Android Automotive debuts on motorcycles with KTM leading the way
*Header image credit: Václav Pechar on Unsplash
Android Auto and Android Automotive (which are not the same thing by the way) have been very popular in cars. Those services allow users to use third-party apps on screens inside the car and are very useful when driving so you don't have to look at your phone for navigation, music controls, and other features.
However, although motorbike riders also need navigation as well, so far Android Auto or Automotive have not been available for bikers. Well, not anymore, as now KTM is the first bike manufacturer to include Android Automotive with some of its models.
The best thing about this upgrade though is that the CCU would allow the TFT Dashboard to run Android Automotive.
Android Automotive is an OS with open source, which means anyone can use it and integrate it, but has not been available on motorcycles before. Although it coming to KTM bikes is great news, there's a catch: KTM doesn't mention that this will make a motorcycle with "Google built-in" which usually is the branding for Google apps added to Android Automotive. Which simply means that there won't be Google apps preloaded on the device.
KTM also includes an offline map navigation integrated into the CCU, which means you can get real-time navigation without syncing or tethering to a mobile phone. This can help you set up route guidance and route planning, as well as preprogrammed Points of Interest and more.
Of course, I'd love Google apps built-in in the future, but this is definitely a step in the right direction. Right now, bikers are forced to either use smartphones/watches for Google Maps or rely on a third-party head unit (which is easy to steal from a bike) to get navigation. The integrated dashboard with the functionality will make many people happy, I reckon.
Things that are NOT allowed: