The Android (News - Alert) Open Accessory Protocol will now be supported by HARMAN International Industries. For the first time, the new connectivity standard will be offered by a major technology partner in the automotive industry. HARMAN’s automotive offerings will now have the Android protocol in-built. Smartphone or tablet content like music, movies or navigation apps can be now seamlessly controlled by users through a car's dashboard or steering-wheel controls.

HARMAN’s infotainment platform is the best in the industry. All major mobile operating systems will now be supported by the platform with the adoption of the new standard. These include Apple's iOS, Research in Motion's (News - Alert) BlackBerry platform and Nokia's existing mobile systems. All HARMAN infotainment platforms will support the Android Open Accessory Protocol. Entry-level, mid-price and luxury automobiles can therefore use the Android Open Accessory Protocol. With the protocol now available for automotive installations, HARMAN’s previously launched Android email and SMS support has also been extended.

In a release, Dinesh Paliwal, chief executive for HARMAN, said, "Consumers no longer view their living room, workplace, and personal devices as separate domains. Connectivity is fast becoming a fundamental expectation and lifestyle requirement. Consumers want to connect simply and safely in their cars, and by making this Android standard part of our OEM packages, we continue to build upon our leadership in smartphone connectivity and integration."

Music apps like HARMAN's Aha Radio service can be safely activated by drivers with the Android Open Accessory Protocol. The activation will be possible either through voice or steering wheel controls. The protocol will also make the built-in navigation systems more robust. The existing map software can be now overlaid with popular apps that provide information on nearby restaurants, tourist spots or gas stations. The content can be streamed to entertainment devices used in rear seats with Android integration. This will prove to be beneficial for passengers.

Devices running Android 3.1, also known as Honeycomb, will have the Android Open Accessory Protocol built in. The protocol will be available as software upgrade for devices running Android 2.3.4 or Gingerbread and later. Android devices are able to connect to the dashboard or rear-seat installations via USB with the help of this protocol.

For more information on HARMAN, visit www.harman.com.