Google (GOOGL) -) unveiled several new features in its efforts to improve its integration and relationship with cars at CES 2024 Tuesday.
The main upgrade, coming first to the Ford (F) -) Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, features a Google Maps enhancement for drivers of electric vehicles.
The new feature will allow EVs that are compatible with Android Auto — an interface, similar to Apple Carplay, that connects Androids to compatible cars — to share real-time battery information with Google Maps, allowing Google Maps to provide battery level estimations at different stages of a given journey, suggest charging stops along the way and estimate how long it will take get up to a full charge.
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The feature will be made available through an over-the-air software update later in the year, according to Ford CEO Jim Farley, though a specific timeframe was not mentioned.
"Great to partner with Google to make navigation even better for Ford customers using Android Auto and Google Maps," Farley said in a post on X, responding to a user who in December asked Ford to explore such an integration.
Google said that the update will be coming to more EVs in the coming months, though it did not specify any brands.
The integration will supersede any in-car navigation systems to provide that combination of battery information and navigation that isn't always readily accessible in most EVs.
Google said Android Auto is compatible with nearly every major car brand and is currently active in more than 200 million cars on the road.
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Chrome to Google Built-in
Google is also adding new features, including the Chrome browser and the Weather Channel app to Google built-in, which refers to a Google integration that is built into the hardware of vehicles that have an Android Automotive operating system.
Volvo and Polestar were among the first automakers to have Google built-in; Lincoln, Ford and Nissan models complete with built-in are expected to be made available in 2024.
The Chrome and Weather Channel updates started to roll out Tuesday to select Polestar and Volvo cars in beta, according to Google, and will become available more broadly later in 2024.
Cars with built-in, starting Tuesday, will also get access to shows from PBS Kids and Crunchyroll.
Shares of Google, which rose 58% in 2023, lifted more than 1% Wednesday afternoon.
Contact Ian with AI stories via email, ian.krietzberg@thearenagroup.net, or Signal 732-804-1223.
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