Android Auto didn’t get a single shoutout during the two-hour keynote at Google I/O 2016, but the smartphone projection service made plenty of waves as the conferences went on. Several new features are coming to the app this year, but that’s not all — it’s about to get a whole lot more accessible and user-friendly.
The most notable announcement relates to Android Auto’s newfound independence. In an update coming soon, drivers will be able to access all of Android Auto’s functions straight from their cellphone in any car. That means people who can’t afford a brand new ride or an aftermarket head unit will still be able to use Google Maps, voice controls, and messaging simply by mounting their mobile on the dashboard. Better yet, the system can be managed with “OK Google” commands, a process known as hotwording. Hands on the wheel, folks.
Using Android Auto in a 20-year-old hooptie sounds pretty great, but the app itself is set to acquire a few new features including Waze. Google bought the crowdsourced navigation standout for $1.1 billion back in 2013, and going forward, both Google Maps and Waze will exist side-by-side.
In addition, Android Auto will soon cut the cord and add wireless connectivity with Wi-Fi-equipped vehicles. For those keeping score at home, Apple CarPlay already offers some cordless functionality.
Read more: MyHyundai could be the first carmaker-specific Android Auto app
Finally, as we reported earlier today, automaker-specific apps are coming to Android Auto. The first of the batch is called MyHyundai (you won’t believe who makes it), and it adds exclusive functions like Roadside Assistance, monthly vehicle reports, maintenance alerts, and even a Valet Mode. Honda will also release its own version of Android Auto in the near future.
For more news from Google I/O 2016, check out our day one recap.
BYD has launched the third-generation Qin Plus DM-i in China, and the first thing that caught my eye is its price. According to CarNewsChina, the plug-in hybrid sedan starts at 79,900 yuan, which is about $11,980. That’s an incredibly low price for a brand-new car, especially by US standards.
What’s even more impressive is the range. The Qin Plus DM-i can drive up to 137 miles on electricity alone, which should cover most people’s daily commutes without using a drop of gas. Once the battery runs out, the 1.5-liter engine takes over. Thanks to its 17-gallon tank and roughly 91 mpg with a drained battery, the combined range reaches up to 1,423 miles.
Apple won the PC market’s worst quarter, but that’s not the entire story. It won the race by stumbling less than everyone else.
PC makers shipped just 57 million computers worldwide in Q3, which might look good, but it’s a 21% year-over-year plunge (via Counterpoint Research). And despite Apple’s Mac shipments falling by 11%, to 5.6 million, its market share rose from 8.7% to 9.8%. How did that happen?
Update (October 22 23:54 PT): In response to our query, GM clarified that offline recording support is already available on eligible vehicles. Like Tesla's Sentry Mode, it requires owners to connect a USB drive to save incident recordings, which can be viewed on the vehicle's infotainment screen. The upcoming Connected Cameras feature will build on this by giving owners remote access to these recordings via the revamped OnStar app, allowing them to check footage without walking out to their car.
General Motors has announced plans to add a new Connected Cameras feature to its OnStar service starting next year, giving drivers a way to monitor parked vehicles remotely and capture footage of certain incidents.