Millions of Ford vehicles will run on Google’s Android operating system from 2023

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Android’s operating system will allow drivers to access Google Maps for in-vehicle navigation and Google’s voice assistant to manage in-car voice commands without the use of an Android phone. Ford vehicles have been equipped with the automaker’s proprietary Sync system since 2007, which is featured in its portfolio. It is not clear whether Ford will continue to use the Sync name on this new system.

From 2023, Ford cars will also begin offering an in-car version of the Google Play Store for downloading apps such as music, audiobooks and podcasts.

In addition, Google will also be Ford’s preferred provider for cloud data storage, executives from Ford and Google said. Ford will also use Google’s artificial intelligence and data analysis capabilities to better interpret data collected about vehicles and its own operations to improve things like customer service, manufacturing, and marketing.

General Motors (GM) recently announced a similar deal with Microsoft in which Microsoft will be the cloud storage provider for GM and Cruise, the majority-owned self-driving car company. Ford and Google haven’t specifically said whether Google’s cloud computing systems will be used for autonomous vehicles, as in the GM and Microsoft deal.
As part of their partnership, Ford (F) and Google (GOOG) will create a group called Team Upshift that will collaborate on new ways companies can work together. Executives at Ford and Google, for example, imagine the team will work on things like improving the online car shopping experience using customer data.

The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the deal.

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This is Google’s first large-scale partnership with an automaker, although Volvo and its electric vehicle spin-off Polestar use the Android operating system in some of their vehicles, with plans for more in the future.

User interfaces and in-car navigation systems have become essential for automotive customers, said Kristin Kolodge, executive director of driver interaction at JD Power. Car owners have grown accustomed to the kind of ease of use and customization they get on their smartphones, she said. They often end up being disappointed when their vehicles don’t.

“They’re looking for that extended relationship,” she says. “So that the vehicle knows them personally,” she said.

In newer models, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the redesigned F-150, Ford vehicles can download software updates “over the air,” like smartphones can, so customers don’t have to. no need to visit a dealer for software upgrades. This will also be true for vehicles equipped with the new Android Auto operating system.

Drivers with Apple devices will still have access to Apple CarPlay so they can use their phone in the car as well. Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant will also continue to be offered in vehicles for customers who prefer it.

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