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Google and Audi developing infotainment systems

by on30 December 2013



Vorsprung durch Android

Google and Audi are developing in-car entertainment and information systems according to the Wall Street Journal.

 

The infotainment systems are reportedly based on Nvidia silicon which is hardly surprising as Nvidia already has a few interesting design wins in this niche market. The connected car system chip market is expected to hit $1.6 billion by 2020, so there is plenty of room for growth.

However, the vast majority of auto makers have been reluctant to embrace Android, as they prefer proprietary systems that allow them to maintain full control over the systems and protect their brand. Given the price of most infotainment systems this is hardly surprising. The prospect of using cheap, generic systems in place of pricey infotainment systems sold by car manufacturers is probably one of their biggest concerns.

Not much is known about Google’s and Audi’s plans at this time, but the companies are expected to make a formal announcement at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in a week or so.

It should be noted that Audi is part of the Volkswagen Group, which also includes Seat, Skoda and of course Volkswagen. It is unclear whether the remaining brands will use similar systems, but since their models share everything from platforms to power trains and a myriad of other components, this seems very likely.

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