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Android Auto

Control maps, media and messaging, with the Google Assistant while you drive

3.5

44 Votes

  • Category Travel and Transportation
  • Program license Free
  • Version 8.1.626113-release
  • Size 35 MB
  • Works under: Android
  • Program available in English
  • Content rating Everyone
  • Package name com.google.android.projection.gearhead
  • Program by Google LLC
    1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View 94043

Android Auto is an essential app for drivers that connects your car and Android device to help you focus on the road and stay connected while driving safely.

Functionality and Features

Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google to mirror features from an Android device, such as a smartphone, to a car's compatible in-dash information and entertainment head unit. Once the smartphone is connected to the car, the user's chosen interface will appear on the car's infotainment display. This allows users to directly access Android Auto's features and functionalities from the car's infotainment system.

The app's interface is simple and user-friendly, providing straightforward access to navigation, communication, and music or podcast apps. It enables users to receive calls and messages, listen to music, and navigate with ease. The app supports various popular apps like Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, and WhatsApp.

One of the key features of Android Auto is Google Assistant. This feature enables users to operate their Android devices hands-free, ensuring safe driving. With voice commands, users can ask Google Assistant to play their favorite music, navigate to a specific location, send messages to contacts, and much more.

Performance

Overall, the Android Auto app performs well, providing a seamless connection between the Android device and the car's infotainment system. However, some users have reported occasional inconsistencies. For instance, there seems to be an issue when replying to messages. The app does not provide an opportunity to review the dictated message before sending, causing potential misunderstandings if voice recognition misheard the dictation.

There have also been reports of connection issues, with the app disconnecting every few minutes, both with wired and wireless connections. This is especially problematic for users who primarily rely on the app for navigation and communication while driving. However, it seems that Google has made significant improvements in this area, and as a result, the disconnection issues have been reduced.

Despite these minor drawbacks, Android Auto remains a handy tool for drivers, especially those who frequently use their phones for navigation and communication. Its user-friendly interface, coupled with Google Assistant's voice commands, significantly enhances the driving experience.

Pros

  • Easy to use interface
  • Supports popular apps like Google Maps, Spotify, and WhatsApp
  • Google Assistant for hands-free operation

Cons

  • Occasional inconsistencies when replying to messages
  • Some users have reported disconnection issues

• Improved Do Not Disturb functionality.

• Dark mode on car UI is now independent from the phone.

•Bug fixes and other Improvements.

• We want to hear from you! Join the conversation in our community https://g.co/androidautocommunity

Potentially dangerous permissions

  • ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION: Allows an app to access precise location. Alternatively, you might want ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION.
  • CALL_PHONE: Allows an application to initiate a phone call without going through the Dialer user interface for the user to confirm the call.
  • READ_CALENDAR: Allows an application to read the user's calendar data.
  • READ_CALL_LOG: Allows an application to read the user's call log.
  • READ_CONTACTS: Allows an application to read the user's contacts data.
  • READ_PHONE_STATE: Allows read only access to phone state, including the phone number of the device, current cellular network information, the status of any ongoing calls, and a list of any PhoneAccounts registered on the device.
  • RECEIVE_SMS: Allows an application to receive SMS messages.
  • RECORD_AUDIO: Allows an application to record audio.
  • SEND_SMS: Allows an application to send SMS messages.

Other permissions

  • ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE: Allows applications to access information about networks.
  • ACCESS_NOTIFICATION_POLICY: Marker permission for applications that wish to access notification policy.
  • ACCESS_WIFI_STATE: Allows applications to access information about Wi-Fi networks.
  • BLUETOOTH: Allows applications to connect to paired bluetooth devices.
  • BLUETOOTH_ADMIN: Allows applications to discover and pair bluetooth devices.
  • CHANGE_NETWORK_STATE: Allows applications to change network connectivity state.
  • CHANGE_WIFI_STATE: Allows applications to change Wi-Fi connectivity state.
  • INTERNET: Allows applications to open network sockets.
  • RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED: Allows an application to receive the ACTION_BOOT_COMPLETED that is broadcast after the system finishes booting. If you don't request this permission, you will not receive the broadcast at that time. Though holding this permission does not have any security implications, it can have a negative impact on the user experience by increasing the amount of time it takes the system to start and allowing applications to have themselves running without the user being aware of them. As such, you must explicitly declare your use of this facility to make that visible to the user.
  • SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW: Allows an app to create windows using the type TYPE_SYSTEM_ALERT, shown on top of all other apps. Very few apps should use this permission; these windows are intended for system-level interaction with the user.
  • VIBRATE: Allows access to the vibrator.
  • WAKE_LOCK: Allows using PowerManager WakeLocks to keep processor from sleeping or screen from dimming.
  • android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE
  • android.permission.MANAGE_USB
  • android.permission.MODIFY_AUDIO_ROUTING
  • android.permission.READ_PRIVILEGED_PHONE_STATE
  • android.permission.START_ACTIVITIES_FROM_BACKGROUND
  • com.google.android.gms.permission.CAR_SPEED
  • com.google.android.providers.gsf.permission.READ_GSERVICES
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