Hyundai India Unveils New Android Automotive-Based Infotainment Setup

Hyundai Motor India presented its detailed product strategy during an investor day event, outlining the lineup of forthcoming models and technological enhancements. 

The strategy encompasses new vehicle launches alongside iterative upgrades, reflecting a balanced approach to growth amid evolving market demands.

Central to this roadmap is a revamped infotainment system, marking the company's pioneering adoption of the Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS). 

Hyundai’s Next-Gen Infotainment

Hyundai's upgraded dashboard cluster features a slim 9.9-inch instrument display paired with an expansive 12.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen, set to premiere on an upcoming entry-level micro SUV, potentially a facelifted version of the Exter, in the first quarter of calendar year 2027. 

This contrasts with the current Creta's higher variants, which employ dual 10.25-inch screens; here, the focus shifts to a larger central unit for superior visibility and interaction. Underpinning this is the AAOS platform, which introduces over-the-air (OTA) updates for maps, ensuring real-time navigation accuracy without dealership visits. 

This phased rollout will extend the technology across Hyundai's broader portfolio, starting with the micro SUV and gradually incorporating into sedans and larger SUVs.

Understanding Android Automotive

The Android Automotive Operating System represents a departure from conventional infotainment paradigms prevalent in India. Unlike traditional setups that rely on Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, which essentially project a smartphone's interface onto the vehicle's screen via wired or wireless connections, AAOS operates independently. 

Embedded directly into the car's hardware, it functions as a standalone operating system, handling core infotainment tasks without requiring a paired device. For Hyundai, this system will integrate the full suite of Google Apps, enabling seamless access to navigation, media streaming, and other services. 

The implementation promises enhanced reliability, as it eliminates dependency on phone battery life or connectivity glitches, fostering a more immersive driving environment.

To contextualise Hyundai's AAOS integration, it's essential to differentiate it from Android Auto. Android Auto serves as a projection tool, mirroring select smartphone apps onto the car's display, necessitating a constant phone connection via USB or Bluetooth. 

This setup is convenient for quick access but limited by the phone's resources and compatibility, often restricting deeper vehicle control like climate adjustments. 

In contrast, Android Automotive OS is a full-fledged, embedded operating system installed on the vehicle's head unit, independent of any smartphone. It supports native app installations via Google Play, integrates Google services like Assistant and Maps directly, and allows manufacturers to customise interfaces for vehicle-specific functions, such as HVAC controls or EV charging status. 

While Android Auto offers broader app compatibility (over 150 titles) and works across more vehicles, AAOS provides a consistent, phone-agnostic experience (compatible even with iPhones) and deeper hardware integration, though its app ecosystem is still maturing with fewer than 100 optimised titles. 

Also read: Hyundai Motor India Targets 15% Market Share with 26 New Launches by FY2030