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

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The Android operating system will allow drivers to access Google Maps for in-vehicle navigation and Google voice assistant for managing voice commands in the car without using an Android phone. Ford vehicles came with the car manufacturer’s patented timing system from 2007, which was featured in its portfolio. It is unclear whether Ford will continue to use the Sync name on this new system.

Starting in 2023, Ford cars will also begin offering a car version of the Google Play Store to download apps for things like music, audio books, and podcasts.

In addition, Google will also be Ford’s preferred provider of cloud data storage, Ford and Google executives said. Ford will also use Google’s artificial intelligence and data analytics capabilities to better interpret the data it collects from vehicles and its own operations to improve things like customer service, production and marketing.

General engines (GM) recently announced a similar agreement with Microsoft in which Microsoft will be the cloud storage provider for GM and Cruise, GM’s majority-owned autonomous car company. Ford and Google have not specifically said whether Google’s cloud computing systems will be used for autonomous vehicles, as in the GM and Microsoft agreement.
As part of their partnership, I’m seeing (F) and Google (GOOG) will create a group called Team Upshift that will collaborate on new ways companies can collaborate. Ford and Google executives imagine, for example, that 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 agreement.

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

User interfaces and car navigation systems have become critical for car customers, said Kristin Kolodge, executive director of driver interaction at JD Power. Car owners have become accustomed to the ease of use and costume they enjoy on their smartphones, she said. They are often disappointed when their vehicles do not deliver this.

“They are looking for this extended relationship,” she said. “For the vehicle to get to know them personally,” she said.

In newer models, such as the redesigned Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150, Ford vehicles can download software updates “over the air,” as smartphones can do, so customers don’t have to visit a dealer to upgrade. software. This will also apply to vehicles with the new Android Auto operating system.

Drivers with Apple devices will still have access to Apple CarPlay so they can use their phones by car. Alexa Amazon voice assistant will continue to be offered in vehicles for customers who prefer it.

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