Android Auto

Android Auto APK is a mobile app launched by Google to mirror Android’s features to the compatible infotainment system of your vehicle. It works like a driving companion to make your journey exciting and thrilling while giving access to different apps including GPS mapping, playback capability, SMS, phone calls, web searches, and so on. It is compatible with a large variety of Android versions, and cars as well.

What is Android Auto?

Android Auto is powerful software that offers a quick connection between the head unit of your car and your mobile phone. It was developed by Google and launched in 2015. The innovative app is completely integrated into the latest car models, or in the case of an old model, you can purchase an aftermarket car stereo head unit to add Android Auto. It helps to display the phone screen on the dashboard of your car and enables you to use the features of your Android while driving. The main integrated features are sending and receiving an SMS, and navigation apps i.e. Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, and so on. 

Android Auto Features

User-friendly Interface

The user-friendly interface is embedded with tiles to display apps, and shortcuts for responding to your phone calls and messages. You can view a lot of information, and adjust the aspect ratio of the interface automatically to accommodate infotainment systems and head units. Moreover, physical buttons, knobs, or dials are available for controlling the car’s screen.

Phone Calls

Make and receive your phone calls while driving with the help of Google Assistant and an infotainment controller. No need to take out your mobile from your pocket, as the incoming call will be displayed on the dashboard screen, and you can easily accept, reject, or simply send a voicemail to the caller. Your call will be transferred to the vehicle’s system if you already have a call while entering your car. 

Seamless Navigation

The integration with Google Maps and Android Auto offers information on real-time traffic while responding quickly. It is simple to use, you need only to click the microphone to say ‘Navigate to’, and you can mention the destination. You can use Google Maps for a straightforward journey, instead of going into streets or postcodes. It makes your navigation quick and easy while keeping your eyes on the road and your hands on the stereo.

Awesome Chatting Experience

Here, again Google Assistant becomes your right hand, and you can continue chatting via speaking to Google Assistant. Here you can mention the contact you want to chat with, dictate your message, and your message will be delivered automatically. Likewise, you can listen to your incoming messages, as Google Assistant will read them loudly, and helps you to stay in contact with your friends and family without holding your device while driving.

Third-party Apps Integration

No need to use the conventional smartphone system of Android Auto, instead use third-party apps including WhatsApp, Skype, etc to continue your communication process. No doubt, it is only a sound that reads your Whatsapp messages loudly and allows you to dictate your replies. Moreover, you create conference calls using Zoom and Microsoft Teams apps.

Calendar

All of your scheduled routines will be displayed on the infotainment screen and helps you to manage your upcoming meetings. Within an exclusive tap, you can launch the feature, and watch your upcoming events, or meet with the attached location. 

Streaming Apps Compatibility

You will find seamless compatibility for multiple music apps including Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Spotify, and so on. You can manage the media using voice commands and Google’s cloud-based speech recognition. It helps you to play your favorite tracks while selecting from the archive. Moreover, you are also capable of accessing your audiobooks i.e. Audible, Google Podcasts, etc, and control playback as you want. 

Compatible to Vehicles

Android Auto supports all new car models, and you will find compatibility with the infotainment system and USB port for smartphones. But, most old car models don’t have such compatibility. If you have an old car model, you can install an aftermarket infotainment system to get Android Auto for your car.

System & Device Requirements

Android Auto works only with compatible vehicles, and it requires a smartphone, microphone, and speakers, the Android phone version is 6 or later, and for wireless Android Auto, the version must be Android 11, or above.

Regular Updates

The latest car models have over-the-air updates, but the old models don’t have such a facility. But, the plus point is that the app is regularly updated, and you will find awesome improvements with every update.

How to Use Android Auto

The software offers two ways to connect the phone to it such as

Use USB to Connect Android Auto

Unlock your device, and use a USB cable to connect your phone to your car’s USB port. On connecting, the screen will give you the option to connect.

Connect Android Auto Wirelessly

The latest car models have a wireless Android Auto option to pair your phone with your car’s head unit. After connecting, open the ‘found devices’ list, and click to connect. The first time connecting, you have to enter a four-digit code on both; the phone and the car’s head unit. Next, it will load automatically, and be ready to use. You can use it like your phone, and give voice commands to run any of your required apps or feature.

Pros

• Enjoy your favorite audio tracks while accessing your favorite apps i.e. YouTube, Spotify, etc
• No need to hold your phone, instead make hands-free phone calls
• Dictate your messages, and listen to replies via Google Assistant
• Integrated to multiple third-party apps i.e. WhatsApp, Skype, etc
• Awesome navigation via Google Maps, Waze, etc
• Connect wirelessly, or via USB and Bluetooth
• Updated regularly
• Supports a lot of streaming apps
• Schedule your upcoming meetings and events with the support of a calendar
• Free to use

Cons

• Wireless connection has lot of glitches
• Compatibility issues
• The interface is less visually appealing
• Controls for car functions are limited
• Requires cellular data of your phone

Conclude

Android Auto Apk is a platform of smart apps that are used through the phone to a car’s screen. Android Auto uses network connectivity to utilize the apps and update the current apps———Google Maps, Google Play, and much more. A popular application that supports about 30 brands of cars: you can easily navigate and control the volume, and address book as well as reminders.