Apple Or Google: Who's Going To Conquer The Car Dashboard?

After fighting the smartphone wars, tech giants Google Inc (NASDAQ: GOOGL)(NASDAQ: GOOG) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) have found a new battleground in the car dashboard. Both companies are gearing up to outdo each other in the in-car tech space with their respective products, Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay. Michael Andronico, associate editor at Tom's Guide, was on CNBC Monday to talk about the recent developments in both platforms.

Android Auto Versus Apple’s CarPlay

“We think it’s going to be a very close race – no pun intended – because you have got this Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are going to be available on a lot of the same cars,” Andronico said.

“Companies like Ford and Honda are going to support both platforms; they don’t want their drivers, their consumers to be locked out if they only have an iPhone or if they only have an Android phone.

“So, as far as who’s using the in-car software, I think it’s going to be very close between Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.”

Will Consumers Be Interested In Having A Smart Dashboard Or A Self-Driving Car?

“I think specifically, a smart dashboard, there is demand for that,” Andronico replied.

“That’s essentially what CarPlay and what Android Auto bring to drivers – something where you have your phone's core features right in front of you and you are not staring at your phone every two seconds.

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“It’s actually designed to be safer; you get a quick glance at Google Maps; you get a very quick glance at who’s texting you without looking down, without being distracted.”

He continued, “So, specifically talking about smart dashboards, there is a demand there.”

“But moving to these self-driving cars that we have heard Google talk about, it would take a very long time, I think, to make those safe. And I am not sure if the demand is there for that type of vehicle.”