The current cars are full of screens. And one of them makes the path more bearable by providing us with conveniences like playing music, know where we are or answer calls without taking your eyes off the road. And although there are manufacturers with their own software, some allow you to use Android Auto so that your Android phone to interact with your car. It’s more. You can use Android Auto with or without wires.
Connect the phone. And hit the road. With this motto presents Android Auto, the google proposal so that smartphones that use Android get along with the screen of your car. A way to facilitate the use of applications while traveling. official apps like YouTube Music, Google Maps either Calendar. But also third-party apps like Waze either Spotify among many others.
However, not all cars are compatible with Android Auto. The good news is that we can add that compatibility using an external device that does intermediary between your Android mobile and your car. There are for all tastes and pockets. And you’ll be able to use Android Auto in any car with or without wires.
What is Android Auto for?
Android Auto is a software designed for cars current. Those that have a screen. Its function is to deal with the playful part, multimedia and of communications of your vehicle. Come on, unlike the software that controls the steering, brakes and other driving elements, Android Auto limited to center screen and features like answering calls while driving, getting help getting where you’re going, or listening to podcasts or music of your choice.
To control Android Auto, wired or wireless, you can use your own screen of your carwhich is usually tactile, media buttons and joysticks of the steering wheel or voice controls through the Google Assistant. The key to everything is that to use Android Auto you need connect your android phone to the vehicle. Either through a USB cable or wirelessly via Bluetooth.
In the words of Google, “Android Auto is designed so that you have fewer distractions on the road and thus enjoy the road”. All thanks to apps. As I said before, it comes standard with its star apps, such as Google Assistant, Google Maps or YouTube Music. But you can use third-party apps to get information in real time, entertain yourself or reach your destination in the best possible way.
Requirements to use it with or without cables
Android Auto only needs two requirements. The first, that the vehicle is compatible. There is more than 500 compatible models. And the list is increasing. In this list you will be able to check if your vehicle and/or your stereo is listed. Between the automobilesthere are the main manufacturers: Audi, BMW, Citroën, Fiat, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, Nissan, Opel, Renault, Toyota… And among the stereo equipmentthere are also the brands best known: Alpine, Blaupunkt, Grundig, JBL, JVC, Kenwood, Panasonic, Pioneer, Sony…
The second requirement to use Android Auto, with or without cables, is to have a android phone. Starting with Android 10, the Android Auto app is installed by default. If you have an older version or can’t find the app, you’ll find it on Google Play and on this link. Is free.
Finally, to pair the phone with the car, you just have to connect both. As I mentioned before, you can do it with a USB Cable. When connected, Android Auto will appear on the control panel display vehicle. And if your car allows it, you can also pair wirelessly. Basically via Bluetooth. Although there are those that use WiFi through the function of Share internet android.
Wireless Android Auto in any car
But don’t be stopped by the fact that your car is not compatible with Android Auto. If you have a phone with Android and Android Auto you already have enough. There is a whole variety of devices that connect to the car via USB and act as intermediaries. They would come to be the automotive equivalent of the chromecast devices with televisions.
These types of devices, from different manufacturers, allow you to add support for Android Auto to your vehicle. So instead of linking your phone directly to the car, you’ll link it to that device. Which will display Android Auto on the control panel screen.
It’s more. Even if you don’t have center screen in your car, you can install one. There are models that require going through the workshop or making some modification. But others are more easy to install and include an appliqué with suction cups to integrate the external screen into the dashboard. So you will not need to go through the workshop to install it.