By PYMNTS
Honda will be partnering with Google to build features for infotainment systems in future cars, according to a Google company blog post.
Google will be built into Honda models with numerous features, including Google Maps, Google Assistant and downloading apps with Google Play and more, the post stated. In addition to Honda, Google features can be found on car models like Ford, General Motors, Polestar, Renault and Volvo.
Google will also be updating its Google Assistant driving mode, Android Auto and cars with Google built in to help offer new features, including voice assistant services and ways to navigate, along with features to help open media, according to the post.
There will also be news, podcast and music recommendations, and games for when one is parked. And there will be voice features for when gas is needed as users will be able to complete voice-activated, contactless payments at the pump, the post stated. This feature will be available at more than 32,000 gas stations in the US
Additionally, there will be ways for electric vehicle (EV) drivers to find the nearest charging station. Using voice assistant, users will be able to find the charging stations best for their car, payment type and speed preferences, along with information on whether a charger is available, according to the post. There will also be features for thermal battery management, helping to save time by heating or cooling a car before charging to cut down on the amount of time needed to charge.
Meanwhile, Google has also partnered with Spin, an eScooter and bike startup, to offer visibility through Google Maps as users plan their journeys.
Read more: Bike-Sharing Company Spin Integrates With Google Maps Allowing Users to Locate Available Vehicles
The services are available in 84 cities in the US, Canada, Germany and Spain. Spin chief executive officer Ben Bear said the idea is to make it easier to find shared bikes and scooters and plan multi-modal journeys.
