An in-car ecosystem tailored to local customer needs
Mobility is changing — moving toward electric drive, while the car itself is evolving into a digital companion and opening the door to a world of entertainment. At the same time, user expectations can differ globally. What does this mean for the in-car ecosystem?
A scalable Application Store built on Android Automotive OS
CARIAD has developed a scalable application store to elevate the world of in-car entertainment in vehicles of the Volkswagen Group. It seamlessly connects the car to the driver’s digital world by integrating popular and useful apps directly in the infotainment system. This enables the user experience to feel native to brand-specific mobility, with no phone needed. The application store is built on Android Automotive OS, which enables a fast and constantly growing ecosystem in and around the car, as well as market-specific offerings.
Over 100 apps available — tailored to local markets
Depending on the market and model, more than 100 automotive tailored apps from key categories are already part of the ecosystem. Whether drivers want to catch up on the latest business news via the Bloomberg app, follow live sports events on global sports streaming service DAZN, work and communicate via the In-Car Messenger by Livil or plan an outdoor adventure with the app Outdooractive: The application store for the Volkswagen Group offers all of this directly in the vehicle’s HMI system.
Taking local preferences into account, the app portfolio is also tailored to market-specific customer needs within multiple regions: With U-NEXT, Japanese drivers can use one of the leading local streaming platforms. The navigation service Naver is available specifically for the Korean market alongside other key local apps like streaming providers Melon and Watcha. The app OnMyway enables drivers in the U.S. to order and pay for takeaway food right then and there in the car.
More and more local flavored apps are joining the ecosystem and powering additional use cases, be it for local content, tailored experiences or regional services like LetMePark for Spain which helps find a spot to park or sharing the live location via Scout which is available in the US.
Available now in selected Audi models
Through an app offering tailored to local preferences, the open ecosystem approach and intuitive functionality, CARIAD enables the brands of the Volkswagen Group to adapt the in-car experience to the needs of their respective customers – on a global basis.
The Application Store is currently available in selected Audi models, including the Audi A5, Q5, A6, A6 e-tron, Q6 e-tron and many more. Drivers need the option “Audi Application Store and Smartphone Interface,” a valid myAudi account, and an active data connection to use the Application Store. Available app portfolio varies on models and regions.
For Android developers: bring your app into the Volkswagen ecosystem
Are you an Android app developer and want to bring your app into vehicles of the Volkswagen Group?
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