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Android Auto App
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What is Android Auto?
Android Auto is essentially a secondary Android platform designed specifically for ease of use in a car.
It can be used as a standalone app (on a phone or tablet, see below) or be integrated into the car's infotainment system (using your phone for signal). Car apps are becoming more and more common, but Google's Android Auto app is arguably one of the most comprehensive.
It's not the first foray Google has had into the automotive industry. Today (13 Dec 2016), Google announced they are finally shelving plans for their self driving car, which they began developing in 2009. However, it seems Google can still get it right when they stick to what they are best at: Software.
Put simply, Android Auto allows you to use a selection of apps and functions from your phone on the car's screen. This offers you more integrated infotainment. In some cars, you can even control the system from the steering wheel.
Google stress that it has been designed with safety in mind. For this reason, certain apps have more limited functionality (to stop them from distracting you when driving). For example, while Google Play Music will allow you to play songs, it won't allow you to scan through them to get to your favourite bit.
Also, when your phone is connected to Android Auto, the phone locks, preventing you from navigating to your regular Android home screen.
Main Features
Voice recognition is a key feature of Android Auto. It allows you to dictate destinations for navigation, write messages and say general commands to Google.
As expected, most of the apps are centered around entertainment or voice messaging. Google's own software contains incredibly advanced voice recognition, and will even read messages back before sending. After you've heard it's correct, you simply say the word, and it will send.
It also attempts to keep the apps (usually displayed as 'cards' on the screen) as relevant to driving as possible. Typically these are navigation, weather or infotainment related. The display layout is an offshoot of Google Now, so feels familiar.
List of Android Auto Apps
We've put together a list of all the Android Auto apps currently available and their functionality. We've highlighted the ones we find most interesting in green. Familiar apps (like Spotify) have been cleverly redesigned for Android Auto, so they are ideal for in-car.
List of all Android Auto Apps | Funtion/Category |
Audible (audio books) | Audio Books |
Deezer Music Streaming | Music |
WhatsApp messenger | Messenger |
Spotify | Music |
Kik | Messenger |
Skype | Calls |
TuneIn Radio | Radio |
Text Me | Messenger |
Text Plus | Messenger |
Amazon Music | Music |
We Chat | Messenger |
Pocket Casts | Podcasts |
Nextplus Free SMS | Messenger |
Telegram | Messenger |
Over Drive | eBooks and Audiobooks |
Google Play Music | Music |
Hangouts | Chat |
Djay FREE - DJ Mix | Music mix app |
FreeTone Free Calls | Calls |
Contacts+ | Phone Book app |
BBC Media Player | Media |
Stitcher Radio for Podcasts | Podcasts |
LibriVox Audio Books | Audio Books |
Talkray - Free Chats | Chat |
NPR One | Stories/Podcasts |
Podcast Player | Podcasts |
Video Call and Chat ICQ | Calls/Chat |
MLB.com | Baseball updates |
Evolve SMS | Messenger |
DoggCatcher Podcast | Podcasts |
Threema | Secure Messenger |
Radio.net | Radio |
Beyond Podcasts | Podcasts |
KSL News | News |
Radio Paradise | Music |
7Digital Music Store | Music |
Jupiter Broadcasts | Radio |
audioBoom | Podcasts |
LibriVix Audio Books | Audio Books |
IRCCloud | Messenger |
Voice Infos | Integrated media app |
Turkce Telegram | Messenger (Turkish) |
Open Radio | Radio |
Mudaas - Discover New Music | Music |
TAKs Chat | Chat |
Kite - Cloud Music Player | Music |
Radio Sound | Radio |
OnChatt | Chat |
Safe text | Messenger |
NEK Chat | Chat |
List of cars supporting Android Auto
Manufacturer | Model Series | Features |
Abarth | 595 | Carplay - Android Auto |
Audi | A4 | Audi Entertainment Mobile |
Audi | A6 | Audi Smartphone Interface |
Audi | A7 | Audi Smartphone Interface |
Audi | Q7 | Audi Entertainment Mobile |
Audi | Q7 | Smartphone Interface |
Audi | Q7 | SmartPhone Interface |
Audi | R8 | Audi Smartphone Interface |
BMW | 3 Series | BMW Online Services |
BMW | 3 Series | Remote Services |
BMW | 4 Series | BMW Online Services |
BMW | 4 Series | Remote Services |
BMW | 5 Series | BMW Online Services |
BMW | 5 Series | Remote Services |
BMW | 6 Series | BMW Online Services |
BMW | 6 Series | Remote Services |
