Google rebuffs reports that Android Auto collects copious car data

On Tuesday we reported that Motor Trend claimed the 2017 Porsche 911 would not include Google's Android Auto because the mobile infotainment add-on gathered too much data for the German automaker's comfort. It reportedly sent back to Google data measurements of several essential vehicle operations, including vehicle speed, throttle position, fluid temperatures, and engine rev data — every time the system was activated.

In a statement Wednesday morning, tech giant Google rebuffed these claims in a prepared statement: "Android Auto needs to know whether the car is in Park or Drive to determine whether it should show a keyboard for searches or rely on voice input. Similarly, it needs to know whether it is day or night time so that Android Auto is optimized for daytime or nighttime viewing of the screen." Read more...