Audi introduces its own Android tablet, controls in-car infotainment system

audi-smart-display

At CES 2014 Audi announced its plans to jump into the Android tablet game. Yes, you read that right.

The premium automobile maker has now taken the veil off the 10.2-inch full HD Mobile Audi Smart Display, a Tegra 4-powered Android device that utilizes a heavily-skinned launcher designed with car use in mind. Audi had already announced they are participating in the Open Automobile Alliance, and the Smart Display is apparently their first attempt to combine the power of Android with their automobiles.

Now keep in mind that you’ll probably not see this tablet in stores, and instead it will likely be an “optional” accessory when purchasing select Audio vehicles.

So what exactly does the Audi Smart Display do? Aside from playing Angry Birds thanks to Google Play support or browsing the web on the AT&T-provided LTE, the tablet will also be able to connect to the car’s infotainment system allowing it to control audio, navigation, climate controls and more. You can also play content from the tablet over the car’s speaker system, if you so choose.

The Audi Smart Display will be able to connect to your car’s infotainment system allowing it to control audio, navigation, climate controls and more.

Obviously Audi designed the tablet to be used primarily in the car, and as such it is capable withstanding extreme temperatures that range from as low as -40 and as high as 176 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, nothing is stopping you from taking it out of the car and using it elsewhere.

Audi has yet to detail all the specs found in the Smart Display, but at least we know its Tegra 4 should be capable of providing a reasonably high-end tablet experience. On the downside, the tablet is a bit chunkier and has larger bezels than your typical Android device.

As for the cost, Audi has yet to reveal how much extra it will be to add a Smart Display when ordering a vehicle from Audi, though we imagine it won’t come cheap. What do you think, like the idea of the Audi Smart Display or not?

By | 2014-01-07T16:00:02+00:00 January 7th, 2014|Android Related, Just the Tablets|0 Comments

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