BMW | 7 Series | Rear Seat Comfort Package |
BMW | 7 Series | Rear-Seat Entertainment Experience with BMW Touch Command |
BMW | 7 Series | Remote Services |
BMW | i3 | BMW Emergency Call |
BMW | i3 | BMW Online Services |
BMW | i3 | Remote Services |
BMW | i8 | BMW Online Services |
BMW | i8 | Remote Services |
BMW | X3 | BMW Online Services |
BMW | X4 | BMW Online Services |
BMW | X5 | Remote Services |
BMW | X6 | Remote Services |
BMW | Z4 | ConnectedDrive Services Package |
Citroen | C4 Picasso | Citroen Connect Nav with Citroen Connect Box |
Fiat | 500 | 7in HD Touchscreen Radio with 3D Navigation - Bluetooth - USB-Aux-in and DAB |
Ford | Fiesta | Ford DAB with Ford SYNC |
Ford | Fiesta | Ford Navigation System with DAB and Ford SYNC |
Ford | Fiesta | Ford SYNC |
Ford | Fiesta | Sony CD Radio with DAB and Ford Sync |
Ford | Fiesta | Sony Navigation System - DAB and Ford SYNC |
Ford | Fiesta | Sony Navigation System - DAB and Ford SYNC |
Ford | Mustang | Apple Carplay and Android Auto Compatibility |
Maserati | Ghibli | MTC Plus - Maserati Touch Control Plus |
Maserati | Levante | MTC Plus - Maserati Touch Control Plus |
Maserati | Quattroporte | MTC Plus - Maserati Touch Control Plus |
Mercedes-Benz | A Class | Smartphone Integration |
Mercedes-Benz | B Class | Smartphone Integration |
Mercedes-Benz | CLA Class | Smartphone Integration |
Mercedes-Benz | CLS Class | Smartphone Integration |
Mercedes-Benz | E Class | COMAND Online System |
Mercedes-Benz | E Class | COMAND Online System with Media Interface and Touchpad |
Mercedes-Benz | E Class | Smartphone Integration |
Mercedes-Benz | E Class | Smartphone Integration |
Mercedes-Benz | E Class | Smartphone Integration |
Mercedes-Benz | G Class | Smartphone Integration |
Mercedes-Benz | GLA Class | Smartphone Integration |
Mercedes-Benz | GLE Class | Smartphone Integration |
Mercedes-Benz | GLS Class | Smartphone Integration |
Mercedes-Benz | SLC Class | Smartphone Integration |
MINI | Clubman | Media Pack XL |
MINI | Clubman | MINI Connected |
MINI | Clubman | MINI Tech Pack |
MINI | Clubman | Visual Boost Radio |
MINI | Convertible | Media Pack XL |
MINI | Convertible | Media Pack XL |
MINI | Convertible | Media Pack XL |
MINI | Convertible | MINI Connected |
MINI | Convertible | Visual Boost Radio |
MINI | Convertible | Visual Boost Radio |
MINI | Countryman | MINI Connected |
MINI | Hatch | Media Pack XL |
MINI | Hatch | MINI Connected |
MINI | Hatch | Visual Boost Radio |
Mitsubishi | Outlander | Navigation System with Smartphone Link |
Peugeot | 3008 | Mirrorscreen |
Porsche | Cayenne | Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment |
Porsche | Cayenne | Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment Plus |
Porsche | Macan | Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment |
Porsche | Macan | Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment Plus |
Porsche | Panamera | Porsche Rear Seat Entertainment |
SEAT | Alhambra | Full Link |
SEAT | Ateca | Full Link |
SEAT | Ibiza | Full Link |
SEAT | Ibiza | Full Link |
SEAT | Ibiza | Full Link - Ibiza |
SEAT | Ibiza | Technology Pack |
SEAT | Ibiza | Technology Pack |
SEAT | Ibiza | Technology Pack |
SEAT | Leon | Full Link |
SEAT | Leon | Full Link |
SEAT | Leon | Full Link |
SEAT | Leon | Navigation System High |
SEAT | Leon | Navigation System High |
SEAT | Leon | Navigation System High |
SEAT | Toledo | Full Link |
SEAT | Toledo | Full Link |
Skoda | Fabia | Bolero Radio |
Skoda | Fabia | SmartLink |
Skoda | Octavia | SmartLink |
Skoda | Superb | Columbus Touchscreen Satellite Navigation System |
Skoda | Yeti | SmartLink |
Smart | ForFour | Premium Equipment Line |
Smart | ForFour | Premium Plus Equipment Line |
Smart | ForTwo | Premium Equipment Line |
Smart | ForTwo | Premium Equipment Line - Brabus |
Smart | ForTwo | Premium Plus Equipment Line |
Smart | ForTwo | Premium Plus Equipment Line - Brabus |
Vauxhall | Adam | R 4.0 IntelliLink System |
Vauxhall | Adam | R4.0 IntelliLink Touch-Screen Infotainment System |
Vauxhall | Adam | Technical Pack |
Vauxhall | Astra | Navi 900 IntelliLink Touchscreen Navigation and Infotainment System |
Vauxhall | Astra | R4.0 IntelliLink Touch-Screen Infotainment System |
Vauxhall | Astra | Smartphone Holder |
Vauxhall | Corsa | R4.0 IntelliLink Touch-Screen Infotainment System |
Vauxhall | Corsa | R4.0 IntelliLink Touch-Screen Infotainment System - MY17 |
Vauxhall | Corsa | R4.0 IntelliLink Touch-Screen Infotainment System - VXR |
Vauxhall | Mokka X | R4.0 IntelliLink Touch-Screen Infotainment System |
