Built-in GOOGLE vehicle apps arrive

Android Automotive OS opens the door, cautiously, for third-party developers.

The modern vehicle cabin experience increasingly is defined by software and interactive screens. The new prominence of digital media interactions is evident in the late 2020 debut of the all-electric Polestar 2. Made by Volvo, it's the first production vehicle to have built-in Google apps and services.

The terminology in this realm can be confusing. Android Auto (and Apple CarPlay) launched to consumers in 2015. But those products only “project” apps to the dashboard from a mobile device. But now, the Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS) runs directly on in-vehicle hardware. No phone required.