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Android Auto versus Android AutomotiveThe benefits of using Android AutomotiveGeneral Motors’ big bet on Android AutomotiveMY 2022: Chevrolet Suburban, Chevrolet Tahoe, GMC HUMMER EV, GMC Yukon, GMC Yukon XL, Chevrolet Silverado, GMC SierraMY 2023: Cadillac LYRIQYou’re not alone. Data provided by Google in early 2022 indicated Android Auto was installed in 150 million cars – the figure didn’t take into account aftermarket upgrades where car owners installed third-party media receivers. Without paying for a service plan, Android Automotive becomes just a basic platform, so drivers are just going back to the standard Android Auto experience. Google Assistant, Google Maps, and apps on Google Play require a service plan on Android Automotive.General Motors is therefore trying to use Android Automotive as a money-making machine, tying the operating system to a series of in-house developed capabilities and hoping that users would agree to pay extra to upgrade from Android Auto. This is a risky strategy, but given the benefits provided by Android Automotive, General Motors could be playing the right card here.