Android Auto is an application from Google. Created to help the driver perform certain actions without being distracted from driving. Which makes driving a car safer. This option expands the capabilities of the car’s initially built-in multimedia when connecting a mobile phone to the on-board vehicle. To install the product, you will need a smartphone with software higher than Android 5.0.
You can configure it via phone
This is done for two reasons. The on-board computer in cars is more difficult to update, so development is slower than with personal programs. Also, the standard on-board screen is slow, monotonous, and often dull.
What Android Auto can do
- gives access to GPS navigation (plot a route and follow it);
- the ability to answer calls, make calls, write SMS or messages in instant messengers, social networks;
- launch applications and various modes;
- the ability to use voice commands;
- play audiobooks or music;
- read books, news, etc. in traffic jams;
- monitor the situation on the road;
- Connection is possible via USB cable and Bluetooth.
It is more reliable to connect using a cable, because
All cars support it. Bluetooth is only available in modern cars, or when connected as an option. When you connect your phone with the program to the on-board device, you will find a simplified version of your phone on the screen.
Unfortunately, Android Auto is not supported by all cars. But in technical aspects it is ahead of a similar product from the Apple brand. Another benefit is frequent updates. As well as a quick response and a clear interface.
Where the phone experience is lacking
Of course, there are also disadvantages to using a phone. Personally, I've had a lot of issues with phones overheating and even overheating when playing music and navigation while charging in the dock. This happens very often and the dashboard is a very hot place in the summer. I live in Texas, aka the surface of the sun, so that won't help. The number of times my phones have rebooted or shut down due to overheating is simply astounding.
When it comes to multitasking and efficiency, automatic head units are superior to simply using your phone in the car in almost every way. While on vacation, I constantly used my head unit for navigation, music, texts and phone calls - basically everything it could do - and it never missed a beat. Music automatically pauses when you receive a call or text, and then starts again again. Navigation was in place the entire time, with constant traffic updates and notifications of faster routes as they became available. While the phone can do this, I often find it slower and clunkier - as the phone gets hot (from doing multiple things at once with the screen always on), it just becomes sluggish. In addition, the car radio interface, although very similar, is more efficient; for example, it has two menus on essentially every screen - one for the app and one for the system, where the phone app has to combine everything into one menu.
In my opinion, car radios are better - aside - better.
Working conditions
Constant access to the Internet, connection only when the engine is off, because... While driving and the engine running, it is impossible to connect. This is done for safety.
Before any connection, you need to check the Android OS version on your device in the settings. If it is below 5, then you will not be able to use the service; if possible, update the system. And if version 10 and higher, then you don’t have to install anything, the option is built in from the factory.
If your Android version is 5-10, then install the Android Auto application via Google Play. First turn on the Internet, otherwise the application will not be downloadable and if a software update is required, when further pairing with the on-board vehicle, it will also become impossible.
When connecting via USB, you will need to use the cable, start the car and start connecting. After loading the multimedia, a window will appear on the display where you need to select the name of the option and wait for synchronization. Upon successful completion, you will be able to see the simplified interface of your smartphone and the applications installed on it on the screen.
If your car has the ability to connect wirelessly, then you need to go to the Bluetooth settings in your phone, turn it on, and enable the same option in the car. On the phone screen, select the car model from the list of found devices. Launch the application through the on-board device and wait until the devices are synchronized. If the sequence of actions is correct, you will receive a notification on both screens that the connection has been completed. To make it easier for you, the developers have made the following connections automatic.
How Android Auto works
To work in the program, you need to make sure the Android version (details above), the car model or radio must be compatible with the program. You also need access to the Internet and a high-frequency cable. For convenience, you will need a phone holder, but you can get by with a cup holder or a special niche in the center panel.
To find out if your car supports Android Auto, contact the manufacturer or check your owner's manual. Since April 2022, approximately 300 brands have supported the program. It is equally important to find out whether the country you are in supports the application. In Russia, the product is allowed, but there is no wireless access.
At least 30 countries cooperate with the Google product.
Which manufacturers support
In addition to the listed list of brands with which Android Auto is a priori compatible, there are cars outside the list, there are cars in which the program is built-in as standard multimedia.
conclusions
To be honest, the times when you could give your favorite car a brand new gadget remain somewhere in the early 10s: DVRs can now be bought at the cash register in Auchan, the topic of GPS navigators has sunk into oblivion, and the desire to occupy yourself with something useful got nowhere in the traffic jam. Q-Link is exactly the device that you can transfer from car to car, including between car sharing and leasing cars.
Among the shortcomings, I would note that the GPS implementation is not the best: if I were the manufacturer, I would duplicate the receiver in the device body and add power from the cigarette lighter for the external module. What is still missing is a case to carry the device in your pocket if you plan to use it in car sharing. Otherwise, this is a very fast, functional device that can brighten up the wait in a traffic jam and at a traffic light.
Mikhail Degtyarev (aka LIKE OFF) 12/21/2020
Tags Q-Link Android Android in the car car
Android Auto how to connect
Previously, you learned in detail about connecting via USB and Bluetooth. Let us repeat that you need to check the ability to connect your car to the program on the official Android website. It will be equally important to make sure the speed of your mobile Internet; if possible, use Wi-Fi.
Before opening the program, the system will ask you to download and install additional applications. Let the installation complete. You also need to confirm that you have read the user agreement. After installation, make sure you have app notifications turned on. After completing the procedure, you will see simplified icons of your smartphone. The simplification is made for safety; bright icons will distract the driver from the road.
How to use Android Auto
Let's take a closer look at the components of the program: interface, controls, calls and much more.
