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Porsche approves CarPlay for new 911, rejects Android Auto as Google demands too much data

Update: While Google has not commented directly on Porsche’s reported rejection of Android Auto, the company made a statement to The Verge in which it denied that it currently collects any of the data mentioned in the original report. It does not go as far as saying that it has not requested access to such data.

“We take privacy very seriously and do not collect the data the Motor Trend article claims such as throttle position, oil temp, and coolant temp,” Google said in a statement to The Verge. “Users opt in to share information with Android Auto that improves their experience, so the system can be hands-free when in drive, and provide more accurate navigation through the car’s GPS.”

Sportscar manufacturer Porsche has approved CarPlay for the 2017 version of its famous 911, but rejected Android Auto because Google demands access to too much data, reports Motor Trend.

As part of the agreement an automaker would have to enter with Google, certain pieces of data must be collected and [sent] back to Mountain View, California. Stuff like vehicle speed, throttle position, coolant and oil temp, engine revs—basically Google wants a complete OBD2 dump whenever someone activates Android Auto … 

Apple, in contrast, asked that CarPlay be given access to a single piece of data: whether or not the car is moving. Apple uses this information to limit the functionality a driver can access while the car is being driven, for safety reasons. Tim Cook has frequently emphasized the different approaches to privacy taken by Apple and “other Silicon Valley businesses.”

It was revealed a few days ago that Apple had acquired VocalIQa company specializing in voice-based intelligent assistants for cars, presumably to boost Siri’s capabilities in an in-car environment.

Apple added a number of new CarPlay capabilities as part of its rollout of iOS 9, detailed in our what’s new guide.

Via The Verge

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Comments

  1. PhilBoogie - 8 years ago

    Their greed for user data is hopefully going to put an end to this pathetic company. For a stupid company they keep on doing dumb things.

    • spiralynth - 8 years ago

      An end? Not until everyone stops using their spyware like Gmail, Android, Nest, Dropcam, Waze, Google search, Google music, Google play, Google anything, just to name a few. I dropped Gmail back in 2006 as soon as I learned how ultra invasive the company’s philosophy was (even worse today and getting worse). I finally completely stopped using Google search last year and tossed my Dropcams in the trash shortly after Google acquired them. Today, I’m completely Google free and I don’t miss a single thing from these thieves. They don’t give two shits about your privacy, and they will BOLDLY tell you that they believe your information belongs to them. It’s utter stupidity to even consider using any of their products or services.

      Good for Porsche. Let’s hope other manufacturers take heed and follow suit.

  2. Bad JuJu (@brijo00) - 8 years ago

    Good grief Google, you want to know what underwear I’m wearing too?

    • iSRS - 8 years ago

      They already do if you order online and have the order information sent to a gmail account

  3. Johan Gunverth - 8 years ago

    Has VW…ehrmm..Porsche something to hide in their ECU? :D

    • Brian - 8 years ago

      Doubt it, but if there is any data there, I’m sure Google will find a way to hoover it up.

  4. Dylan Kiel - 8 years ago

    Porsche is trying to look good after their Parent company made up favorable emission result.. This said, Google needs to tone it down! All they want is data magnets that can then be monetize in Google search and other ads.

    • Interesting tidbit of VW: VW owns the Porsche car company, but Porsche SE (different that the car company), a holding company, is the biggest shareholder of VW.

  5. alanaudio - 8 years ago

    Just wondering what proportion of Porsche 911 drivers choose to buy Android phones?

    My guess is not that many.

    • applewatch20152015 - 8 years ago

      Exactly. I’d be willing to bet that the large majority of Porsche owners have iPhones. But the amount of data Google wants is ridiculous. I’m glad this news came out and I’m glad Porsche put their foot down on handing over the data. Like anything Google, YOU are the product. Ridiculous.

    • Every man, woman, student & kid has an iPhone. In the VAST majority of cases most pay for it monthly as part of their contract (just like every other high end phone).

      On which planet do you live on if you think paying $30, $40, $50 a month for a phone elevates you to the upper echelons of the elite class?

      Some folk are seriously deluded.

      • YYZ - 8 years ago

        You have a source for this? I call BS based on how many iPhones are sold online by Apple, how many Apple stores sell iPhones, and the fact many countries/carriers don’t have subsidy plans.

      • samuelsnay - 8 years ago

        Demographic studies have shown that iPhone owners tend to have more money than Android owners. Deal with it.

  6. mytawalbeh - 8 years ago

    However, It is useless, coz it is impossible to find Porche owner holds an Android device :)

  7. Brian - 8 years ago

    Who would even think of trashing up their Porsche with an Android anyway? LOL!

  8. standardpull - 8 years ago

    Did the Google exec say this during the Q&A period?

    “Driving data is an advertising and marketing goldmine, and to own that data is a tremendous competitive advantage for us. The short of it is that we make it very easy for users to blindly opt in, and purposefully give users a frustrating experience if they don’t opt in.

    The vast majority of our users have no idea what driving data they’re providing to us, but it does them no real harm if they don’t know.”

    Likely not. But the only reason why they wouldn’t is that it would be politically insensitive.

Author

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Ben Lovejoy

Ben Lovejoy is a British technology writer and EU Editor for 9to5Mac. He’s known for his op-eds and diary pieces, exploring his experience of Apple products over time, for a more rounded review. He also writes fiction, with two technothriller novels, a couple of SF shorts and a rom-com!


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