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Before I / O 2019, Google announced a redesign of the Android Auto driving experience, and revealed later this week how the phone application was being replaced by the new driving mode of the car. Assistant. Italy is now facing an antitrust investigation into the lack of third party mapping applications on the car platform.
The Italian Antitrust Authority this week (via CNBC) opened a preliminary procedure on the lack of third-party mapping by Android Auto. For now, Google only allows developers to create multimedia or email applications.
Developers can create music, radio, podcasting and audiobook clients, while email is more limited and simply integrates with Auto's notification system. All audio applications with the same layout as Google's focus on driver safety.
The Italian complaint began when Google rejected an app called "Enel X Recharge", which would help drivers find charging points for electric cars. As The edge points out that the developer is the Enel group, which was previously a public entity prior to its privatization. For now, the government is the largest shareholder.
Italy sees in the rejection of this application the fact that Google is abusing its dominant position to force the use of Google Maps, which is tightly integrated with Auto and has similar features. Waze, owned by Google, is the only other map application available on the platform.
Google argues that this lack of third-party mapping is one of the reasons to "ensure that apps can be safely used while driving." Before embarking, Waze worked closely with the Android Auto team on safety testing and "driver disruption" to optimize the experience.
The survey conducted by Italy will complete in May 2020, while Google "examines the complaint and looks forward to working with the authority to resolve the issues". This could very well allow Google to open Auto to third party mapping applications after a rigorous test and security review. .
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