


You can use Google Maps navigation on your phone in your car but the phone must be in a holder at all times and never held in your hand. You can not use Android Auto on your phone without pairing it with the car's infotainment screen. For Android 10 phones and above, it’s built into the operating system, so you won’t need to download anything extra. If it’s Android 9 or below, you’ll need to download the Android Auto app from the Google Play Store. To use Android Auto, check which version of Android your phone is running. It also allows split screen displays, allowing items such as sat-nav and media to be displayed at the same time, instead of having to switch between them. In the past few years this has become increasingly important, because different models often now come with portrait screens, instead of just landscape, and while some are rectangular, others use a widescreen aspect ratio. In 2022 Android Auto gained the ability o automatically adjust its interface to suit a wide variety of screen sizes. The sat-nav systems also benefit from more accurate real time traffic updates.Īndroid Auto itself has had numerous updates over the years and several major ones, the most recent of which were announced in May 2022 and January 2023. Even brand new roads are included in mapping and apps such as Waze can even warn of speed traps and potholes. The biggest advantage of Android Auto over older in-car infotainment systems is that the apps (and navigation maps) are updated regularly to embrace new developments and data. Android Automotive is currently installed on various new models from Volvo, Polestar and Renault with each manufacturer incorporating design changes to match brand identity. The similarity of the Android Auto and Android Automotive names can cause a little confusion but there is an important distinction even though the actual user interface is similar. It gives you a full suite of Google services and apps including Google Maps navigation, Google Play app store and Google Assistant voice control in the car with no need to pair your phone. Whereas Android Auto is a smartphone app that can be paired with a compatible car, Android Automotive is Google's native in-car infotainment software. Of course, Google wasn't about to get left behind by the march of technology and it worked with car makers including Audi and Volvo to create Android Automotive.

One of its main advantages has been diluted in recent times, however, as modern cars are increasingly connected to the Internet and able to receive over-the-air software updates or have updates added at dealers. The Android Auto compatibility has become very widely available on new cars, usually included as standard along with Apple CarPlay.
