Why the Android Automotive App Ecosystem Isn’t Taking Off – and What We Can Do About It

Goal

The goal of this session is to discuss why the Android Automotive third-party entertainment ecosystem is developing more slowly than expected and identify areas where collaboration within COVESA could help reduce friction for developers.

The session will also be used to gather input from members on the future direction and scope of the Entertainment Workstream.

Abstract

Android Automotive promised an open ecosystem for third-party apps and new in-car entertainment experiences. However, adoption has been slower than anticipated. The number of available apps remains limited and many developers hesitate to invest due to unclear ROI, fragmentation across OEM implementations, and ecosystem uncertainties.

This session will explore the main blockers preventing the ecosystem from growing and discuss where collaboration within COVESA could help reduce fragmentation and improve developer incentives.

In addition, the session will gather input from members on the future role of the Entertainment Workstream and potential areas of focus moving forward.

Main Session Topics:

1. Overview of the current state of the Android Automotive entertainment ecosystem.

   1. The original promise and current reality

   2. The role of aggregator platforms/ ‘super apps’

   3. Entertainment apps as most viable category in competition with CarPlay and Android Auto

2. Why developers are not building Android Automotive apps.

   1. Visibility into install base, user engagement, and monetization potential.

   2. Development and maintenance effort

   3. Fragmentation across OEM implementations and uncertain distribution/ discoverability

3. Gathering input from members on priorities and potential next steps.

   1. Where could collaboration within COVESA could fragmentation and developer effort

   2. Define priority topics for the group and define initiatives