Web browsing through onboard computers embedded into automobiles was previously exclusive to Tesla vehicles, but now a web browser is accessible for Android Auto. Now that Tesla’s cars come standard with an internet browser, some other manufacturer has decided to follow suit and offer similar convenience in a vehicle of its own.
The ability to use a mobile phone, tablet, or laptop while driving is not a new one. If more cars have big touchscreens, this could become a fad that spreads to more automobile manufacturers in the future.
If you want new features added to your Tesla car’s software, you can do it over the air (OTA). This means that you can make changes to the software without going into your car and installing them. There is a web browser built into Tesla’s computer software that can be accessed through its touch-screen interface. Open-source code for Google’s Chrome browser is based on Chromium. Installing web browsers on Apple Car Play and Android Automotive isn’t always viable, but there are hacks and workarounds.
Volvo subsidiary Polestar’s electric car, the Polestar 2, has a Vivaldi web browser that is compatible with Android Automotive. People who own Polestar 2 can get the app by going to the Google Play Store and downloading Vivaldi’s app for Polestar. This is a great way to keep browsing when you move from the car to your smartphone or computer. Tabs will be synchronised automatically between the car and any Vivaldi browser that is running on a smartphone or computer.
Whereas Tesla’s browser allows for use while driving, which could possibly distract the driver, Vivaldi’s approach for the Polestar 2 will continue to play audio but will not allow for use of the browser while the vehicle is in motion.
In the same way as Chrome, Vivaldi adds to that solid core of functionality with improvements to speed, better privacy controls, and many changes to the user interface. Vivaldi is another browser that is based on Chromium. If you have the Polestar 2, you can play Vivaldi on your Android automotive now. It has been available for a long time on PCs, Macs, Linux, and smartphones.
Vivaldi is a new version of Chromium that lets you change almost every part of the browser. There are a lot of ways to change how tabs look and work, as well as how the browser window looks. For example, you can change whether the corners are rounded or sharp. As a bonus, the browser comes with note-taking and screenshot tools, making it a good research tool. All of these features can be found in the Android Automotive app for the Polestar 2. This app is more customisable than Tesla’s.