Vauxhall | Mokka X | Satellite Navigation - Navi 900 IntelliLink |
Vauxhall | VIVA | R4.0 IntelliLink Touch-Screen Infotainment System |
Vauxhall | VIVA | R4.0 IntelliLink Touch-Screen Infotainment System |
Vauxhall | VIVA | R4.0 IntelliLink Touch-Screen Infotainment System - SE |
Vauxhall | Zafira | R4.0 IntelliLink Touch-Screen Infotainment System |
Volkswagen | Beetle | Car-Net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Beetle | Composition Media System |
Volkswagen | CC | Car-Net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | CC | Discover Navigation System |
Volkswagen | Golf | Car-Net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Golf | Car-Net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Golf | Car-Net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Golf | Car-Net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Golf | Car-Net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Golf | Composition Media System |
Volkswagen | Golf | Composition Media System - GTI Clubsport |
Volkswagen | Golf | Discover Navigation Pro Touch-Screen Navigation DVD Radio System |
Volkswagen | Golf | Discover Navigation Pro Touch-Screen Navigation DVD Radio System |
Volkswagen | Golf | Discover Navigation Pro Touch-Screen Navigation DVD Radio System |
Volkswagen | Golf | Discover Navigation Pro Touch-Screen Navigation DVD Radio System with Integrated Voice Activation - Car-Net Guide and Inform Plus and App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Golf | Tech Pack |
Volkswagen | Golf | Tech Pack |
Volkswagen | Golf | Tech Pack |
Volkswagen | Golf | Tech Pack |
Volkswagen | Golf SV | Car-Net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Golf SV | Composition Media System |
Volkswagen | Golf SV | Discover Navigation Pro Touch-Screen Navigation DVD Radio System with Integrated Voice Activation - Car-Net Guide and Inform Plus and App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Golf SV | Discover Navigation Pro Touch-Screen Navigation DVD Radio System with Integrated Voice Activation - Car-Net Guide and Inform Plus and App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Jetta | Car-Net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Jetta | Composition Media System |
Volkswagen | Passat | Car-Net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Passat | Car-Net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Passat | Composition Media System |
Volkswagen | Passat | Discover Navigation Pro Touch-Screen Navigation DVD Radio System |
Volkswagen | Passat | Discover Navigation Pro Touch-Screen Navigation DVD Radio System with Integrated Voice Activation - Car-Net Guide and Inform Plus and App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Polo | App Connect |
Volkswagen | Polo | App Connect |
Volkswagen | Polo | Car-net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Polo | Composition Media System |
Volkswagen | Scirocco | Car-Net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Scirocco | Car-Net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Scirocco | Composition Media System |
Volkswagen | Sharan | Car-Net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Sharan | Composition Media System |
Volkswagen | Sharan | Composition Media System |
Volkswagen | Tiguan | Car-Net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Tiguan | Car-Net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Touran | Car-Net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Touran | Car-Net App-Connect |
Volkswagen | Touran | Composition Media System |
Volkswagen | Touran | Discover Navigation Pro Touch-Screen Navigation DVD Radio System |
Volkswagen | Touran | Discover Navigation Pro Touch-Screen Navigation DVD Radio System with Integrated Voice Activation - Car-Net Guide and Inform Plus and App-Connect |
Volkswagen | up! | Hands Free Navigation and Music Over The Car Speaker System |
Volkswagen | up! | Smartphone Navigation Interface |
Volkswagen | up! | Smartphone Navigation Interface - Beats UP |
Android Auto Standalone
A fairly recent feature is the Android Auto Standalone. It's a version of Android Auto that works without needing a compatible car. Visually, it is much the same as how Android Auto would look if you had it on the in-car screen. It simply opens on your tablet/phone instead, optimizing your phone's operation for the car in the same way as the connected app.
All in all . . .
Android Auto is a great integration of technology that is well thought out, and available in many vehicles sold by AutoeBid. We can help with advise on which vehicles integrate Android Auto.