Google kicks the tires of Android Auto at I/O 2014

At its I/O 2014 conference here in San Francisco, Google unveiled its new Android integration feature for cars with its official name, Android Auto.

This new technology comes out of the Open Automotive Alliance, a consortium of automakers, such as Ford, Nissan and Volkswagen, and tech companies, such as LG, Panasonic and of course Google.

As demonstrated on stage, the system relies on an Android phone connected to the car. The phone serves as a processor and data conduit to the cloud, while the car's dashboard and LCD serve as the interface for features such as navigation and messaging.

Google Voice is a big part of Android Auto, so most users will spend plenty of time looking at this screen while commands are being processed. Or hopefully, ignoring this screen and keeping their attention on the road.

This collection of panels, familiar to Google Now users, serves as a home screen. It shows current and relevant information.

Navigation offers a list of categories for businesses. You can use Google Voice or this graphical interface to choose a destination.

Given Google's penchant for information retention, Android Auto will make suggestions for destinations based on past searches.

Turn-by-turn navigation uses the familiar Google Maps interface.

The audio feature lets you choose playlists from the Google Play Music online music service. You can use voice command or the graphic interface to select songs.

Album cover art appears as the background image of this now-playing screen.

Key to Android Auto is this SDK, which will let developers add in-car integration for their apps.

The Open Automotive Alliance, for which Android Auto was developed, includes a variety of automakers and tech companies. The first cars with Android Auto should become available by the end of the year.