Android Auto

Android Auto

Android Auto is a smartphone projection software developed by Google to extend the Android platform into vehicles. It allows users to access music, messaging, navigation and other apps on an in-dash information and entertainment head unit.
Travel & Location Navigation
Android Auto image
navigation driving maps voice-control
Android Auto alternatives ➤

Android Auto: Smartphone Projection Software

Android Auto is a smartphone projection software developed by Google to extend the Android platform into vehicles. It allows users to access music, messaging, navigation and other apps on an in-dash information and entertainment head unit.

What is Android Auto?

Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google to mirror features and functionality from an Android device to a vehicle's in-dash information and entertainment head unit. It was announced in 2014 and first became available in 2015.

The purpose of Android Auto is to allow drivers to access key features and apps from their smartphone in a safer, more integrated manner while driving. By projecting the smartphone screen and apps onto the vehicle's touchscreen, Android Auto aims to minimize distractions for the driver.

Some of the key features and apps it supports include:

  • Google Maps for navigation
  • Google Play Music, Spotify, Pandora and other music apps
  • Messaging apps like SMS, WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger etc for hands-free messaging by voice
  • Incoming call displays and hands-free calling
  • Third party apps customized for in-vehicle use

By connecting the Android smartphone to the car's infotainment system via USB cable, Android Auto brings the most useful apps to an interface that's easy to use while driving. It works with vehicles equipped with compatible in-dash head units and can be controlled through the touchscreen, rotary controller or voice commands for hands-free operation.

Android Auto Features

Features

  1. Voice control
  2. Google Maps navigation
  3. Media playback from apps
  4. Messaging
  5. Calling

Pricing

  • Free

Pros

Hands-free use

Seamless Android integration

Voice recognition works well

Clean, simple interface

Cons

Limited app support

Setup can be tricky

Requires compatible car/head unit

Some features limited while driving

Official Links

Official Website
https://android.com/auto/

The Best Android Auto Alternatives

Top Travel & Location and Navigation and other similar apps like Android Auto

Here are some alternatives to Android Auto:

Apple CarPlay icon
Apple CarPlay
MirrorLink icon
MirrorLink
CarOS icon
CarOS
Airbiquity icon
Airbiquity
Drivemode icon
Drivemode
ICarMode: Drive Safely icon
iCarMode: Drive Safely
Suggest an alternative ❐

Apple CarPlay icon

Apple CarPlay

Apple CarPlay is an in-car interface that allows iPhone users to access certain apps and features from their phone directly through the in-dash infotainment system of compatible vehicles. It essentially projects a version of the iPhone interface onto the vehicle's center display screen.With CarPlay, drivers can use Siri voice commands...
Apple CarPlay image
MirrorLink icon

MirrorLink

MirrorLink is a software standard developed by the Car Connectivity Consortium that allows smartphone apps to be accessed from a vehicle's infotainment system display. It establishes a connection between a MirrorLink-certified smartphone and a MirrorLink-enabled in-vehicle head unit via USB cable or Wi-Fi.Once connected, MirrorLink projects the smartphone's display onto...
MirrorLink image
CarOS icon

CarOS

CarOS is an open-source automotive operating system that is purpose-built for vehicles. It offers a Linux-based platform to power a car's infotainment system, instrument cluster, telematics, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), and other electronics.Key features of CarOS include:Linux kernel optimized for automotive workloadsSupports popular hardware platforms like ARM and PowerPCBuilt-in...
CarOS image
Airbiquity icon

Airbiquity

Airbiquity is a pioneer in automotive telematics software technology and cloud-based connected vehicle service delivery. Airbiquity's CONNECT telematics platform provides flexible, scalable, and secure vehicle connectivity management solutions for automakers. Key capabilities include:Over-the-air (OTA) software and data management - Airbiquity enables remote vehicle software updates and data collection/analysis via the...
Airbiquity image
Drivemode icon

Drivemode

Drivemode is a mobile app available for Android and iOS that aims to provide a safer and smarter driving experience. It enables drivers to keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel by offering complete voice control over various phone features.Once activated, Drivemode will read incoming text...
Drivemode image
ICarMode: Drive Safely icon

ICarMode: Drive Safely

iCarMode: Drive Safely is an iOS and Android app developed specifically to promote safe driving by reducing distractions from your phone. The main goal of iCarMode is to prevent distracted driving accidents caused by using and interacting with your phone while behind the wheel.Once activated, iCarMode will automatically block notifications,...
ICarMode: Drive Safely image