Is Google built-in a better option for drivers than Apple CarPlay and what updates have

Google has announced that it is bringing dozen of new apps to cars with Google built-in.

While this is great news for the owners of cars with Google built-in, many might be left wondering what having a car with it means.

Is it different to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay? And if so how?

The short answer is that Google built-in is the branded name for Google’s operating system that powers an increasing number of new vehicles’ infotainment options.

New cars including the Polestar 3 and 4 and Volvo XC90 all have Google built-in, which has been generally very well received because of how similar to a smartphone experience the infotainment in those cars is.

Unless you’ve driven one of these you’re unlikely to know what we’re talking about, so here’s our guide to Google built-in cars and whether it’s something to look out for if you’re looking for a new car.

Google built-in is a bespoke operating system that some new cars like Polestars and Volvos have as their infotainment system

What is Google built-in?

Google built-in is an operating system that powers the vehicle’s infotainment system and is customised for each manufacturer and car. 

It supports Android-based apps and means you can fully customise the in-car experience without the need for a smartphone.

Essentially, it’s like turning your car into a tablet.

Once you hop in your car the infotainment already has Google Maps, Google Assistance (Hey Google), and Play Store, amongst others, as part of the infotainment, ready to use and synced to your profile.

How is it different to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both smartphone apps that project your phone’s interface onto your car’s infotainment screen whereas Google built-in is (as the name implies) a fully built-in, independent software platform.

If your car isn’t compatible with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay function then it can’t project your phone, but with Google built-in you can still access smartphone apps via the car.

Do you need an Android device to use Google built-in?

No, you don’t, and you don’t need a Google account either but having one makes Google built-in much more effective because you can save your preferences, favourites and it can tailor itself to you.

Also, you can still use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with some cars with Google built-in if you wish but this depends on the make and model.

Which cars have Google Built-in?

Perhaps the most well-known cars to have Google built-in are Volvo cars, Polestar cars (2, 3 and 4) and Honda cars, as well as General Motors (GM) cars in the US.

What does the new Google Built-in update include?

Google built-in competes with car brands’ own infotainment systems

Google announced last week that cars with its built-in tech will get dozens of new apps to enjoy while the car is parked.

To compete with the likes of Tesla Arcade, Theatre and Toybox and BMW AirConsole Games, the ‘car ready mobile apps programme’ update means passengers and drivers will be able to stay entertained with popular streaming and gaming apps.

This is the kind of update you can expect to rollout frequently with Google built-in, as over-the-Air software updates keep adding to the host of things that your car’s Google system can do.

Is it worth having? 

It is certainly a plus point for many buyers who already want a certain car make and model – for instance a Polestar 2 – to have Google built-in as an option.

Especially when your car is also Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible, there’s no downside to it. 

And it does harmonise your life if you use Google services across your electronic devices.

It can also be said that it is easier to navigate your way around your car’s Google built-in system that manufacturers’ own infotainment software which is often fiddly and takes a while to get the hang of.