​Introduction

Android Automotive is on its way to become the defa​cto standard for head unit operating system, as it promises to reduce total cost of ownership and improve time to market.  However, the most promising aspect of Android Automotive, is the market expectation to pave the way for seamless introduction of 3rd party apps and services.  Google Automotive Services, GAS, is licensed collection of applications and services on top of Android Automotive, which includes Google Navigation, Google Voice, and Google Play Store.  The latter element allows consumers to download and run 3rd party applications.
GAS is not the only option for an ecosystem that will bring 3rd party innovation for Android Automotive Head Unit.  Harman's Ignite Store, allows an alternative to GAS that:

• Allows far greater control of UI/UX 
  
• Interpolates with OEMs choice of voice ass​​​istant and navigation solutions to ensure a seamless end to end solution 
• E​​ensures OEMs to retain ownership of vehicle data

This document describes the path that will ensure parity with GAS, when it comes to 3rd party Apps and Services.  

Ignite Store Strategy

Harman is committed to remain fully compliant with Android Automotive.  The primary condition for head units to be certified for Ignite Store, is that they pass CDD and other complement on compliance hurdles that ensure Android compatibility of the hardware.  This will ensure that there is a path for 3rd party applications available on GAS to be available on Ignite.

Currently only 3rd party media applications are supported by Android Automotive.  Messaging is likely to be next.  Beyond these two domains, what is natural to expect is for applications that rely on maps, navigation and location to become available. 

To pave the path for Ignite to support such applications, Ignite offers the following complementary services:​​

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