Last month saw the release of the Google Pixel 7 and Google Pixel 7 Pro, Google's new flagship mobile phones. After receiving a swathe of negative press prior to being launched, the Pixel 7 range showed that the real magic of Google's innovation comes in their software.
Beyond the user interface, the Pixel devices are built with AI and Machine Learning processes in mind, which can understand your behaviours and adapt to improve things like battery life.
Now, Google and French car manufacturer, Renault, have expanded their partnership to develop a software platform for future vehicles. The new "software-defined vehicle" will build on the Android Automotive platform Google have developed, and will send data to be processed by Google's cloud servers.
The two companies describe working on a "Digital Twin" with advanced AI capabilities, to make the process of integrating new services easier. It will also aid the creation of "new onboard and offboard applications."
According to Renault, the collaboration will "reduce costs, improve efficiency, flexibility, and speed of vehicle developments, and increase value for end-users thanks to continuous software innovation."
The main outcomes for the project include the detection, and possibly even repair, of issues within the vehicle, a personalised experience that can adapt to how you drive and even insurance models that are based on data from your actual usage, rather than outdated metrics.
That last one could be a golden ticket for Renault. Being able to offer personalised insurance premiums will appeal to a wide cross-section of drivers, who feel they are unfairly penalised for one or more things like age or mileage, despite their safety on the road.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
The other objectives sound promising too, offering a software platform that can go toe-to-toe with the likes of Tesla. The electric vehicle pioneers, led by Twitter tycoon, Elon Musk, have created a platform that many consider to be the standard for how cars will operate in the future. Updates and even some upgrades can all happen through the cars' software.
I'd hope that the integration of Google's AI and Machine Learning capabilities can be leveraged to increase the battery efficiency. Modern EVs are already equipped with a host of tech, but an AI that can learn your driving style and adapt to make power consumption as efficient as possible based on that could be a masterstroke.
Sam is an award-winning journalist with over six years of experience across print and digital media. As T3’s Senior Staff Writer, Sam covers everything from new phones and EVs to luxury watches and fragrances. Working across a range of different social media platforms alongside his written work, Sam is a familiar face for fans of T3. When he’s not reviewing snazzy products or hunting for stellar deals, Sam enjoys football, analog photography and writing music.
-
Skip the plank – a fitness expert says these five exercises are the best place to start for a stronger core
There's plenty of easier exercises out there!
By Bryony Firth-Bernard Published
-
I tried a cocooning compression experience and it’s the most relaxed I’ve ever felt
Cocooning might be my new obsession – here’s what it is and what it’s like
By Bethan Girdler-Maslen Published
-
Android Auto update on the cards that'll add a long-awaited missing feature
A key update could be coming to Android Auto to boost the experience
By Chris Hall Published
-
Latest Android Auto and Google free updates add Zoom calls and Amazon Prime Video to your car
Google rolls out update for vehicles with native Android software and Google built-in
By Leon Poultney Published
-
Ford F-150 Lightning drivers are getting an Apple Maps EV routing upgrade soon
The iconic pickup is getting a big boost which will be of benefit to electric vehicle users
By Sam Cross Published
-
This free app can save you £100s when you charge your electric car
The Tado Smart Charging app helps you schedule home EV top-ups for times when it's cheaper
By Rik Henderson Published
-
This Google Maps update for EV owners is subtle but still a welcome boost
It looks set to make road trips in an electric vehicle even smoother
By Sam Cross Published
-
Android Auto is getting great free Google Maps upgrade
It should make it easier than ever to use your in-car navigation system
By Sam Cross Published
-
EV owners could get a sweet free upgrade thanks to Android Auto
Electric vehicle users are getting more personalisation options than ever before
By Sam Cross Published
-
New Aston Martin DB12 ‘super tourer’ debuts major tech upgrade
DB11 replacement gets two digital displays, 4G and over-the-air updates
By Alistair Charlton Published