Ford and Lincoln announce Android-based Digital Experience car OS

In a world dominated by digital ecosystems and an ever-growing number of interconnected devices, it's no surprise that the automotive industry is adapting to keep pace. The average household now boasts a staggering 16 connected devices, as reported by a 2022 study from Parks Associates. As our lives become increasingly intertwined with technology, it's only natural that we expect a seamless transition when we hit the road. Enter the all-new Ford and Lincoln Digital Experience - the Android-based platform that promises to seamlessly integrate your car into your digital life.

Ford says you can easily find all needed options, navigating through a touchscreen and buttons on the steering wheel. And for its first deployment it will get a 48-inch panoramic display inside the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus.

Digital Experience will support user profiles, so each driver can set their preferences to be automatically applied when entering the vehicle. This includes apps, contacts, and favorite destinations, as well as customized seating, steering wheel, and mirror positions. With Android powering the whole thing navigation is obviously done over Google Maps, complete with real-time traffic updates and dynamic rerouting.

Google Assistant is the default voice assistant, but Alexa is also built-in as an alternative. They let you adjust the temperature, search for information, find destinations, or change the radio station, all without lifting a finger.

It’s possible to play games on the touchscreen, selecting from a growing list available on Google Play, including a Ford-exclusive version of the racing game Asphalt Nitro 2. Connect to a Bluetooth-enabled gaming controller for an even more immersive experience. You can also watch videos and stream your favorite movies and TV shows using apps like YouTube, Prime Video, and more.

And if you would still prefer to use Android Auto or Apple CarPlay those are supported too.

Source