Android Auto, Google Car, Self Driving Car News and Information

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Android Auto Information

Announced in June 2014, Android Auto is Google's solution to bring Android into the car. Google formed the Open Automotive Alliance in early 2014, which helped kickstart Android Auto. It includes members such as LG, NVIDIA, Ford, Chrysler, Audi, Acura, Hyundai, Honda, and many others. Android Auto works as an infotainment system in your car by using the existing display that is built into the dashboard of the car. By plugging in your phone, it is taking the display from your phone and putting it on the display in your car. Bringing Google Maps, your Phone, Voicemail, Music and more from your phone to your car, seamlessly. Android Auto is compatible with Android 5.0 Lollipop and higher.

Android Auto isn't projecting the same app onto your car's display as you'd see on your phone. Each app is placed inside a container, so they look similar to each other and provide relatively the same experience no matter what app you're using. Apps that are compatible with Android Auto include Google Now, Google Hangouts, Google Play Music, Google Maps and other third party apps including Pocket Casts, BeyondPod, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, MLB.tv and many more. There are also more apps getting Android Auto compatibility each and everyday. The display is mostly navigation and music or podcasts. While messaging apps do work, they don't show up on Android Auto that much. In the overview screen you will see a notification from a messaging app, and you can tap it to hear what it says, as well as using voice commands to send a reply, without needing to take your eyes off of the road.

The first automobile to roll off of the lot with Android Auto was the 2015 Hyundai Sonata, which happened in June 2015. With Pioneer being the first to offer after-market head units that can be installed in many cars and trucks. Pioneer offers three models, the AVH-4100NEX, AVIC-7100NEX and AVIC-8100NEX, all released in March 2015.