google – Adam's Auto Advice

Open Auto Alliance, What you Need to Know

Some of you have probably heard about the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA) coalition that Google has formed with Audi, Hyundai, Honda, General Motors, and Nvidia. The goal is to bring the Android operating system to cars and make them more connected. You can read my article “Google forms Open Automotive Alliance with major Tech & Auto players to bring Android to Cars” from yesterday.

Since I've gotten a lot of questions about the Open Auto Alliance I thought I would post these FAQ's directly from the Open Automotive Alliance website. This should anser a lot of questions people probably have about the OAA.

Note, I've changed around some of the wording of the questions to make them easier to understand and read. Why read questions written by marketers?

What is the Open Automotive Alliance?

The Open Automotive Alliance (OAA) is a group of technology and automotive companies who have come together to bring the best of Android into the automobile in a safe and seamless way.

Who is in the Open Automotive Alliance?

The founding members of the Open Automotive Alliance are Audi, General Motors, Google, Honda, Hyundai and Nvidia. Though this announcement is the beginning, not the end. We’ll enthusiastically work with any company interested in the compatible use of the Android with cars.

Why is the OAA beneficial to automakers?

Automakers will be able to leverage a platform already being used by millions to deliver a familiar and consistent experience to their customers. Taking a platform centric approach enables high quality application development in a way that is purpose built for cars.

Why is the OAA beneficial to drivers?

Drivers are already trying to access mobile services while they're on the road, but in ways that aren't always seamless or safe. By working with automakers to deliver these experiences in ways that make sense for the automobile, drivers can get what they're looking for without disrupting their focus on the road.

Why is the OAA beneficial for software developers?

With one platform that developers are already familiar with to target (rather than a patchwork of platforms from different automakers), developers will be able to focus on delivering a powerful experience for users.

Who can join the Open Automotive Alliance?

We welcome those in the automotive and technology space who are committed to bringing the best of mobile into the automobile in safe and seamless ways.

How will Android work inside of a car?

We're working with our partners to enable better integration between cars and Android devices in order to create a safer, car optimized experience. We're also developing new Android platform features that will enable the car itself to become a connected Android device. Stay tuned for more details coming soon.

When can I get Android in my car? What does the roadmap look like?

You can expect to see the first cars with Android integration by the end of this year.

Are you working with government safety organizations?

Yes, we have been in contact with government agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Our goal is to build an experience that helps drivers get what they're looking for without disrupting their focus on the road.

Google forms Open Automotive Alliance with major Tech & Auto players to bring Android to Cars

Google announced today the formation of the Open Automotive Alliance (OAA) coalition which General Motors, Audi, Hyundai, and Honda are part of. In addition Nvidia, a graphics card manufacturer for computers, is also joining forces with Google and the OAA. What is the goal? To bring Google's mobile Android operating system to vehicles.

To date there have been over 1 billion mobile devices activated on Android. While those numbers are impressive Google is hoping to extend the Android devices even further and into cars, a mobile platform too, by forming the OAA and building up this industry alliance. Audi, GM, Google, Honda, Hyundai and Nvidia are committed to bring the Android platform to cars starting this year, 2014.

The idea it to have a common and open source platform which makes it easy and intuitive for all automakers, parts suppliers, and 3rd parties to build technology and software for cars of the future. This open source model of Android, which utilizes the Linux kernel, should especially allow software developers to deliver powerful experiences for drivers and passengers in a safe, scalable, and secure way.

“Working toward a common ecosystems benefits driver safety above all.” said Ricky Hudi, Head of Electrics/Electronics Development at Audi.

“Millions of people are already familiar with Android and use it everyday… The expansion of the Android platform into automotive will allow our industry partners to more easily integrate mobile technology into cars and offer drivers a familiar, seamless experience so they can focus on the road.” commented Sundar Pichai, SVP of Android, Chrome & Apps at Google. “

“The Honda team is looking forward to collaborating with Google and all OAA members to help advance the safety, value and ease of use of connected-car technologies.” said Yoshiharu Yamamoto, president, CEO and director of Honda R&D Co., Ltd.

“By introducing the latest IT technologies safely and securely throughout our full range of vehicles, we continually strive to provide the highest levels of convenience and enhance the in-vehicle experience.” said Dr. Woong-Chul Yang, Vice Chairman of R&D, Hyundai Motor Group.

“The car is the ultimate mobile computer. With onboard supercomputing chips, futuristic cars of our dreams will no longer be science fiction,” said Jen-Hsun Huang, president and chief executive officer, Nvidia.

It's pretty clear the companies behind Open Automotive Alliance share a vision for the connected car which has been talked about for years in the tech and automotive press. Up until now it really seemed more of a pipe dream than something that was doable since most automakers have their own infotainment systems and software which is proprietary and only for that automaker.

In addition to connected cars it seem the OAA has the goal to make safer cars too. The OAA has been in contact with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) but it is not clear what their collaboration could bring or how it will improve vehicle safety at this point.

We can expect to see Android integrated cars by the end of the year and Open Automotive Alliance is actively looking for other automakers and technology companies to join the coalition. I assume a lot of other automakers will.

My Take on the Open Automotive Alliance

Highly ambitious but highly doable with Google's resources and their weight in the market. Since the company has already been working on self-driving cars for years this seems a logical step in their goal for connected and safer cars. Probably much to the dismay of some gearheads but it seems like Google could pull off putting self-driving cars on the road quicker than anyone thought. That depends on how many automakers join the Open Automotive Alliance.

