Google has pushed Android Automotive as the next big thing for cars, and it has resulted in some big names like Ford and Honda signing up. Now, however, Mercedes-Benz joins the list of carmakers that adopt Android Automotive, but the taste without Google input.
As reported by ReutersMercedes-Benz has entered into an agreement with Faurecia and Aptoide.
The agreement will see future Mercedes-Benz vehicles running Android-based infotainment systems, but a open source version of the Automotive platform left without Google apps and services, including Play Store. Instead, Aptoide will fill the role of an app store for Mercedes.
This is not a completely new idea for car manufacturers. Before joining Mercedes-Benz, Faurecia-Aptoide also signed agreements with Volkswagen and BMW to run their Android Automotive experiences without Google’s help. According to Faurecia, there are 3 million vehicles worldwide using their Aptoide platform.
What is the benefit of it? Faurecia-Aptoides’ Deputy Director, Thomas Belin, said:
We will provide a much more customizable app store offering where every manufacturer will really be able to acquire the solution, choose their ecosystem and have control over personal data, which is an important topic.
In traditional Android Automotive experiences, such as the one we tried in a Polestar vehicle recently, car owners need to use a Google Account for the experience. In the case of Volkswagen, however, the system uses a “myvolkswagen” account. Mercedes will be able to do something similar.
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