve safety.

At present, Mahindra is offering the Blue Sense app, which enables customers to connect with the vehicle using Bluetooth technology. Going forward, on integration of Android Auto, the owners of Mahindra vehicles will have in-car access to Google Maps, other Google Services and third party apps via an infotainment screen.

[raj_5004]

Originally Posted by Aditya

Mahindra & Mahindra has announced that it had become a member of the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA), a global alliance of vehicle manufacturers, committed to bringing the Android platform to cars. The announcement was made at Google I/O, Google's developer conference in San Francisco.

.............

At present, Mahindra is offering the Blue Sense app, which enables customers to connect with the vehicle using Bluetooth technology. Going forward, on integration of Android Auto, the owners of Mahindra vehicles will have in-car access to Google Maps, other Google Services and third party apps via an infotainment screen.

I am quite pleased.

The best part is the integration of Google maps in the in-built screen. I believe, no other maps have the kind of database which Google possess. Any place, any street, any country... Gmaps will likely have all the data.

It will be great if M&M gives an option to update the maps via our phone or atleast wirelessly mirror our phone's Google maps on the screen.

[narayanang76]

Originally Posted by Aditya

Mahindra & Mahindra has announced that it had become a member of the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA), a global alliance of vehicle manufacturers, committed to bringing the Android platform to cars. The announcement was made at Google I/O, Google's developer conference in San Francisco.

I wish it'll be more than phone connectivity and maps integration. The whole vehicle information (aka MID) such as fuel efficiency, service intervals, OBD integration etc...if this can be done, it will be great add-on.

[ottocycle]

Originally Posted by raj_5004

It will be great if M&M gives an option to update the maps via our phone or atleast wirelessly mirror our phone's Google maps on the screen.

If I am not wrong, android auto is going to use the google map from your phone. To make android auto work you have to connect the headunit to your smart phone. Android Auto actually runs in your phone.

[raj_5004]

Originally Posted by ottocycle

If I am not wrong, android auto is going to use the google map from your phone. To make android auto work you have to connect the headunit to your smart phone. Android Auto actually runs in your phone.

Perfect!

So that means the maps will always be updated and also, searching places and browsing through favourites will be easier.

[Rajeevraj]

Here is a good review on Android Auto by verge. They tested it in the Hyundai Sonata. The first car to get it.

http://www.theverge.com/2015/5/26/86...hyundai-sonata

[classact]

Maybe it's just me, but I think loading too many gizmos into these cars make the drive less interesting with people trying to use these and forgetting to enjoy their drive. We're bombarded with technology everywhere right from work place to bed (more so with Internet Of Things), if we're not careful, we'll end up spending our precious life time with these gizmos rather than our loved ones.Yes I'm also a software developer/architect but I like to use technology only in places where it's really useful or required. Personally, in cars, I prefer the plain jane dashboards with limited controls etc.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by classact

Maybe it's just me, but I think loading too many gizmos into these cars make the drive less interesting with people trying to use these and forgetting to enjoy their drive.

Android Auto doesn't add any new gizmos; it makes the ones on your smartphone easier to use while driving. From the article:

There are five panes to Android Auto: navigation, a phone dialer, information, media and music, and a diagnostic pane that can display the vehicle’s vitals like tire pressure or fuel efficiency.

Definitely makes things easier. E.g. it's simpler to navigate via a big & fixed touchscreen on the dash than your smaller & loose phone.

[rohansachar]

A welcome move & again a good initiative by M&M. I hope there should also be after market accessories available wherein Android Auto units can be added to existing cars.

[venuvedam]

Does the XUV500 face lift (2015 version in the market today) have Android Auto? If not, do we know when it would be introduced in Mahindra models? Also, can existing Mahindra owners get their infotainment systems upgraded to Android Auto?

I am impatiently waiting for the W10-Automatic-Hybrid version. I hope it ships with Android Auto

[acidkill]

Surely an interesting development. Let's hope the auto version of Xuv500 is launched with android in the festive / October period

[psispace]

A similar feature known as 'Mirror Link' was already out. But it was restricted to only limited mobile devices and few head units from Pioneer, Sony, JVC etc.

I was in touch with Samsung and Car Connectivity Consortium very regularly over mail earlier as my Galaxy S5 didn't have Mirror Link. I had earlier considered Pioneer Head unit for the Nissan Micra (which I subsequently didn't purchase) and was concerned about this feature. However, I was only given diplomatic replies that these features will be available in the 'near future'.

Post Lollipop update, the S5 now has Mirror Link. I however am now stuck with the Blaupunkt Philadelphia.

The Mirror Link however had limited utility, and apps were restricted to the ones approved by the Head Unit manufacturer. And most units required HDMI connectivity for Mirror link to work.

However, all units can display Google Maps and play Audio files without a bluetooth link. Some even accept Apps such as 'Tune In' which I use quite often. These in my opinion are what make this feature convenient. The rest are distractive if used while driving.

Android Auto and Car Play (Apple) takes it to the next step. Not only the Display, but more of your phones features are accessible via the Head Unit touch screen via simple USB connection.

If used responsibly, it can definitely enhance your driving experience. You have at your disposable a lot more media and entertainment options. So as long as you don't do any web searches, mailing or (I dare say) gaming etc. while on the move, you are safe. However, I have a feeling very soon auto safety regulators will start putting restrictions on these.

Another interesting link;

http://www.cnet.com/news/android-aut...hboard-safely/

[mpksuhas]

Great news. Though XUV has a feature rich infotainment system, it is bit tough to use the options. I am yet to get the SMS read function working on my XUV one year after purchase.

All initial trip planning is done on Google maps (in desktop or mobile), during trip when we turn on navigation the MMI navigation shows entirely different point of interests and local area names.

With a navigation which is synced with your Google account you can save locations on desktop / mobile and can have the same displayed in your car navigation too.


Though, I wonder how they will be taking care of manufacture specific features. Link in case of XUV, Tyretronics - Tyre pressure monitor.

Originally Posted by venuvedam

Does the XUV500 face lift (2015 version in the market today) have Android Auto?

No, it does not come with Android Auto. Though the infotainment system in new XUV looks much better than the old one.

[1100D]

Interesting how the automotive scene is evolving. Now its more about how your phone integrates with the cars Infotainment system rather than how the cars connect to the road!

However, on a different note, shouldn't car makers adopt a system agnostic approach, rather than aligning to one and indirectly forcing the customers towards a certain direction.

[krishsreedharan]

I dont see any news following this from Mahindra. I would definitely like to use this on my Scorpio. Right now, I am limited to the maps on MMI Navigator which forms a part of the ICE package. Alternatively, I will have to look for an aftermarket Head Unit for the Scorpio which support Android Auto.