Without a doubt, one of the most important premises that every driver must take into account when behind the wheel, is not to use your mobile device while driving. As this could cause an accident in seconds or cause something worse than even produces the death of a person.
It is because of that, with the development of technology, experts have chosen to design certain solutions with which, drivers have the ability to see essential items on their mobile, surf the Internet to find an address or play music to make the trip more enjoyable, no need to go directly to your smartphone. The reason why, surge Android Automotive.
Thus, it is an interface adapted to the car that can be installed on any mobile phone that operates under Android, so that drivers have control over some functions that are very helpful to them. To learn more about this new tool, we invite you to read this post where we will define what it is about, what are its functions and how you can make the most of it.
What is Android Automotive and what is this device for?
Basically Android Automotive is an interface developed by Google which has the ability to adapt the screen of the mobile device to be used directly from the car, without any complications. That is, it allows all smartphones that run the Android operating system can operate the car’s main control panel.
In this way, it emerged in mid-2014 and has been cataloged as a telematics standard that is of great help to those drivers who prefer to use an interface similar to that of their mobile phone from the car or find the infotainment system in their car impractical and confusing. Taking into account that, in any case, the interface will emphasize that the person realize the safe handling of the vehicle from a hands-free operation.
Thus, Android Automotive is considered a tool that serves to control mapping or navigation functions based on the GPS system, as well as for searching the Internet, playing music easily, accessing telephone data and SMS messages. This, via button-controlled displays, via a touch screen or with voice actions.
Android Automotive Features What can you do to improve my driving experience?
To improve the experience of any driver behind the wheel, mainly, Android Automotive focuses on an idea consisting of avoid distractions placing the most appropriate applications for driving at hand and mixing the execution of the same with voice actions. For it, supports various ways of use, What are they: From the mobile (with Android 5.0 Lollipop onwards), through a wireless connection or by connecting the phone directly to the car with a USB cable.
Once one of them is done, you have to open the application and accept the necessary permissions to manage your smartphone without touching it. Thus, generally speaking, Android Automotive can access phone, contacts, location, calendar and microphone.
With just this, each user will have the possibility to enjoy the following functions to be able to optimize their driving experience, to a great extent:
- Use GPS with Google Maps as an optimal navigation system. Thanks to this, you will get step-by-step instructions to be able to go to a specific route correctly and even, see other alternatives in case the interface detects heavy traffic.
- Answer any call easily using the hands-free mobile phone. Since, the application has the ability to activate said functionality automatically when the user receives a call. Also, for any reason, you can make a call to the last number because this will remain on the main screen, by default.
- Play and listen to music through third-party mobile apps dedicated to it. Which means that, by nature, Android Automotive is compatible with the music applications that you have installed on your smartphone and thanks to that, you will be able to enjoy the tracks stored in them from your car stereo.
- Make use of Google Assistant that accepts commands from the microphone button and with voice actions, to adapt to your needs easily while driving. With which, you can keep in touch to make calls and use chat apps, since it is even capable of reading your messages aloud. In addition, you can request that prepare a route for you and add appointments to your calendar.
- Link multiple cars from the Android Auto settings menu. Because it contains a section called “Connected cars” from where you can view a list with all the cars to which you have linked this interface. In order to do so, decide whether to completely unlink them, add them to the history, etc.
List of the best applications to get the most out of Android Automotive
In order to adjust the user experience and greatly improve it, it is necessary to make use of different applications that, luckily, they are compatible with Android Automotive and are available in the Google Play Store. Through them, without a doubt, you will have what you need at your hand while you drive, without making any effort.
Thus, we proceed to mention them in a categorized way:
Android Auto Essentials
As their name implies, they are essential mobile apps for get excellent performance from this interface designed by Google.
Although they are numerous, here we detail three of the best:
Waze
Basically, this is an app that provides GPS, maps, traffic alerts and navigation. Therefore, it is useful to look at what is happening on your route, avoid traffic and arrive faster, find the cheapest gas station on your road, choose the voice you prefer to guide you on the way, etc.
Anchor
Refers to an application that allows create podcast, in a very simple way. Thus, you can host it online, distribute it on your favorite platforms and enjoy it from your mobile. This, with a single touch and for free.
Kik
It is an ideal app for connect with your friends and share your interests easily. Since, without phone numbers and only with user names, you can chat and stay in touch. Like, share photos, videos, memes and start a conversion of up to 50 people. The best thing is that it links with Android Automotive perfectly.
Stream a playlist
Another interesting aspect of Android Automotive is that it has the ability to play music through some mobile apps with which it is very easy to search for tracks and store them on your device.
Here are three that are highly compatible with this standard:
Deezer
It allows you browse 56 million songs for free, sing along to the lyrics, play songs based on their genres, find new tracks using shuffle mode, and get personalized recommendations. Like, listen to radio stations and podcasts.
Google Play Music
It is a solution of Google that manages to adapt to what you are doing or what you prefer to listen to. Therefore, it offers you radio stations based on songs, albums and artists; it also allows you to search by gender, decade, activity, mood, etc. Added to that, it has a storage capacity of up to 50,000 songs and you can discover podcasts to subscribe to.
Youtube music
It is a music application from which you can discover clues and find what you are looking for easily. Additionally, it is ideal for obtaining recommendations based on your tastes and enjoying extensive playlists. It is also optimal to know the latest trends and listen to music without commercials in your car.
Hands-free communication
To avoid distractions and at the same time make sure you stay connected with your family or friends while driving your car, It is essential to make use of applications that facilitate hands-free communication.
Here are some that you can use with the help of Android Automotive:
WhatsApp Messenger
It is an instant messaging app completely free and recognized worldwide. With these, you can make calls without additional costs to anywhere in the world, share and receive multimedia files, send your location, make video calls to feel closer to yours and create group chats to communicate with multiple people at the same time.
Messenger
It is another messaging app that supports Android Automotive and, apart from being free, allows send text messages, make voice calls and make video calls in an easy way. In addition, it allows you to create groups of up to 50 people without time limits, send files, photos and videos, share your location, send money safely, etc.
Telegram
Refers to an instant messaging application completely reliable, safe and fast which is ideal for connecting with anyone within a data network distributed across the planet. Added to this, it supports a high level of synchronization, it is unlimited to send files and multimedia, provides security using 256-bit symmetric AES encryption, etc.
stay informed
Finally, we emphasize other types of mobile applications from which it will be most effective to get the most out of Android Automotive. Since, they are ideal tools to keep you informed regarding news, live sports and radio programs.
Here are three interesting alternatives:
ABC News
Through this app, you can watch news clips about your favorite shows, get the latest reports from the world in terms of politics, health, technology, science, sports, entertainment and even business. Valuing that, the app issues personalized alerts and an interests section to prevent you from missing the stories that matter most to you. You can even watch the news directly in your live broadcast from the comfort of your car.
NPR One
It is a tool that has the ability to customize public or traditional radio. Since, as well as broadcasting the latest headlines, it also focuses on gathering a stream of stories that are interesting to the user in question, in order to create connections. Also, with Android Auto you can easily skip the news, pause and search without touching your mobile.
Simple Radio
It consists of an ideal service to search and enjoy your favorite radio stadiums, both FM and AM as well as online without any cost. Thus, it is an application that has more than 50,000 stations that you can place from the comfort of your car and combine the many benefits of online radio with the simplicity of old radio tuners.