First, manufacturers like BMW opposed Android Auto for years, and later they entered into a close partnership with Google. Today’s story is on the one hand a review, but also a look at the current state of affairs. Exactly one year ago, Google presented the provision of “Instrument Cluster” for Android Auto on the smartphone. Until then, the feature was only available in the fully-fledged Android Automotive OS (e.g. at Volvo).
Android Auto: Close partnership with BMW could surprise
BMW was the exclusive partner at the time. In the new BMW iX, the possibility was presented that the navigation view of Android Auto can also be displayed on the screen behind the steering wheel. Normally, Android Auto only shows up on the main infotainment screen. If you’re on the road with Android Automotive, you’ll notice the advantage that Google navigation is visible right next to the speedometer.
BMW offers instrument clusters for Android Auto
So Google has closed a gap. It’s just stupid that it quickly became quiet again afterward. Instrument Cluster for Android Auto doesn’t seem to interest too many manufacturers. At least BMW has kept its word and actually offers the feature in the iX . I had honestly thought that you might even “forget” that. With Google, BMW has even made it possible for the most important information to be visible in the head-up display.
When I look at some current vehicles, Android Auto not only lacks the cluster function, it also still lacks the wireless connection for the smartphone app. A bitter indictment. Google doesn’t get its partners on board well enough to deliver a truly seamless Android Auto user experience.