New York, USA (CNN) – “Ford” and “Google” announced a 6-year strategic partnership through which the two companies will cooperate on new technologies to install the “Android” operating system from “Google” as a main system in the infotainment screens in millions of cars. And trucks, “Ford” and “Lincoln”, starting in the year 2023.
The Android operating system will enable drivers to access Google Maps to navigate in the car and Google’s voice assistant to handle voice commands in the car without using an Android phone.
Ford cars have come with their own “Sync” system since 2007. It is not clear whether Ford will continue to use the “Sync” name on this new system.
Starting in 2023, Ford cars will also begin offering an in-car version of the Google Play Store to download apps for things like music, audiobooks and podcasts.
In addition, Google will also be the preferred provider for “Ford” for storing cloud data, according to executives from “Ford” and “Google”.
Ford will also use Google’s artificial intelligence and data analytics capabilities to improve the interpretation of the data it collects from vehicles and its own operations to improve things like customer service, manufacturing and marketing.
“General Motors” recently announced a similar arrangement with “Microsoft”, whereby Microsoft will be the provider of cloud storage service to “General Motors” and “Cruze”, the independent car company that owns it.
“Ford” and “Google” did not specify whether the cloud computing systems from “Google” would be used for self-driving vehicles, as is the case in the deal “General Motors” and “Microsoft”.
The companies did not disclose the financial terms of the partnership.
This is Google’s first large-scale partnership with a car manufacturer, although Volvo and Polestar use the Android operating system in some of their cars, with more plans to come.
Source link