Enlarge / The plain-looking IoT grid of icons seems higher when it is merged into Google’s multi-panel house display screen format. (credit score: Google)

Android Auto is getting a brand new app class. Google has introduced that Web of Issues apps (or sensible house apps) for automobiles are actually supported by the Play Retailer. Builders can now construct sensible house apps, and after an enhanced automobile security verify by Google, they will be out there for automobile screens. This has been in early entry for some time, however now the characteristic is hitting basic availability.

As regular, the Android for Automobiles app program covers two completely different platforms: Android Auto and Android Automotive OS. The redundant branding means folks at all times get these confused, however Android Auto is an app that runs in your telephone. Identical to Apple’s CarPlay, you plug your telephone into your automobile’s dashboard (or it wirelessly connects), and the telephone software program takes over the automobile’s in-dash show, utilizing it like an exterior monitor. As an alternative of seeing the automobile’s built-in infotainment system, you see a UI made by Google, together with any suitable Android Auto apps put in in your telephone.

Android Automotive OS (AAOS), however, is the automobile’s infotainment system. Google indicators offers with automobile producers to make the automobile run Android as an alternative of a fundamental Linux or QNX or one other automobile system, and that features killer apps like Google Maps and Google Assistant. The automobile turns into a pc that runs Android, and you may by no means take away it. Immediately, you will discover Android Automotive OS on new automobiles from Polestar/Volvo, GM, and shortly Honda and Ford. Whereas AAOS and Android Auto are completely completely different platforms, they largely help the identical third-party apps. For Android Auto, you put in the app out of your telephone’s Play Retailer, whereas for AAOS you employ your automobile’s built-in Play Retailer to put in the app on to your automobile storage.