What's the news?
Audi is to offer full smartphone connectivity in its cars going forward - no matter which phone software platform you're using.
Both Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay software will be integrated in the Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI), allowing full, familiar functionality of the connected smartphone for the driver and passengers.
Audi is the only premium car maker to be a founding member of the Google Open Automotive Alliance (OAA), launched in early 2014 to integrate the Android platform and its apps into cars under the 'Android Auto' banner.
However, clearly not wishing to alienate iPhone customers, the Ingolstadt company is now having 'intensive dialogue' with Apple about seamlessly seguing CarPlay into its motors too.
The dual platforms should ensure the widest possible spread of smartphone-equipped customers will prefer the Audi MMI, given that you can switch between the two systems at any time; so should you defect from Apple to Android, for instance, your Audi will still be able to keep you connected.
Anything else?
"Our customers want to be 'always on' and use the services they know from their smartphones in cars as well," says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, board member for Technical Development at Audi AG. "In this regard, we are working closely with leading companies like Google and Apple. In the future, customers will be able to use the functions available to them on their smartphones via the operating systems in their cars as well."
Matt Robinson - 8 Jul 2014