Google Chrome Comes to Cars

Google will soon make the Chrome browser available in certain automobiles with Google built in.

Google made this announcement along with several other announcements about the Android operating system at the 2024 CES in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Chrome's availability will first be offered on some Volvo and Polestar-branded vehicles starting this week, although plans are to roll it out to more models.

At CES, Google announced additional apps for vehicles, including The Weather Channel, PBS KIDS, and Crunchyroll.

With Google's built-in car, trip planning becomes easier. Starting this week, owners will be able to send trips searched on Google Maps on their phones directly to their cars.

For EV owners, the vehicle will soon be able to share real-time battery information with Google Maps. This integration should ease range anxiety by providing a more accurate estimate of battery life upon arrival at a destination, suggesting charging spots along the way, and estimating how long it will take to recharge. The feature will be available in the coming months, first on the Ford Mustang Mach E and F-150 Lightning.

Google also said that the Digital Car Key feature will continue to expand to more cell phones and car brands. The feature allows drivers to unlock, lock, and start their cars using compatible Android phones, and to securely share keys with friends and family, regardless of whether they are using an Apple or Android phone.