You may think that Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are only suited to cars. After all, it's in their very name. But no, this technology can be extended to two-wheeled vehicles as well, as with the case of Honda.
At long last, Honda is bringing Android Auto to the latest fleet of its Gold Wing flagship motorcycles next month. The technology should allow for a safer way to use your phone on the big bike.
Android Auto's simplified interface and easy-to-use voice actions are designed to minimize distraction, allowing drivers to stay focused on the road. It also makes accessing various apps easier, whether for messaging, media, or music. And with Google Assistant in tow, drivers can always stay focused and connected, keeping their hands on the handlebar and eyes on the road, while using just the driver's voice to get to the next destination.
It might sound almost unintuitive to put a platform designed for cars on motorcycles, but Honda is no stranger to that idea. The automaker made history when it brought Apple CarPlay to motorcycles in 2017. To some extent, Android-using bikers may think that this announcement is long overdue, in fact.
As some say, better late than never. Honda's decision to bring Android Auto to its Gold Wing fleet is good news, but a logical and not surprising step nonetheless. The caveat though is, the 2017 models won't get the update -- only the 2018 and later models will be able to enjoy the new feature.
Honda's only requirement, in addition to having an Android phone running on Lollipop and later versions, is a Bluetooth headset, for obvious reasons. Because who wants to take their hands off the handle bar even for just a few seconds? Nobody should do that ever.
With those requirements met, motorcycle junkies will be able to access their favorite apps from their Android phone right on their Gold Wing dashboard. And with the help of Google Maps, navigation is made a lot easier. Of course, do all of that with the help of Google Assistant.
Since the Gold Wing GL1000 went on sale in North America in 1975, the Gold Wing series has evolved as Honda's flagship model for over four decades.
Gold Wing owners will have to wait until Mid-June to get the update. For the moment, we're not sure how Android Auto installed. The good news though is, it's a free update.
