Porsche ditches Android Auto and choose Apple’s CarPlay instead due to some privacy concerns. Porsche unveiled the many features that their 2017 911 model will pack, but unfortunately for Google, Android Auto isn’t one of them.
Motor Trend reports that Porsche didn’t opt out of Android Auto because of technological reasons. The 2017 911 won’t feature Google’s AA because of ethical reasons. Its massively upgraded PC system can easily run it as well as Apple’s CarPlay.
Motor Trend continues by stating that if Porsche would have went through with Google, they would have been obligated to hand over valuable data such as engine revs, oil and coolant temp, throttle position, vehicle speed and other significant information. This basically means that Google would have been allowed to read the complete OBD2, which is the on-board diagnostic dump.
Also, offering so much information to a multi-billion dollar company that is currently developing their own car isn’t really a good idea. Simply put, Porsche doesn’t want their secret sauce to be leaked to another future competitor.
Porsche 2017 911 interior
Yet, Apple doesn’t need the on-board diagnostic dump, it just wants to know if CarPlay is in use while the car is moving.
So, Porsche ditches Android Auto because Google wants to be some sort of helicopter parent.
However, Google comes with a rebuttal and denies that it collects so much data from Android Auto enabled vehicles. The company told PCMag that they take privacy very seriously and they don’t grab data as the Motor Trend articles claims. Google notes that they offer the user a chance to opt in to share the information, because doing so will improve the Android Auto experience – a more accurate navigation via the car’s GPS and if the system is hands-free, or not, when in Drive mode.
2017 911 Porsche concept
Google follows by saying that sharing the GPS location with the driver’s smartphone can save power juice and it’s more accurate. AA requires to know if the user’s car is in drive or park for obvious safety reasons. Also, if it’s night or day in order to better optimize the vehicle’s screen for viewing.
This isn’t the first time these issues come to light. During the Summer, Reuters showcased that the majority of auto manufacturers aren’t that keen to share valuable data of your travels with Google and Apple solely because both companies are trying to break into the auto industry. This means that it will cost everyone a lot of money because two tech giants want to take a chunk of the auto-moto pie.
Apple and Google cars are coming. When, we don’t know. What we do know is that they will definitely change the industry.
