Google Maps is the unquestionable king of navigation for the last decade, yet it’s never had a central role in cars. Garmin, TomTom and Navteq occupied that co-pilot seat.
Android Auto gives Google smartphone users their first chance to unsuction those clumsy GPS units from the windshield and skip car maker’s clunky navigation systems.
Yes, in-dash Google Maps’ is here, and it goes beyond navigation. Apps for making calls, playing music and sending messages are part of this digital journey.
All of the basics are here, and they’re all conveniently out of reach. Android Auto gives you safe access to everything that’s important on your phone and nothing more.
Here’s what we found in our experience with Android Auto over the last year, which provides a better-looking experience than Apple CarPlay.
What is Android Auto?
Android Auto casts a Google Now interface onto your car’s infotainment display via USB. It’s not the same as mirroring your phone onto the car display using HDMI, as the vehicle’s touch screen, steering wheel controls, buttons and control knobs remain functional when using Android Auto.
There’s still limitations on app support though. Only Google approved apps with necessary driver-safety measures in place can take advantage of the Android Auto user interface.
Audio is sent via USB for music with no loss in sound quality, unlike with Bluetooth audio streaming. Phone calls are handled via Bluetooth hands-free.
Which cars support Android Auto?
How does one get Google Maps in the car? Right now, you can buy brand new cars with the necessary technology in place to take advantage of Android Auto. Some existing cars may be updated down the road.
A total of 40 automakers are selling new cars in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Spain, the UK and the US with Android Auto support.
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