Let’s face it: most automakers are notoriously bad at creating competent infotainment and navigation systems. This really is the case, with the few good ones out there representing the exception. A number of factors make this true, and in short, it’s basically down to costs, allocated development budgets and a general lack of deep knowledge and experience in the field on their part.

We are on the verge of some kind of revolution here, though, with Android coming to cars, and Siri talking back at you, all this while you’re not touching the steering wheel or brakes, feeling the breeze from the window you’ve just opened via gesture.

However, what’s really needed is an open source platform that is mod and feature friendly and could do away with clunky OEM-spec infotainment for good. Android could be the answer, but since it’s Google that’s behind it, we’re reserved in calling it ‘open source.’

That’s where the recently announced Automotive Grade Linux, which will feature the same basic advantages over the norm that have PC users switch from a limiting OS, like Windows, to something completely free of restrictions, with endless compatibility and modability capabilities.

This basically means that if you were to have it installed into your car’s infotainment, it would allow you to tweak the way it works, looks and sounds by yourself, with a bit of programming knowledge (or just tips from helpful forums/online communities that are bound to pop up once/if this becomes a thing).

If you’re interested in the full features promised by Automotive Grade Linux, do check out the official announcement page. It also features a list of all companies supporting this initiative, and while not all are manufacturers you’d recognize, we did spot Jaguar-Land Rover, Hyundai, Toyota and Samsung.

The main ones it will try to offer from the onset are:

Home Screen

Dashboard

Google Maps

HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning)

Media Playback

News Reader (AppCarousel)

Audio Controls

Bluetooth Phone

Smart Device Link Integration

By Andrei Nedelea

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