In-car operating systems have greatly improved the daily lives of motorists. Whether for multimedia management, GPS navigation or access to options, the on-board computer has simplified many tasks. Android Automotive OS, developed by Google, is now capable of displaying a dashcam natively.
Android Automotive OS: system-integrated dashcams
Android Automotive OS enables the use of driver assistance cameras and dashcams. A dedicated app allows continuous or occasional video recording, activated manually or automatically in the event of an incident detected by the vehicle. This new feature enables seamless integration with the system, avoiding the need to install a third-party app.
For video storage, Google recommends the use of removable media, such as an SD or microSD card, to avoid saturating the vehicle’s internal memory. Activation of this feature is not universal, since automakers can choose not to open up access to these cameras on their Android systems. However, it could help bring dashcams into the mainstream, with software that’s already up and running.
What is Android Automotive OS?
Android Automotive OS (AAOS) is a stand-alone operating system designed specifically for vehicles. Unlike Android Auto, which depends on a smartphone connection, Android Automotive OS is integrated directly into the car’s on-board computer. It enables drivers to access services such as Google Maps, Gemini, Deezer, Spotify and the Play Store without the need for a separate device. The system is based on the same principles as Android smartphones, but adapted to the constraints and interfaces of cars.
Manufacturers can customize this OS by adding an overlay or choosing whether or not to include Google Automotive Services (GAS), which can create different user experiences from one brand to another. Volvo, Renault, Polestar and Cadillac have opted for full integration with Google services, while others, such as Stellantis and Porsche, use the OS without these services, coupling it with alternatives such as TomTom, Alexa or their own app store. With this system, Google has taken its smartphone model and adapted it for vehicles.
The arrival of dashcam support in Android Automotive OS demonstrates Mountain View’s determination to develop its operating system. By natively integrating this app, automakers may be tempted to offer these cameras not as optional accessories, but as standard features. This ready-to-use software compatibility could simplify their widespread adoption, and encourage brands to equip more vehicles with dashcams straight from the factory.
