Nov 4, 2014, 4:00pm ET

Android to power GM's next-gen infotainment system

Harman International will be developing GM\'s new infotainment system, based on Google\'s mobile operating system.

General Motors is reportedly embracing Android to power its next-generation infotainment system.

Development is said to be already underway, led by Harman International as part of a $900 million contract. The supplier is working directly with Google to make sure the system is ready for use in automobiles, meeting necessary criteria such as near-instantaneous startup when the vehicle is turned on.

"As you would expect, this next-generation infotainment solution will enable an app store, which allows this infotainment system to stay technologically relevant over the life cycle of the vehicle," Harman CEO Dinesh Paliwal said during an earnings call, as quoted by Automotive News.

Unlike Android Auto and Apple's CarPlay, both of which essentially serve as virtual projections of the smartphone OS on the in-vehicle display, Harman's technology will use Android as the native operating system for the infotainment system itself.

Consumer Reports recently labeled infotainment technology a "growing reliability plague" that has spoiled owner experiences for otherwise well-received vehicles. GM may be hoping that Google's years of experience with touchscreen user-interfaces, paired with Harman's hardware and history with in-vehicle technology, will allow its next-generation infotainment system to rise above the crowd.

GM may be the first automaker to offer Harman's Android-based system, however other automakers are believed to be following the same route. Audi, Honda and Hyundai are among a long list of companies involved in the Open Automotive Alliance, which aims to adapt Android into an open-source infotainment system that can be further customized by each brand.

GM's system is expected to make its market arrival sometime in 2016. The OAA has previously hinted at an earlier launch window, suggesting other automakers may be preparing their own alternative for debut in 2015.