Tesla Model S Will Get Android Emulator And Chrome Browser

At a conference in Germany today, Tesla Motors' CEO Elon Musk has revealed some upcoming plans for the auto maker's popular Model S: an Android emulator and Chrome browser. This will work alongside the car's snazzy capacitive touch-based dashboard control system, swapping out the current browser for Google's offering and opening up possibilities for developers.

For those who are unfamiliar, Tesla Motors' Model S features a large 17-inch capacitive touch-based dashboard system rather than the tactile-and-touch systems found in many modern cars. Through this system, the driver can perform common controls for the vehicle that would otherwise be achieved with buttons and knobs, as well as other things like navigation and media.

Presently, the software on the system is based on Linux and Qt application development framework, something that allows developers the opportunity to port apps from Android. Musk says this will be going a step further in the future, however, with a full Android emulator being tossed into the mix, making it easier for developers to get on board and giving drivers more options.

There will be a wait time, however, with developers not being slated to get access until near the end of next year. Musk has a lot to say on the matter, and you can hear it all if interested via the video above, which will take up about 40 minutes of your time, but is worth it for those interested in the company and electric vehicles in general.

SOURCE: Android Community