Android Auto

Android Auto is an Android mobile application developed by Google. It can be installed on a smartphone, and this app is connected to the car display. The Android Auto app can be downloaded from the Google play store. It is more likely a simplified version of Google now. The Android Auto has the ability to make calls, play music stored on our phone, use Google Maps, and of course, send direct messages to contacts via USB.

It doesn't mean that our phone interface appears on the car's dashboard screen. The calls and the messages will come through, but other notifications are completely hidden away in the background. Even we don't hear the ping of a new WhatsApp message until we disconnect our phone.

History

• 25^th June 2014, Google I/O debuted Android Auto.
• 19^th March 2015, Google released Android Auth.
• In November 2016, Google added an option to run Android Auto on a regular Android device.
• In July 2019, Android Auto received its first major UI to rework with other changes. Google also announced that the apps used on the phone would be discontinued in favor of Google Assistant's drive mode.

Availability

Since May 2019, Android Auto is available in 36 counties. The availability of apps on the system varies.

What does Android Auto do?

Android Auto displays the information on a familiar, which is an easy-to-use interface with swipe out of the way, legible menus, and large icons.

One of the best parts of Android Auto is the Google Maps navigation system. It gives step-by-step directions and finds the alternate route if it detects heavy traffic.

We can also say "OK, Google, what is Android Auto", or "OK, Google, play the Offspring", or "OK, Google what is the capital of India". With our voice commands, we can reply to the message using speech-to-text technology. It will work even our car is not equipped with voice recognition technology, and the Android Auto's features are accessible using the touchscreen in your car.

Google Maps

Android Auto uses the GPS to display the traffic route to the destination with the utmost accuracy. It often gives the place where we may want to go to next, and it also gives better route options due to the latest traffic information.

Phone calls

Android Auto provides safety calls with Google Dialer. The Android Auto menus include recent calls listed on our phone. It also has the ability to touch 'Dial a number' to reach someone outside the frequent contacts. The phone app contains a 'humburger button' in the top left that has more options for voicemail, speed dial, and missed calls.

Messages

Android Auto displays the incoming message as a notification at the top of the screen, as similar to our Android phone. We can tap on the notification to read our message and tap X to dismiss. Once we listened to the message, then we can tap the microphone icon and say 'Reply' to dictate our response.

Which phones are compatible with Android Auto?

Android Auto works with all Android smartphones, which run 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher versions. To use it, we need to download the free Android Auto app and connect our phone with a car display using a USB cable.