KTM to launch first bike with Android Automotive: What is it and how it is different from Android Auto

KTM-Android Automotive bike

Android Auto is one of the most popular car features that integrate smartphones and related features with cars and bikes. While Android Auto has been there in some premium bikes, Android Automotive, Google’s other take on the entire infotainment system software that brings third-party apps, navigation and music to the vehicles natively. And, if you want to use these features on your bike, KTM’s next might be a good pick for you considering the company is planning to launch its next bike based on Android Automative and if that happens, it will also become the first two-wheeler to come with one.

KTM to launch motorcycles with Android Automotive

KTM has confirmed that it will be launching a new Communication Control Unit for its TFT Dashboard in both horizontal and vertical form factors in its future motorcycles. While we don’t which bike will get this new TFT Dashboard powered by Android Automotive, but we do know that the new CCU unit will come with 32GB onboard storage, 3GB RAM and connectivity features like eSIM, GPS, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

What is Android Automotive?

Android Automotive is an operating system (AAOS) designed to power an infotainment platform built into cars and bikes. It is an open-source platform which means it can be used by anyone to build the infotainment system around it. Most importantly, this a complete operating system and it does not require a companion device to function and has its own interface, app support and more.

Android Automotive vs Android Auto: How the two differ

Well, as mentioned, the Android Automotive is an operating system – a complete platform – that does not require a companion device. On the other hand, Android Auto is an extension of the Android phone where users need to connect their phone with the car’s infotainment system wired or wirelessly.

That’s not it. The Android Auto only offer apps that are installed on your phone. While there are apps available for Android Auto, the Android Automotive, being a standalone platform allows users to download an app directly on the infotainment system.

As far as connectivity is concerned, there’s a major difference in this aspect too. Android Automotive comes with built-in eSIM support, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. The Android Auto solely rely on the phone’s internet connection. While infotainment systems have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in they only function to connect the phone wirelessly to enable Android Auto within cars.

Plus, there are a whole bunch of possibilities with Android Automotive. For instance, there’s no Google apps baked into it. Although, OEMs can choose to include them, but they also have the option to customise the entire OS and skin it as per their liking and preference. KTM, for instance, is planning to integrate an offline navigation system to its upcoming AAOS-powered CCU unit.