Android Auto is no longer just a tool for car drivers. The Google system that connects your phone to your vehicle's display is now heading in a completely new direction - to the water. Owners of select new Crest and Balise boats will be able to use Android Auto while sailing.
The company behind the innovation MasterCraft Boat Holdings, which announced a collaboration with the navigation application Savvy Navvy. It is designed specifically for water transport and offers functions similar to classic map applications in cars. Users can get an overview of the route, estimated time of arrival, speed, remaining distance or information about surrounding traffic on the water. And although it sounds incredible, it is just the next step after the recent expansion Android Auto for motorcycles.
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Navigation like in a car
The operating principle will be similar to what drivers are used to from normal Android AutoIt will be possible to plan the cruise at home and upon arrival at the ship, the entire route, including navigation data, will be ready.
The application will offer several display modes, such as daily a night maps or satellite view. This can be practical not only for recreational trips on lakes, but also for longer trips on coastal waters.
Android Auto compatible displays will be included in select boat models Crest a Tag for the year 2027Specifically, it will be about the series Conquest a CaribbeanIn addition, customers will gain access to premium version of the Savvy Navvy app without additional fees.
The manufacturer states that these are some of the first boats with factory-installed support Android Auto Apple CarPlay, which also includes navigation specifically for the aquatic environment. Marine electronics are thus starting to approach what we have known from modern cars for several years.
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New not only for new boats
The advantage is that similar features will not be limited to new models. Applications Savvy Navvy also works with existing devices supporting Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, including retrofitted displays in older ships.
The expansion of Android Auto beyond the road is indicative of a broader trend as manufacturers try to connect smartphones to as many vehicles as possible. After cars, motorcycles, and now boats, the question is where similar technologies will go next.
Yeah, before it goes anywhere other than cars, the system should be improved rapidly and the problem with outages should be eliminated, especially after pointless updates. It's been bothering me for a long time. What does it want to do on ships if it doesn't work in cars.