We're officially one step closer to all having James Bond smart cars.
Chevy announced today that it will integrate Android Auto and Apple CarPlay into 14 new models, ranging from the Chevrolet Volt to the Cruze, in 2016, giving the Detroit-based manufacturer more OS-integrated models than any other automotive brand.
During a demo of the software at an event held in San Francisco, California, representatives from both major OS manufacturers were on hand to show off what a connected, convenient experience driving will become over the course of the next year.
We've covered both systems extensively in the past, and the experience hasn't changed much on Chevy's line of cars, crossovers and trucks: Simply plug in your smartphone via a lightning connector or micro-USB cable and the car's HUD will instantly snap to attention.
Usable, but not visual
The major message from both Chevrolet and the two software brands is that they intend to make a highly usable experience without requiring you to look down to see what you're doing.
Both services will open up their APIs to third-party developers (the most notable of which were Spotify and iHeartRadio) with Android Auto even in talks with specific car manufacturers like Chevy to make custom apps.
Both services look and feel better than they ever have, and with a new partner lined up and a deadline of 2016 looming in the distance, the race to mobile supremacy has reached its final leg.
I got a chance to try both services at the event with the help of the on-site staff and put together an Android Auto vs. Apple CarPlay video, found below.