Interface
When you launch an application on your mobile phone, the main screen opens with all the options. To enter the main screen on the on-board computer, you need to press the Android Auto symbol in the form of a white circle with a black fill. Program icons will appear on the main display. Frequently used applications are at the top (first row).
Before you start using Android Auto on the road, understand the buttons on the panel (bottom of the display).
The multitasking sign allows you to manage several programs at the same time.
The white circle is the application launch widget.
The handset widget is a control center button (SMS, calls and alerts).
The headphone or microphone symbol enables voice control, but this feature can be enabled in other ways.
One of the drawbacks of the interface is the difficulty of adding third-party programs.
Voice control
This convenient function was added for safety purposes; with such program management, the driver is not distracted from driving with either his hands or eyes.
Usage options: the corresponding button described earlier, the voice command “OK, Google,” or more specific commands for making calls, sending or replying to SMS, getting directions using navigation, turning on music, etc.
How to call
With Android Auto, you can make and answer calls.
Please note that the interlocutor will be heard throughout the entire cabin through the car speakers.
To make a call, go to the program launcher, select the phone symbol, dial the number, after selecting “dial number”. This is not the most convenient way. You can click on the “start” button, as before, but by clicking on the “handset”, select viewing previously made calls and call through this list. You can check your voicemail in the same way.
To answer an incoming call, you just need to click on the answer button in the pop-up window with the call. A very simple action.
Sending and listening to messages
To listen to the SMS, in the pop-up window at the top (signals that an SMS has arrived), click on the bell.
To send SMS, use voice control: “Ok, Google” or press the microphone button + “send SMS/message” + contact name/dictate his phone number. Then dictate the text of the message. After this, your text will be repeated to you; after checking, confirm sending or re-record if the equipment “heard” you incorrectly.
message exchange
Texting and driving are dangerous, but Android Auto supports basic functionality for certain messaging services. With their help, you can send new messages, listen to incoming messages and send automatic replies.
Facebook Messenger
If Facebook Messenger is your go-to app for keeping up with your friends, you'll be glad to know that it works in the car too.
You'll see notifications for new messages and can click the Play to hear them. Click the answering machine I'm driving to let your friends know that you are unable to answer at the moment.
Image credit: Messenger/Facebook
Download: Messenger (free)
7-8. WhatsApp and Telegram
It's no surprise that the hugely popular WhatsApp messenger works with Android Auto. It has a similar feature set to other messaging apps in Android Auto.
Say Send Message to Jim on WhatsApp to start a new message. You can also hear new messages and respond with your voice. Just remember that you won't see these messaging apps appear in the Android Auto menu like music apps do.
If you prefer Telegram over WhatsApp, it is also available with the same features.
Download: WhatsApp Messenger (free) Download: Telegram (free)
9-14. More messaging apps
Since most messaging apps in Android Auto offer an identical set of features, we won't cover them in detail. Instead, here's a short list of additional messaging apps that work with Android Auto in the same way:
- Pulse SMS
- Kik
- Hangouts
- Signal
Navigation
You can use the voice method to get directions. Call the assistant using methods known to you, name the destination address, select the correct option, follow the route.
You can manually enter Start, select Google Maps, and click on the button in the form of a magnifying glass. You have entered the keyboard, enter the address, then select the correct one from the options presented. Follow the route suggested to you.
Convenient navigation movement
To get acquainted with traffic jams, click on the 3 dots, then “traffic jams” and read the information collected for you. This option applies to the phone screen. On the display, go to settings, “traffic jams” or through commands for the voice assistant. The methods are practically the same from each other, choose one that is convenient for you.
To turn off navigation, say “Turn off navigation” loudly and clearly, or turn off the navigator manually using the touchpad.
Music control
To turn on the playlist, dictate the command “Listen” and the name of the melody to the voice assistant. Or you can do this manually: standard launcher, in the Google Play Market window, select 3 stripes located horizontally. And then select the desired track. In the same way, you can include podcasts, audiobooks, and more.
How much does Android Auto cost?
The program is absolutely free, not to mention paid options and add-ons, such as a music subscription or paid navigation if you are not satisfied with the built-in one.
Tip #9. Don't pick up where you left off
By default, if Android Auto is playing podcasts, music, or any other audio file from where your phone was last disconnected from the car stereo, playback will resume from the same file the next time a connection is established.
This is convenient if you want to continue listening to the previous song. If you want to prevent this from happening, go to Settings and turn off the Automatically resume media playback slider.
Android Auto - Best Apps
To use some functions, you need to install additional programs, and if you want to replace the navigation, you will have to install them in addition to installation, it is quite difficult to connect them to Android Auto.
To watch YouTube channels, you need to install CarStream.
Using the AAMirror application, you can completely display your phone's desktop and launch even incompatible navigations such as YandexNavigator via Android Auto. But for the application to work correctly, you need to download another one, paired with the “mirror” - ROOT rights.
Of the Android Auto-approved navigations, in addition to the standard Google Maps, which can also easily give you routes and tell you about traffic jams, you can install Wase. The program receives information through drivers online, from it you can learn not only about traffic jams. But also cameras, traffic police posts, accidents and even fuel prices at various gas stations. Really convenient application!
Tip #4. Mute some conversations
Pop-up alerts can be useful if it's something really important, but they can also be distracting if you constantly receive requests from all the chats and groups connected to your smartphone.
To mute a conversation in any of the instant messaging apps that support Android Auto, tap the notification when it appears, then select "Mute Conversation" on the next screen that opens.
Messages will still be delivered, but warnings will not appear.
