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Anyone who has a car and has never heard of Android Auto should definitely do it. Because with the help of the system from Google, you can make your car journey even more enjoyable. In addition, safety, increase in road traffic; But first, the most important.

Android Auto: that's behind it

Easily explain the main function of Android Auto. Basically, the system aims to establish a connection between the car and the smartphone. For the user, this primarily means that he can use important functions such as the Mobility file or the music playback control can be displayed and operated via the information systems - vehicle entertainment. The mobile phone itself acts as a kind of link between the extensive functionality of Android and the car. Applications are controlled using the steering wheel controls, the touch screen of the car radio (also known as moniceiver) or by voice commands. As a result, the driver has to lie down to lie down. on your smartphone and put your hands on the steering wheel. And Google's efforts (whether it's just a marketing phrase or actually an attempt to change) are completely legitimate and relevant.

In a representative Bitkom survey of 2017, 51 percent of respondents said they had read text messages or SMS on their mobile phones while driving (as a driver). 31 percent. responded to messages in writing, and 19 percent. did not interrupt short messages, but dealt with e-mails while driving - all on the cell phone screen. 44% of the people who call with their smartphone to their ears while driving is practically harmless.

What vehicles are supported?

The first bad news: Of course, not every smartphone and car supports Android Auto, but with the former it shouldn't be too much of a problem. You can use the app on any mobile with Android 6.0 Marshmallow or later. In other words: if your device wasn't part of the old EIsen, you should be able to install Android Auto without any problems. With vehicles, however, it is different. Older and cheaper models are rarely compatible. However, according to Google, the number of cars is already more than 500. The American company presents on its website List of all vehicles With Android Almost every well-known manufacturer, such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz or BMW, is represented.

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If your car does not support Android Auto, there is another possibility to boot the system anyway. However, it can be a bit expensive. If the car supports it, you can turn on the Android car! The system, car radio, receiver - whatever you want to call it - you can modify. Manufacturers such as Pioneer and Kenwood offer compatible devices. Google has also published an extensive list of car radios to upgrade. However, this alternative is by no means free. High-end car radios cost from 300 to 600 Euro. In addition, the conversion can be very complex. So there is a risk of damaging your car. Therefore, it is recommended to have the installation done by a professional. This in turn takes more money out of your pocket.

For bargain hunters, the developer of Google has another variant up his sleeve: Android Auto as a standalone application. The free application offers many useful functions even without connection to the car. This also makes it easier to use your mobile phone while driving.

Android Auto provides many useful functions

After downloading the application from the Play Store and launching it, an ad interface with a large number of ads will open. The reason for this is very simple: while driving, it is not possible to handle small icons and texts. On the other hand, if the displays are large, a quick side view is often enough to see what information you want to know - whether it's a WhatsApp message or the time, thus reducing the risk of an accident. Moreover, Google has adapted the layout of many of its applications. for Android Auto. For example, you can launch Google Maps, Google Play Music or the phone menu directly from the app. And thanks to the large control buttons with simplified descriptive text (if available), the operation is also very simple.

Lots of compatible applications

A more detailed list of individual jobs is irrelevant, because as with normal smartphone use, the Android Auto area can be expanded with many applications, but only applications that have been adapted to the Android Auto system and have controls and large screens will work. Includes music applications, such as Amazon music and spotify, or radio applications such as Tuneln Radio and Simple Radio, or messaging services such as Whatsapp and Skype. A complete list of all Android Auto-enabled apps can be found here.

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Google assistant: voice input in the car

In addition to the steering wheel and touchscreen controls, Android Auto can also be operated via the Google Assistant smart voice assistant. It doesn't matter if your mobile is connected to the car or if it is operating on its own. All you have to do is say "Hey Google ”And you can ask for the best route by voice command or ask to read unread messages. However, if the car is connected to a smartphone, you can bypass the password. In this case, the digital assistant can be accessed using the voice control button on the steering wheel.

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Set up Android Auto

If your smartphone and car or car radio support Android Auto, all you need to do is know how to properly set up the system. Basically the process is quite ordinary, but there are also many different variants and their corresponding limitations.

Installation on a smartphone

Anyone who has ever installed an application from the Play Store should have no major problems configuring Android Auto on their smartphone. The right app is all it takes to download from the Play Store; that's about it - at least if you have at most Android 9 Pie installed on your phone. On the other hand, if the smartphone already has Android 10, Android Auto comes pre-installed. In this case, it is not possible to run the system as a pure smartphone app. For this to continue, an alternative Google app must be available on the mobile phone: Android Auto for smartphones. ".

Connect with cable

Now that the application is on the phone and its counterpart is activated in the car settings, you need to use the USB smartphone then about Bluetooth Pair with the car. An existing internet connection is also required. Then you just need to follow the few steps suggested by the system (such as installing Google Maps) and you can go.

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Connect wirelessly

If you do not want to have cable clutter in the car, you can use the car after setup (this does not require a USB connection, but Bluetooth and WLAN It can also be wirelessly connected to a mobile phone. To do this, two conditions must be met: on the one hand, the car must be compatible with Android Auto Wireless. On the other hand, you must have a Pixel or Nexus model running Android 10. Alternatively, it will also be accepted. Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8 + or Note 9 running Android 9.0 Pie. Or - and that's good news - any mobile phone running Android 11.0.

Alternatives: Mirrorlink and Apple Carplay

There are basically three popular systems in the field of "connecting a mobile phone to a car": Android Auto (Google), Mirror Link (Auto Connect Association, multi-company merger) and Carplay (Apple). The software mostly worked in a similar way, having features such as play music on your car radio or adapt your mobile screen to display your car anywhere. However, there are also important differences. Carplay is only available for iPhones, while Mirrorlink and Android Auto rivals have not hit iOS. It can only be used in the environment Android, but there is also an important difference here: compared to Android Auto Several Mirrorlink compatible applications. So if you use multiple applications you should use the Google variant.

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