What Does Android Auto Really Do?

Android Auto is a system that integrates the phone into the car's entertainment system, allowing drivers to control their phone using voice commands or the car's touchscreen to minimize problems with the phone while driving. It can mirror the phone screen on the car screen, and applications (and navigation maps) are regularly updated to incorporate new developments and data. Satellite navigation systems also benefit from more accurate real-time traffic updates. The main goal of Android Auto is to prevent people from looking at their phones while driving, and thanks to Google Assistant, drivers can stay connected and find where they are going without losing sight of the road.

However, it doesn't eliminate distraction when driving. Android Auto allows users to easily access the essentials of information and entertainment in a wide variety of cars and countries without having to manually work with the settings or learn to use a new user interface when changing vehicles. It integrates seamlessly with many main car units and even allows you to use your favorite navigation software or select multimedia applications while driving. The phone must also have Android Auto installed and the car radio or infotainment system must be compatible with Android Auto. The operating system is essentially Android for cars, integrated into the vehicle from day one and is completely independent. Android Auto includes Google Maps in its control panel, allowing you to use features such as dynamic routing options, connected search and cloud-based points of interest (POI) with an unprecedented level of convenience.

Google Assistant is directly integrated with Android Auto, which means that you can access all the information you would normally have without leaving the application. It also has Assistant to help you drive and can even give you recommendations to make your trip smoother and help you keep your eyes on the road. For older smartphones, load the Android Auto app on your phone (it can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store); then, with it running, you connect your phone via USB and go to the car's Android Auto screen. On the aftermarket side, Android Auto compatible headphones are available from manufacturers such as Kenwood, Panasonic, Pioneer and Sony. This not only allows you to submit your current location, but also your ETA, which will be updated automatically according to traffic conditions. Some car systems automatically start Apple CarPlay or Android Auto when you connect your phone (Hyundai, for example); others require you to activate it through the infotainment system (BMW, for example).

It's worth mentioning that there are some notable car manufacturers that don't sell any cars with Android Auto support, which is worth considering. There are more and more vehicles that offer this functionality, and some even have the wireless capability of Android Auto.