Android Auto to Get a Kick in the Head? The European Union Demands Changes
Android Auto, a software platform installed in cars, has come under scrutiny by European Commission officials. The reason? Monopolistic practices. Changes are coming, and for the better.
Google controls car apps with a heavy hand
Every app has practically the same look. Android Auto app developers had to follow Google’s precise guidelines, otherwise their apps wouldn’t make it to Google’s infotainment platform. As Reuters now reports, According to the EC, these restrictions may violate competition rules in the common market.
It all started with the JuicePass app, used to charge electric cars, which Google stubbornly blocked. The case went to an Italian court, where ended up with a fine for Google both for the block and for favoring its own Maps and Waze apps. Since the fine, the platform has opened up more to external applications, but that wasn’t enough.
Android Auto continues to violate competition laws
Advocate General of the Court of Justice of the European Union, Laila Medina she said that Google’s rules “may constitute a breach of competition law”. It is not clear whether Google’s recent relaxation of the regulations is included in this statement. However, Google itself immediately commented.
We have noted the Advocate General’s opinion and await the Court’s final decision. Since the beginning of this case, we have been working to add the model required by Enel (the developer of JuicePass), and many similar applications are already available worldwide on Android Auto
– Google said in a statement to the press
Let Android Auto open up, but not too much
It is worth emphasizing that Google’s numerous restrictions and guidelines regarding creating applications for Android Auto are based not only on the desire to control the platform, but also safety issues. Here, everything must work reliably and not absorb the user’s attention for a millisecond more than necessary.
Users of the platform, after the last, let’s say liberal changes in Android Auto, notice that in the case of some applications the old stability has been lost and, for example, Everand can display black screens. It remains to be hoped that opening the platform even more will not increase the number of such shortcomings.
