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General Motors will use Google’s new Android Automotive OS to power the infotainment systems in its cars starting in 2021, the two companies announced on Thursday. That means Google Assistant, Maps, and other automotive-approved Android apps will be available in GM’s cars via the Play Store without requiring the use of an Android smartphone.
All GM brands outside of China will offer the native automotive version of Android, which is built on Android P, though it won’t come to all models right away. Cars outfitted with Android Automotive OS will still allow drivers or passengers to use Apple’s CarPlay as well as the smartphone-powered version of Android Auto, GM tells The Verge. GM will share the access to some anonymized data, according…