Honda Brings Android-Based In-Car Infotainment System

Honda Brings Android-Based In-Car Infotainment System

Honda is an Android auto partner, but this doesn't stop the maker using Android in its systems.

Android is reaching places. After your kitchens and televisions, Android is now a part of an in-car infotainment system. Honda has launched an Android-based in-car infotainment system called the Honda Connect infotainment system. It is powered by NVIDIA Tegra chips and runs on a rather older Android OS, Android 4.0.4 aka Ice Cream Sandwich.

It should be noted that Honda is an Android auto partner, but this doesn't stop the maker using Android in its systems. However, the company has clarified that Connect's development was initiated before it had joined the Open Automotive Alliance to work on Android Auto. Android auto is still in the making and will soon hit the roads. It also clarified why the Honda Connect runs such an older version of Android. The company said that testing of a car infotainment system takes much longer than that of a phone, thus the Connect runs on such an old version of Android.

Honda will introduce Connect with Honda’s Civic, Civic Tourer and CR-V models next year in Europe. However, the company is tight-lipped about any specific date for the same. According to a company statement, Honda Connect packs a 17.7-cm (7-inch) capacitive display and runs on Tegra 3 quad-core processor. It also supports Bluetooth and GPS.

Honda has used a custom interface, to make Android car-friendly. The home-screen possesses a grid of six large buttons, providing access to services like navigation, Honda App Center, audio, car-information, rear-view parking camera, radio and more. Honda said, “Honda Connect is MirrorLink-enabled, delivering seamless connectivity between the system and the user’s smartphone – provided it is compatible. This technology enables the user to mirror their smartphone display through Honda Connect and gain access to their smartphone applications.” The company will also provide optional pre-loading of Garmin Navigation for turn-by-turn direction needs.