Harman Announces Android Integration for Your Vehicle
After announcing Android’s Open Accessory Protocol at this year’s Google I/O, techies around the world began brainstorming the integration possibilities of smartphones and tablets into even more of our everyday devices. Harman has now become the first major technology partner within the automotive industry to offer the new connectivity standard, which will allow users to seamlessly sync their smartphone or tablet to their vehicle. This will allow easily access to music, movie or navigation apps through the car’s dashboard or steering wheel controls.
Harman has been known for its adoption of several technology platforms, having no bias towards any major manufacturer. Their products are known to sync seamlessly with Apple’s iOS, RIM’s Blackberry platform and Nokia’s existing mobile systems. Android’s integration will be offered across all Harman infotainment platforms.
With the Android Open Accessory Protocol, drivers will be able to safely start their music apps through voice activation or steering wheel controls; built-in navigation systems will benefit from popular apps to discover nearby points-of-interests, while passengers will benefit from streaming content to their entertainment devices in the rear seats.
The Accessory Protocol is built into Android 3.1 Honeycomb tablet devices and any Android smartphone running 2.3.4 (Gingerbread) or later.
Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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