Is it possible for OEM to share CAN bus events to Android Auto app?

Question

Is it possible for OEM to share CAN bus events with Android Auto (not Automotive) app? I mean OEMs original apps. If it's possible, than are there any restrictions, or any CAN bus events can be shared?

UPDATE: As stated in Car App Library docs, Android Auto app can subscribe on these info: Make, Model, Year, EV connector types, Fuel types, Toll card state, Toll card type, Battery level, Fuel level, Fuel level low, Range remaining, Raw speed, Display speed, Odometer distance.

The question is whether OEM can expand this list?

Jeannajeanne

Answer 1

I'm not exactly sure, but in theory, it's possible, but limited to system apps (which is not very useful).

Android Auto head units run on the Android Automotive OS. The Car Service API gains access to car sensors using the Android Automotive hardware abstraction layer (HAL).

System integrators can implement a vehicle HAL module by connecting function-specific platform HAL interfaces (e.g. HVAC) with technology-specific network interfaces (e.g. CAN bus).

There's an interface in the Android Automotive package that allows writing custom vehicle hardware abstraction layer properties. However, this is restricted to system apps.

To support partner-specific needs, the VHAL allows custom properties that are restricted to system apps.

These properties can be accessed using CarPropertyManager, which can be obtained by calling Car.getCarService(Car.PROPERTY_SERVICE) (Documentation)

Falsehood

I guess this all is for Android Automotive only. Not Android Auto, right? – Jeannajeanne

@OlehLiskovych Implementing VHAL is done on Android Automotive. CarPropertyManager for accessing the property is an Android Auto class. If the OEM really wants to do it, then they need to both adding changes to the Android Automotive OS, and making their own Android System app. This would require them to partner with and Android device manufacturer. – Falsehood

@Qun To I got it. Actually they want to save time. Android Automotive apps go through much slower review process. Thank you for explanations! – Jeannajeanne