Apple released C, a system with an interface very similar to iOS that allows you to interact with your phone while driving without taking your eyes off the road. According to Android Police, Google is also developing something similar and would be baptized as PUTTY.
One of the great advantages of smart mobile devices is that we are able to chat with the assistant to ask about the weather, the nearest restaurant, or how to get to a destination. Whether through Siri or the famous "OK, Google" from Google Now, the advantages of these personal assistance systems have reached cars, although there are still aspects that need improvement. As the source points out, Google is working on CarPlay's main rival, PUTTY, a system that will allow us interact with the car without diverting attention.
The name is a nod to the television series "Knight Rider," whose four-wheeled protagonist – who could drive and talk – was also named PUTTYIn Google's case, it would not be an exclusive dashboard system, but rather a feature built into Android, so that any user could use it in their car. This is the first big difference compared to CarPlay, which would facilitate mass adoption by not depending on specific hardware.
Some of the features planned for KITT include: will always be listening, activated by voice without touching the phone or looking at it. It could also respond to gestures on the screen to invoke Google Now and access services. Naturally, the experience would be completely hands-free, with reading of messages, notifications and even links to the web, offering the option of “Read later” to avoid distractions.
The biggest challenge of such a function is the battery consumptionAn always-on assistant can be demanding, so Google recommends taking advantage of the 12V vehicle socket and outline power-saving modes. Although Google hasn't confirmed official details about KITT, it's reasonable to expect hints at developer events and in future versions of its services.
How KITT would work and what you can do today with the Car Assistant
As KITT arrives, the Google Assistant in the car already allows many voice commands to keep your eyes on the road. Here are some useful examples:
- Navigation: “Tell me how to get to [address],” “What’s traffic like on my way to work?”, “When do I need to turn?”, “Show alternate routes.”
- Car controls (if your vehicle is compatible): “Set the temperature to 21 degrees”, “Turn on the seat heater”, “Activate the front defroster”.
- Multimedia: “Play music,” “Play the news,” “Continue with my book,” “Play [song],” “Play [station],” “Play the latest episode of [podcast].”
- Communication: «Call Mom», «Send a message to John», «Read my messages».
Important- Some cars don't include a built-in data plan, which limits online functionality. In those cases, you can share Internet from your mobile to maintain services such as maps, streaming, or message dictation. It is also possible to use the Assistant in driving mode within Google Maps to simplify the interface and minimize distractions.
Android Auto, Android Automotive, and the role of KITT
Android Auto Securely replicates mobile apps on your car screen for navigation, calls, and music. Android Automotive, instead, is factory integrated in the vehicle: no phone required and can control car functions such as climate control or audio settings, as well as offering more precise indications (for example, calculating autonomy in electric vehicles).
KITT would fit as a cape eyes-free voice assistance that leverages the Google ecosystem (search, maps, messaging) and vehicle controls when available. This would allow for natural commands such as "I'm cold"to raise the temperature, or"Avoid tolls» to recalculate the route, prioritizing safety and reducing touch interaction.
Compatibility, hardware and options if your car doesn't have a system
If your vehicle does not have modern infotainment, you can use aftermarket screens compatible with Android Auto/CarPlay or AI Box type boxes that enable wireless connectivity and entertainment apps when the car allows it. In any case, prioritize certified facilities and avoid playing video while in progress: the safety and regulations of your country take precedence over any extra features.
To avoid cuts, make sure you have good connectivity (mobile data or car Wi-Fi) and keep your phone charging via USB or the 12V port, especially if you use power features. always active listening.
KITT-inspired apps: entertainment and nostalgia
There are third-party applications that recreate the aesthetic experience of “Knight Rider” on mobile. Some allow interaction in several languages (English, Spanish, Italian, German, French, Portuguese, Russian and Greek) and add interesting functions to fun or learning out of driving.
- Face detection and analysis: Real-time facial recognition with emotion and contour estimation (eyes, nose, lips, etc.).
- Text recognition: reading words, paragraphs and even mathematical expressions captured with the camera to search the Internet and display results with images.
- QR and barcodes: QR image generator in seconds (saved on mobile) and code reader from the live video without the need for a photo, with a search for the encoded information.
- Personalization and memory: collections of wallpapers and a “teachable” mode so the app can remember commands or answer questions like “What is a galaxy?”, “Who was Albert Einstein?”, or actions like “open YouTube,” “open Google,” “open any app,” “set an alarm,” or “navigate to a website.” They often include powerful data sources to answer general inquiries.
- Usage models: Many apps offer all features for free and a VIP plan with more capacity and no ads.
Remember: these apps are unofficial and are intended for entertainment purposes only. They do not replace driving systems or assistance systems certified for road use.
KITT represents Google's ambition to bring a truly hands-free voice assistant to the car, supported by its ecosystem of search, maps, and voice control. Meanwhile, the Android Auto/Automotive tandem already covers navigation, communication, and multimedia with natural commands, and there are hardware and app options to expand the experience. The key will continue to be driving safety, compatibility with each vehicle and integration that minimizes distractions.