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BMW says no to Android Auto

BMW Says No to Android Auto

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While BMW offers Apple CarPlay compatibility in their newer models (for a “small” fee of $300) it looks like they have decided to turn their backs on the largest cell phone user base and not allow Android Auto into their cars.

During the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Frederic Lardinois of TechCrunch sat down with BMW’s senior vice president of Digital Services and Business Models, Dieter May. During this interview Dieter had this to say about Android Auto,

 

“We offer [Apple’s] CarPlay as an option but not Android Auto,” he said. “We believe the changes that are coming to the inside of the car and the user experience — like self-driving cars — you have to control the customer interface. That’s part of the brand experience and for that, I don’t want to have an Android screen and I especially want to be able to deeply integrate these systems.”

 

BMW has long been committed to their ConnectedDrive program but it is puzzling that they would allow CarPlay and not Android Auto. Some may argue that the Android Auto user interface not only works better but also looks better compared to the somewhat bland look of CarPlay.

 

While the door may have been shut on Android users for now, BMW is looking towards integrating personal assistants such as Amazon’s Alexa and Microsoft’s Cortana. As they saying goes, one step forward and two steps back.

 

For the full article visit TechCrunch.