Google ties up with Audi, GM, Honda and Hyundai to bring Android OS to cars

Google has entered into a partnership with the leading carmakers and a chip-making firm in order to bring its Android operating system into vehicles in 2014. Open Auto Alliance (OAA), an auto-tech group, also announced on Monday, the opening day for CES 2014, that they will support the OS' widespread use with certain tweaks.

Some of the carmakers involved in the partnership are General Motors, Audi, Honda and Hyundai whereas Nvidia will be also giving its support under-the-hood.

"The OAA is dedicated to a common platform that will drive innovation, and make technology in the car safer and more intuitive for everyone" the group announced. "Its open development model and common platform will allow automakers to more easily bring cutting-edge technology to their drivers, and create new opportunities for developers to deliver powerful experiences for drivers and passengers in a safe and scalable way."

Although the details are being kept undercover, the OAA added that Google's Android OS will arrive with certain car-specific features.

The Android-Audi tie-up came into news last month itself, reports CNET, as it was revealed that the popular carmaker would include entertainment and information systems-based on the Google's OS. However, the Android-General Motors agreement is considered to be much bigger as GM is the largest automaker around the globe. The firm is said to pair itself with the mobile OS via its native OnStar communications technology.

The OAA partnership is also considered a starting point for the implementation of the much-anticipated self-driving car technology, providing a platform for standardised computing and services. The self-driving car technology's biggest drawback is fear for driver and road safety, and to reassure consumers, the alliance said: "We have been in contact with government agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Our goal is to build an experience that helps drivers get what they're looking for without disrupting their focus on the road."

As a competition to Android, Apple's iOS is also working on car electronics. Ford is also said to have a close partnership with Microsoft regarding its Sync technology.