In addition this should make it easier for Audi, General Motors, Honda, and Hyundai to build and scale their infotainment systems. Each automaker can learn from each other about what works and doesn't with implementing Android into their vehicles. That is if they want to share and are willing to share what they know.

This allows software developers who already build for Android to consider getting into the vehicle market too, which could be quite profitable for some Android developers.

The only people who are fretting about this news is likely are Apple and Microsoft. They already have partnerships with automakers to integrate their software into vehicles. Some auto manufacturers might be able to resist the siren call of Google depending on how powerful the Open Automotive Alliance becomes. We will have to wait and see how the software wars for cars plays out.

Win Free Tickets to Baltimore’s 2012 Motor Trend International Auto Show – February 9th-12th

The 2012 Motor Trend International Auto Show will be heading into Baltimore this weekend. I am sure there are a lot of gearheads that are excited about the Auto Show as well as eager consumers looking for a new car this year.

Like last year, Adam's Auto Advice is giving away tickets to the auto show. This year I am giving away 10 free tickets! All you need to do is “Like” Adam's Auto Advice Faceboook page and leave a comment below telling me why you deserve these free tickets. People can include funny car stories, adages or maxims, or just a fun reason why you need a ticket.

For additional chances to win you can also follow my Twitter feed and make sure to Tweet and ReTweet this giveaway. If you want to be even more ambitious you can become a Facebook Friend, add me to your Google+ Circle, and also include Adam's Auto Advice Google+ Page.

I think you get the idea. Follow me on social media to get a chance to win, but your chances increase the more social media platforms you follow me on. You can even increase the likelihood of winning these free tickets by leaving comments on these social media platforms and getting the word out about this giveaway.

Please leave a valid email address when you leave a comment below, so I can contact you if you do win. The contest ends Thursday February 9th at 11am. Again, there are 10 tickets in this giveaway. I will choose the winners based off how much they have shared my content and shown the most enthusiasm for my promoting my website. Winners can pick-up tickets or have them mailed. However, I am not responsible for tickets lost in the mail or tickets arriving late via the USPS.

The 2012 Motor Trend International Auto Show will be held at the Baltimore Convention Center from February 9th-12th (Thursday-Sunday.) For more information please visit: http://www.motortrendautoshows.com/baltimore/

Need a Car Seat? Follow Me On Twitter!

Do you love Twitter? Do you need a car seat for your small child? Then you are in luck! The first Adam's Auto Advice Contest has officially begun.

I am looking to get over 1,000 Twitter Followers in 1 month. If you help make that happen, then you could win a Graco Car Seat!

I won't just take into account Twitter followers, you also need to Retweet and Mention my blog. Increase your chances of winning with a Facebook “Like”, Google+, Google Circle Add. Hey if you like to use Digg, Delicious, StumpleUpon, etc. share my articles on there too. Basically whoever shares my blog posts and articles the most will win. Currently I am at 125 followers, so better get cracking. Good Luck!

If you want to win the Graco Car Seat, please email me with the subject “Win Graco Car Seat.” I will then choose a winner who has clearly shared my contest the most. If there are a few awesome people who have shared my content and shown a commitment to promoting Adam's Auto Advice, I will then randomly select the winner. Car seat is rated for a small child up to 40 pounds. Will ship to the lower 48.

Harley-Davidson Violates Your Privacy!

A few weeks ago I got a phone call at my house. This is how the beginning of the conversation went:

Me: Hello

Rep: Oh this is Jamie, How are you today?

Me: Ummm… Ok

Rep: I was just calling to inquire about how your recent visit to Harley-Davidson of Baltimore with sales associate Heidi Harris was?

Me: What?

Rep: Well you it says here you visited the dealership and spoke with Heidi Harris recently!

Me: ….NO!

I went on to tell the operator about how I had never set foot in Harley-Davidson of Baltimore. I actually have no idea where it is located, who she was talking about… and how annoyed and disturbed I was that she was calling me. I said I had some dealings with another Harley-Davidson (H-D) dealership regarding my blog, but they should not have my personal info except my email. I asked, “How did you even get my phone number?” The operator clearly was at a bit of a loss for words, sensing my angry. She paused then said, “Well… mmm… I really don't know. Did you go to any motorcycle events recently? The answer was a a big, “NO!” After awhile it came out that my they must have gotten my phone number from when I visited the Harley-Davidson plant in York, PA years ago. I told the rep, “I am really annoyed I am getting this phone call.” It turned out the rep was from an independent company and was not directly from Harley-Davidson. Still this reflects poorly on Harley-Davidson and she claimed she was representing them. I requested to be removed off the list and assumed that would be end of that.

Not quite! I got an email on October 28th from Harley-Davidson of Baltimore… from Heidi Harris. She saw I had mentioned I didn't want additional information, but she still would be happy for me to stop by and and see what they are all about. Since I am a licensed rider, I am entitled to demo rides on any Harley product.

I mean really? WTF? I don't really want phone calls at my house about visits to dealerships that never took place. I specifically request to be taken off the list from future contact and they send me a friggin email! I guess motorcycle sales must be really down because of the economy. This email was sent to my Yahoo email address that is checked infrequently since I use Gmail. This tells you how long Harley-Davidson has been holding onto my info in desperate hopes I will go into a dealership to buy a bike.

Now I never intend to buy a Harley-Davidson! Especially knowing how much they violate peoples privacy, including my own. Until they have a change in privacy standards and practices, I would recommend to all my readers to not buy one either.