Is the Google car on the way?

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have brought the major tech players into our cars to offer us incredible utility when we are driving. They essentially turn our smartphones into our car navigation computers presenting us the apps we can use safely while driving as well as safely showing us any extra information that could help us plan our day. There have long been rumors that Apple was moving into the car manufacturing business but today we have news that Google might be moving in that direction too as French car manufacturer Renault has announced a partnership with Google. Here is what you need to know.

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Renault and Google have announced that they are building on a previous partnership to further integrate Google Cloud infrastructure into what the companies are calling a Software Defined Vehicle (SDV).

In a Google press release explaining the partnership, the company put forward that both companies will work together to develop a set of onboard and offboard components, which will facilitate the creation of new onboard in-car services. Luca de Meo, who is the CEO of the Renault Group said:

“Equipped with a shared IT platform, continuous over-the-air updates, and streamlined access to car data, the SDV approach developed in partnership with Google will transform our vehicles to help serve future customers’ needs […] our strategic partnership with Google will allow us to accelerate our end-to-end digital transformation, from the design of the car to its market launch through its production.”

Sundar Pichai who is the CEO of Google and its parent company Alphabet also said:

“Today’s announcement will help accelerate Renault Group’s digital transformation by bringing together our expertise in the cloud, AI, and Android to provide for a secure, highly-personalized experience that meets customers’ evolving expectations.”

This means that Google is not looking to launch a car but rather that car manufacturers are increasingly turning to big tech to help them bring in the digital architecture needed to power their cars into the future.

In other Google news, did you know that the company is rolling out new password-replacing technology in a bid to boost security for all Chrome users?