Zeekr has partnered with German infotainment company 3 Screen Solutions (3SS) to develop a new Android-based infotainment system for its European cars.
It will offer an ‘Entertainment Hub’ featuring European content providers and streaming services for watching TV directly in the car. But it might come with ads.
And does the layout of the Zeekr Entertainment Hub look familiar? That might be because 3SS is also partnered with Skoda for its Skoda Play in-car entertainment platform. The VW Group’s latest infotainment systems also run on Android Automotive, making compatibility easy across different brands.
While Chinese manufacturers usually equip their vehicles with the latest hardware, their infotainment software often leaves something to be desired. Most copy Tesla’s menu structure with little consideration for ergonomics, leading to clashes with Europe’s obligatory safety monitors that require drivers to keep their eyes on the road.
Zeekr focuses more on European customers
Plus, some brands lack support for popular connectivity features in Europe, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Zeekr, Geely’s sub-brand that recently launched in Belgium, wants to offer a better experience to Europeans by partnering with Germany-based 3 Screen Solutions (3SS). Together, they created the Zeekr Entertainment Hub.
It’s an in-car media platform based on Android Automotive OS that supports installing external applications. But 3SS’s expertise comes from partnerships with streaming platforms, news channels, and live TV providers in Europe.
In-car ads on the way?
Zeekr customers can enjoy over 15 global content providers in the car, allowing them to catch up on their series or news updates during charging stops. However, because Zeekr’s European models (001, X, 7X, and 7GT) don’t have a passenger display, watching content while driving is currently impossible.
Zeekr and 3SS also emphasize the ability to deliver personalized responses, updates, and ‘exclusive offers’ to customers’ vehicles. This sounds like the Entertainment Hub might include in-car ads for subscription services to gain more access to content.
