Google, creator of the mobile operating system Android among other things, had recently teased an updated version of their smartphone connectivity interface that automakers and head unit manufacturers could build in support for in their infotainment systems - Android Auto - that would be able to function in the absence of a compatible (and typically advanced) hardware.
Now, the Mountain View tech giant has started rolling out the software to phone users. The aim is simple enough: to proliferate the use of Android Auto so that users do not needlessly endanger their safety by using their smartphones while driving. We can see examples of the software running on Hyundai infotainment hardware, as an example.
The difference here is that now the newer software would not require the smartphone to be connected to the head unit via Bluetooth or USB. Where typically a smartphone-like interface (albeit with larger tap targets and voice-operated controls) is displayed on the car’s main infotainment display, users would only need to use their smartphones as a makeshift touchscreen infotainment unit.
The fact is plenty of people already do this (and even keep on doing this even if they do have a compatible vehicle infotainment system) because:
- Most cars do not have a compatible touchscreen head unit hardware.
- said head unit does not support Android Auto or Apple’s equivalent, CarPlay.
- In terms software quality and response, most infotainment software and hardware is a dumpster fire compared to a typical smartphone.
- Most cars do not sport modern infotainment tech.
- Many smartphone screens are already comparable in size to the ones found in vehicle infotainment systems, and more often than not with much higher resolution.
Like many other interface tropes of Android, a series of large ‘cards’ appear across the interface, letting the user easily choose common functions such as playing music, navigation via Google Maps (no Waze support yet, alas), or checking messages which can then be dictated to the driver.
This newest version of Android Auto is a free download from the Google Play Store and will work with devices running Android version 5.0 of later.
