Honda is going to be the first automaker to use a real Android device in the dash.

[TheSLSAMG]

Source: http://jalopnik.com/honda-will-be-the-first-real-automaker-to-use-real-and-1639179295

 

Interesting, Honda plan on releasing cars with an Android device in the dash. Not Android Auto either, full fat Android. It is only 4.0.4, far behind what the current version is (4.4.4) but it is definitely a good start. And it's powered by NVIDIA as well, likely Tegra K1.

 

\

 

The new Euro Civic is out, and while Honda still refuses to bring the hatch to the states, one thing that should be coming is its new Android-powered infotainment system.

 

Honda has been hinting at a major revamp of its archaic head units for a while, and its committed to offering both Apple's CarPlay and Android Auto on select models next year. But this takes it a step further, with an NVIDIA-powered infotainment system powered by Android 4.0.4.

 

Yeah, that's still behind the latest Android build – 4.4 or KitKat – but considering Honda's current systems look like they were inspired by Windows 3.1, we'll call that progress. And it still includes all the touchscreen-friendly interactions you'd expect, including pinch-to-zoom and gestures – not that either are particularly well designed for driving.

 

​Honda Will Be The First Real Automaker To Use Real Android In Its Cars

 

Beyond navigation, Bluetooth, and internet browsing, Honda isn't saying much more about the new system ahead of its reveal at the Paris Motor Show next week. But we've been told that this is part of a broader initiative, so while the hatch might never make it to our shores, the Android infotainment system has a shot.

 

What do you guys think of this? Do you think it will become a distraction from driving, or will it be a nice addition?

[rambi36]

Me Likey!

[Jobbe03]

Not bad, interested in seeing how the GPS would work. 

[murratri]

I would think Telsa would of done it first.

[AlwaysFSX]

Great, now we can all watch porn while driving!

[Thunderjolt]

It can be distracting and helpful. Distracting if you try to use the tablet while driving or something. Great since modern Android tablets are usually a ton faster and just better than most in-car systems.

[Thorium19]

If it can be upgraded to kitkat then it'll be great, and I really like the idea, but unless it is modular and can be swapped for a newer device a few years down the road when it starts to get laggy and slow, then I don't really see it being the best implementation.

[rambi36]

Great, now we can all watch porn while driving!

And jizz all over the steering wheel!

[Hoppa]

Finally.

It's about damn time someone did this. I thought it was common sense to put something like that in.

Assuming they don't use 20th century hardware to run it, it should be much better than all the other laggy touch screen devices in cars.

[nj4ck]

Awesome, I hope this becomes a trend. 

[TheSLSAMG]

And jizz all over the steering wheel!

Well then,

[AlexGoesHigh]

not bad, though why did they go whit 4.0.4, that's almost 3 years old and i dont see how something like this took 3 years to make, yeah i know cars get tested a lot, but that's a lot of time still

[rambi36]

Well then,

-snip-

lel

[Nico123473]

I would guess that they have something to disable most of the functions while you're driving unless it detects a passenger

[DigitalHermit]

This is nice... Now what to do with it? (other than fap)

[Darkman]

Awesome, I hope this becomes a trend. 

I agree. Also like your profile .gif. I used to watch his videos, but forgot his username. On topic, I cannot wait to see what all plans they have to do with doing this in their vehicles.

[EChondo]

not bad, though why did they go whit 4.0.4, that's almost 3 years old and i dont see how something like this took 3 years to make, yeah i know cars get tested a lot, but that's a lot of time still

Probably due to how it works in their ecosystem.

 

It's the same reason as to why there are still XP systems out there, specific software that can do the job that doesn't work on a different OS, but gives the desired result.

 

I bet Honda developed the car and started making it within a year, then used the latest mobile OS at the time(in this case 4.0.4) and have been fine tweaking it ever since. Probably added more security to it so it won't get hacked as easily and many more features that aren't present at all in Android.

 

I do agree that 4.0.4 is old, but I can see why they are using it.

[AlexGoesHigh]

Probably due to how it works in their ecosystem.

 

It's the same reason as to why there are still XP systems out there, specific software that can do the job that doesn't work on a different OS, but gives the desired result.

 

I bet Honda developed the car and started making it within a year, then used the latest mobile OS at the time(in this case 4.0.4) and have been fine tweaking it ever since. Probably added more security to it so it won't get hacked as easily and many more features that aren't present at all in Android.

 

I do agree that 4.0.4 is old, but I can see why they are using it.

that's a good point, but if added software is the problem that's not a excuse unless they modified the os to run such software

 

i guess i just answer my doubt myself...

[algoat]

Kind of an old android version to use, even it is being implemented primarily for maps and search.  Ice Cream Sandwich was released before Google now, so hopefully there aren't compatibility issues as I'd imagine a hands free personal assistant would be required.

[AlwaysFSX]

And jizz all over the steering wheel!

@Askew

[bob345]

i beat honda

[Poohy14]

I actually like the idea of this in cars but it might be distracting to play videos in the front seat and against the law

 

"I may or may not know the details about this"

[EChondo]

I actually like the idea of this in cars but it might be distracting to play videos in the front seat and against the law

Albeit this is from 2003, but Texas has a law that prohibits the driver from watching TV on a "video monitor" and that they(the monitor(s)) has to remain behind the view distance of the driver.

 

I wouldn't doubt that other states have something similar...but I bet Honda knows what to say and how to say it to go around those laws. Such as "We have disabled any sort of video playback possibility", but IANAL.

 

Either way, I just hope(and it looks like) that the screen is facing the driver unless it's a IPS screen. And even then I would want a IPS screen so my passenger doesn't have to look to it from the center of the car and get in my way.

[Poohy14]

Albeit this is from 2003, but Texas has a law that prohibits the driver from watching TV on a "video monitor" and that they(the monitor(s)) has to remain behind the view distance of the driver.

 

I wouldn't doubt that other states have something similar...but I bet Honda knows what to say and how to say it to go around those laws. Such as "We have disabled any sort of video playback possibility", but IANAL.

 

Either way, I just hope(and it looks like) that the screen is facing the driver unless it's a IPS screen. And even then I would want a IPS screen so my passenger doesn't have to look to it from the center of the car and get in my way.

 

Yeah I know here in Ohio you cant have a tv or monitor in the front seat while driving but I'm sure they will have something to do video play back but it will turn off when the car is moving so you cant use it. seems plausible to do but people will program it so you can watch movies while driving I'm sure of that

[Arkosh]

it would be awesome if its integrated with tyre air pressure, speed reminder, battery status for car, more deep info about engine and so on.