When you search for your next new car, you may be searching for one with Google products integrated into it. The tech giant's created a suite of technology that many automakers are adding into their lineup.
Many General Motors (GM) vehicles, as well as Honda, Volvo and Polestar, have added Google Built-in, the branded name for the technology.
On the surface, that means the Google Play store and Google Maps, also the Google Voice Assistant, will all be available for those buyers. However, Google Built-in is not just about infotainment. It's more than that.
Google Built-in and the automaker's in-house infotainment software are combined and installed on top of the tech company's Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS), which based on the system originally developed for phones and tablets. This allows for a customized skin for each automaker and vehicle, while keeping the technology the same on the back end.
Using AAOS and Google Built-In does not disqualify a vehicle from also having Apple CarPlay. The two work seamlessly together, like in the new Honda Accord.
"Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto still work with our versions of Google Built-in. That allows consumers to choose what systems they're most comfortable using. Not every OEM activation of Built-in will include this capability," Chris Martin, Honda technology communications manager told Newsweek.
Honda explained that the new AAOS with Google Built-in is a more robust version of the system, allowing better and more interaction between the infotainment system and vehicle controls.
In the Honda lineup buyers can use Google Assistant to control things like climate control and in the electric Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX, it also can activate battery pre-conditioning when you set a DC fast charger as the destination in Google Maps. Both of those electric SUVs use GM's Ultium battery platform.
"Built-in enables us to create a more seamless and cohesive digital experience for the customer. Additionally, focusing on a built-in infotainment experience allows us to reduce complexity and better optimize resources by not having to maintain multiple infotainment solutions across all our brands and models," GM told Newsweek.
GM, Honda and other companies work with Google on each model to integrate software and hardware in a way that makes sense for them. Cadillac's system will work a little differently than Honda's, and Polestar's will work differently from that.
Many new vehicles allow for over-the-air updates to software, which allows Google Built-in to stay fresh. Honda said Built-in works better now than it did even a few years ago.
Automakers provide the integration between the two systems so elements like fuel level, battery level, tire pressure, and other data can be shared to form a seamless vehicle experience for users. Because AAOS is the base platform that is used by all Google Built-In original equipment manufacturers, features are mostly consistent across all Google Built-In vehicles.
"The bigger picture is collaboration across automotive and tech will continue to be key for bringing software innovation and the next frontier of automotive technology to customers efficiently. This includes software standardization for software that interfaces with vehicle features as well as open-source solutions that can be adopted by a number of stakeholders. It's important we don't have a fragmented ecosystem," said a GM representative.
Built-in can connect to your smart, connected home and take advantage of functions like turning on lights and changing the thermostat.
The Google Play store has loads of apps, but each manufacturer picks the ones it allows in its vehicles. For apps through the Google Play Store, companies work closely with Google to make sure only appropriate apps (ones that meet the driver workload laws) are allowed. Some apps can be used only when the vehicle is parked.
"Manufacturers and Google confirm the standards for which apps will be available for each model. Right now, it's still early days for the new platform, and the number of apps is relatively low, but we expect app developers to introduce more Built-in compatible apps over time," said Martin.
Google said at its annual developer conference that it expects the number of cars with Google built-in to double by the end of this year.
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The system does require a mobile data service connection separate from a tethered mobile phone, which means the vehicle needs a native Wi-Fi system. Most GM vehicles in the U.S. come with standard connectivity with features like Google Assistant, Google Maps and select apps, at no additional cost for a certain period, beginning at time of purchase. The 2024 Cadillac Lyriq comes with six months.
The 2023 Honda Accord Touring, the first to use the new system, comes complimentary 3-year unlimited data plan to allow full use of Google Built-in. It will also be included in the Honda Prologue and Acura ZDX going on sale early next year.
