Polestar announced they’re adding wired Android Auto, saying it’s one of the most requested features. What do you think? Will this make the infotainment system better?
To explain a bit more: their Android Automotive system isn’t up-to-date (it’s running Android Automotive 12, which came out in 2021). It also has limited app access and no split-screen multitasking, like having maps and music side by side.
Android Auto, on the other hand, is updated through your phone, has more apps, and can multitask.
As someone driving a Polestar, I’m glad they’re doing this.
Jo said:
@Denny
This really is good news. Back when the Android Automotive platform was first announced, people thought it might replace Android Auto entirely.
The problem is car makers are cautious about updates. A bug on your phone isn’t a big deal, but on a car? That’s a whole other level of risk.
Tesla is changing this mindset by regularly pushing updates, and Polestar is doing some updates too, though no OS upgrades yet. Things are getting better, but I think most people just don’t care much about system updates. It’s seen as something only tech enthusiasts worry about.
@Denny
Honda seems to be rolling out Android Automotive updates pretty regularly.
@Denny
What do you mean by ‘not updated’? My car gets OTA updates every now and then.
Vail said:
@Denny
What do you mean by ‘not updated’? My car gets OTA updates every now and then.
Polestar isn’t running the latest version of Android Automotive OS. Google has released newer ones.
Edit: Clarified my point.
Vail said:
@Denny
What do you mean by ‘not updated’? My car gets OTA updates every now and then.
We’re still on Android Automotive 12, which came out in 2021.
Vail said:
@Denny
What do you mean by ‘not updated’? My car gets OTA updates every now and then.
We’re still on Android Automotive 12, which came out in 2021.
Wow, that’s surprising. I thought Polestar and Volvo shared more of the same software. Volvo got Android Automotive 13 earlier this year, plus wired Android Auto. I wonder why Polestar is lagging behind?
@Denny
I own three Polestars, and this is great news for me.
I had a launch edition Polestar for two years. Honestly, Android Automotive didn’t live up to the hype. Even basic apps like YouTube weren’t available (you could get it through a clunky web app much later). Plus, I had to reset the infotainment system all the time because it kept crashing.
I ended up switching to BMW. Their infotainment system is way more stable, and Android Auto works wirelessly without any issues. Polestar just doesn’t seem to have the resources to make it work smoothly.
@Rory
You know BMW is using Android Automotive now, right? They’re just tweaking it for their cars. Here’s the link if you’re curious: BMW is using Android Automotive now.