Eyes on the Road: 7 Android Auto Tips Every Driver Needs

Arms-cost-free navigation is a should for motorists. Fortunately, smartphones make it uncomplicated with applications that mirror the phone’s running program onto your car’s display. Apple has CarPlay, when Google has Android Car to support you retain your eyes on the road.

For individuals with an Android gadget, Android Car can aid you with instructions, songs, cell phone phone calls, and far more. At CES 2023, it acquired an overhaul to make navigation, interaction, and entertainment alternatives much more available.

Android Automobile vs. Google Driving Manner

Google has extra than one driving assistant element. Android Car(Opens in a new window) is a standalone app and Google’s GPS navigation assistant for products running Android 6-11. You can hook up to your auto through USB or Bluetooth to use Android Car, but the cellular phone display screen edition no lengthier functions.

Starting off with Android 12, these who do not have designed-in Android Vehicle performance in their vehicle will as an alternative be directed to the Driving Method inside of the Google Maps app when striving to use Android Auto on a telephone monitor (because the Google Assistant variation has been discontinued as effectively).

Considering the fact that Google Maps will come pre-installed on Android equipment, you never have to obtain a standalone application or use many applications for navigation. You can configure Driving Mode to start off any time you hook up a smartphone to your car’s Bluetooth technique, or use it by tapping Get started in Google Maps any time you get instructions.

Not certain if your car’s compatible? Google has a useful rundown(Opens in a new window).

1. Enjoy Songs and Podcasts

(Credit rating: John Bogna)

If you like some tunes or a podcast whilst driving, you can call up apps like Spotify when employing Android Auto or Google Driving Manner. With Travel mode open up, the dwelling monitor will show your most not too long ago applied media application alongside with some simple controls. Depending on what sort of program your cellphone is connected to, Drive method can integrate with functions like steering wheel mounted audio controls. Or say “Hey Google, enjoy the latest episode of [podcast name].”

To open up additional apps and configurations, faucet the application launcher icon that seems like 4 bins in the base-right corner of the screen. It will launch a menu that has many icons for many apps and attributes. Tap the icon with a motor vehicle and a equipment on it to enter Settings. From in this article, you can configure Drive manner selections like no matter if to acknowledge phone calls and texts while on the highway. You can also toggle driving-welcoming messages on and off. To get there devoid of tapping by way of any screens just say, “Hey Google, open Assistant options.”

3. Inform Generate Method When to Activate

Just after an first set up, your phone should hook up and start Android Vehicle instantly via Bluetooth or a wired link. Even so, you could possibly not want that automatic relationship, like if the passenger is striving to perform new music.

To configure accurately when driving method launches, open up Assistant Configurations, then faucet Transportation > Driving manner and established when you want Travel mode to activate. You can configure Push method to open up when underneath 1 of the subsequent instances:

• When you join your smartphone to a car’s Bluetooth

• When you open up the Android Car application

• When your cellular phone detects driving (its sensors detect you relocating incredibly swiftly)

Whether or not you choose to established up the app wired or wirelessly, Google suggests retaining Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and location options turned on(Opens in a new window) for the most correct success.

4. Make Phone calls or Deliver Messages

(Credit: John Bogna)

On Drive mode’s household display, you will see large buttons for Send a message and Make a call future to your media app controls. Faucet either button to use voice instructions, or just faucet the microphone icon. You can also say “Hey Google,” or use the committed voice command button on your steering wheel, if you have one particular.

Popular voice instructions include “call [name from Contacts],” “send concept to [Contact],” or just “send information.” Texts get examine aloud, and when you get a telephone connect with, Google’s voice assistant suggests who’s contacting and asks if you’d like to settle for or drop.

Android Automobile is compatible with other messaging apps beyond Messenger, this sort of as WhatsApp and Skype, so those messages can be examine aloud, as well.

5. Use Voice Instructions for Driving

Substantially like Android Vehicle, Google’s Drive manner alterations the interface of your smartphone for considerably less scrolling and consequently fewer distraction. The standard exhibit is replaced by substantial, quick-to-faucet cards that open apps, permit Google hear for voice commands, and a lot more. You can convey up Drive manner with out touching your cell phone by indicating “Hey Google, let us drive” or “Hey Google, navigate to [destination].” For far more on simple voice instructions, verify out Google’s information(Opens in a new window) to Push mode.

6. Return Dwelling or Exit Generate Manner With A person Faucet

When you are in the app launcher menu, one more menu like Options, or on the lookout although Spotify for a playlist, just tap the motor vehicle icon at the base centre of your display to return to the driving method property display. To exit driving method completely, tap the vehicle icon with a line by it at the prime-appropriate corner of the screen.

7. No Show? Use a Wi-fi Adapter As a substitute

(Credit score: Eric Griffith)

Android Car functions no matter if you are employing it on a cellphone or Bluetooth technique. If your automobile is an older model that doesn’t have Bluetooth, there are wireless adapters that present Bluetooth connectivity or pill-like devices(Opens in a new window) that get the job done like a crafted-in infotainment method. The most straightforward and cheapest route in this condition would be to just get a auto mount for your smartphone and use the app that way.