What is Google Built-in?
Whether you’ve been researching a new car, chatting to a friend who has one, or maybe noticed something on a car you’re already driving, it’s possible that you’ve come across a feature called Google Built-in.
While this may mean something different in other industries (perhaps a new TV feature?), in the automotive industry it applies to your vehicle’s media and navigation system.
But what really is Google Built-in and is it something you should look for in a new car? Put simply, Google Built-in is a suite of Google apps and software integrated directly into a vehicle’s media system. It typically replaces a car’s own satellite navigation and adds a range of apps suited to use in a vehicle.
While it’s a system that offers similar features to connectivity services like Google’s Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay, the Google Built-in doesn’t require your phone to be connected in order to offer those same benefits.
What does Google Built-in offer?
Many modern vehicles have their own dedicated media system which effectively switches to another when you connect your phone through Google’s Android Auto or Apple’s CarPlay.
With Google Built-in, your vehicle’s system features popular Google apps and services like:
- Google Maps
- Google Assistant or Google Gemini
- … and other apps through the Google Play store
All can offer added value to your driving experience.
What are the benefits of Google Built-in over my car’s own apps?
Many vehicle manufacturers offer their own services like satellite navigation, voice assistants, and more. And many also keep these up-to-date through either software updates that can be installed as part of your vehicle’s next service or even Over the Air (OTA) updates that improve your vehicle’s software once connected to WiFi or your mobile phone.
Despite this, it can be hard for these manufacturers to compete with organisations like Google that invest heavily in regularly updated maps – including through constant crowdsourcing – and lead innovations in the field of voice recognition, assistants, and AI.
For that reason, the services offered by Google may be more up-to-date, accurate, and more comprehensive than those offered by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Volvo demonstrates the ease of communicating with your vehicle through Google Gemini
Honda demonstrates Google Maps in their Google Built-in system
What cars come with Google Built-in?
While it can vary between countries, and not every manufacturer’s models offer the same features, Google Built-in is typically found in vehicles like:
For a comprehensive list, visit this Google resource.
Where can I get help with my Google Built-in system?
Google themselves have a section of their Help Centre dedicated to Google Built-in.
Browse Google Built-in help topics or visit a relevant Miles Group dealership with your vehicle and our team will be happy to show you through the Google Built-in system.
