Currently, there are three versions of the Android operating system: a platform for smartphones and tablets,Android TVand Android Wear. Apparently, Google is working on a fourth one - for cars. It should not be confused with the new productAndroid Autowhich is not an operating system at all, but a function for "translating" the smartphone's capabilities to the car's onboard computer display.
The assumption about the emergence of a new platform is based on data that can be found in the Android Compatibility Definition Document, which describes various conditions for licensing.Android OSby third-party companies. Some time ago, information about the Android Automotive platform appeared there. In particular, it is stated that it relates to the car's head unit, operating under Android as the operating system. By the way, this concerns the specifications of Android OS 6.0.
There is, of course, no data regarding the appearance of ready-made automotive systems in the document. Considering the specifics of the automotive segment, onboard automotive PCs with the Android OS should not be expected for at least a year, although such a device may be announced earlier.