Entertainment at the heart of connected cars is evolving! Amazon Prime Video is now available for the latest Renault, Volvo and Polestar cars equipped with Google’s Android Automotive OS operating system.
The latest connected vehicles are becoming true entertainment systems on wheels and carmakers are sparing no effort to enrich the experience of drivers and their passengers. An example is the latest BMW i7, which provides an in-car cinema system.
Android Automotive OS (not to be confused with Android Auto) is an operating system designed specifically for cars that goes beyond simply replicating smartphone apps on the central screen. It natively integrates Google services and offers users an ecosystem of apps specially ccreated for automotive use.
Amazon Prime Video in cars, but only when stationary
Owners of Renault, Volvo and Polestar cars that have Android Automotive OS can now enjoy their favorite series and movies on Prime Video, directly on the dashboard screen. Note that this feature is only available when the car is stationary to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers.
This new feature meets growing infotainment needs of motorists, notably those with electric vehicles that must be frequently recharged. Tesla is one step ahead with its entertainment app catalog, which should soon be applied to future autonomous drives.
Read: BMW vehicles have video games on their dashboards!
YouTube and other future apps
In addition to Prime Video, YouTube, already available for certain models, will soon be operational on all Volvo cars equipped with Android Automotive OS thanks to a remote update. Both apps will be pre-installed, simplifying access to these streaming platforms.
Google has also announced the arrival of the Chromium-based Vivaldi browser in the Android Automotive Play Store. It too will be available only when stationary. Finally, drivers will soon have access to The Weather Channel, joining the growing list of apps available on Android Automotive.
The evolution of Android Auto
There’s good news for those using Android Auto, the app replication interface. The update we mentioned last May is now operational. The WebEx and Zoom videoconferencing apps are now available for audio only, enabling drivers to join meetings in complete safety, even while driving.
The integration of Amazon Prime Video and other entertainment apps into Renault, Volvo and Polestar cars running Android Automotive OS marks another step towards an entertaining, connected driving experience.
