Peugeot finally incorporates Android Auto into its vehicles

It is inevitable: mobile devices are an extension of the 21st-century human being, which is why it is welcome news that car brands are creating connectivity systems for our smartphones. In this regard, Peugeot will incorporate the Android Auto operating system into its vehicles. A few days ago we reported that the 3008 would have it; now it has been announced that it will be available across the entire range.

The manufacturer’s new device allows the use of a smartphone on the car’s touchscreen, as well as the option of performing various functions through the voice recognition system. The French company will also offer a new 3D navigation device that provides information on traffic conditions and road status in real time. These new features will be introduced across the 208, 2008 and 508 ranges of Peugeot, in addition to the aforementioned 3008.

Like CarPlay (the device developed by Apple for using the iPhone in the car), the Android Auto operating system allows access to the various smartphone apps via the touchscreen, without having to take your hands off the steering wheel or your eyes off the road.

Android Auto incorporates the Google Voice voice recognition system (similar to the popular “Siri” on iOS), which enables functions such as: choosing songs, creating a to-do list that syncs to the phone, searching for directions on Google Maps, or making a call.

Furthermore, Peugeot will add the innovative Connect NAV device to its range of vehicles. This connectivity system offers a new generation of 3D navigation that can be controlled both by voice commands and through the touchscreen. Unlike common navigators, this device’s interface displays the surroundings in three dimensions. In addition, the Connect NAV system features TomTom Traffic, a tool that displays real-time traffic conditions and offers alternative routes to optimise arrival times at the destination.

This tool also provides weather data, fuel prices and parking availability in the area. To obtain this information, TomTom Traffic draws on bodies such as the Spanish Directorate-General for Traffic or the Catalan Transit Service, as well as on updates sent live from the scene by the application’s community of users.