6 Advantages Of Android Auto And How To Make Its Full Use

In December 2016, Google aborted its mission of producing its own self-driving cars without a steering wheel and pedals. Instead, it joined hands with Fiat Chrysler to develop such a car. Now, the two companies have jointly unveiled 'Android Auto' at the CES 2017 in Las Vegas, which is an Android-based car infotainment system.

According to USA Today, this Android Auto system has been named 'Uconnect'. Powered by Android Nougat 7.0, Uconnect aims to help drivers connect to a customizable suit of apps through their smartphones.

In the US, it is illegal to text message someone while you are driving in 46 states. In 14 states, you cannot hold the phone and talk while you are driving. From January 1, 2017, it has become illegal in California to hold and operate your phone for any purpose, unless it is mounted to a dashboard. Then too, only one-touch swipes are permitted while driving. Keeping this in mind, Android Auto can come in quite handy to keep you 'connected' as you drive in the US.

Android Auto just uses the car screen as the external monitor and runs mainly on the phone, much like Apple's CarPlay. However, Arstechnica claims that UConnect is actually the next step of Google towards building the full-fledged 'Android Automotive' operating system.

Here are some of the ways in which you can use Android Auto to enhance your in-car experience:

1.       Android Auto has a handful of icons and quick shortcuts right on the screen. All the audio apps are put under the headphone icon, while Google Now makes sure that all the information you need are available to you based on your habits and recent searches.

Apple's CarPlay shows large icons for all apps and functions with hardly any sub-menus or folders. It displays less information on screen but a little red circle appears on the app with missed call or message notifications for you.

2.       Powered by Google Maps, Android Auto has the best navigation app with turn-by-turn directions. It also gives you traffic updates, alerts you if a business is closed, or suggests alternate routes.

CarPlay uses Apple Maps and can process Siri voice commands too. However, Android Auto does a better job at navigation.

3.       CarPlay can read only text and iMessages aloud to you and can reply in Siri-voice dictation but only Android Auto allow you to use third-party messaging apps like Whatsapp or Skype.

4.       Android Auto supports native and third-party audio streaming apps, just like CarPlay. Though CarPlay supports a slightly larger number of audio apps.

5.       Android Auto allows one to use voice commands through Google Now to initiate calls, check navigation, and send text messages effortlessly. They can also search Internet, schedule reminders, and note down appointments in Calendar by speaking.

CarPlay can do all that too - through its well-known virtual assistant Siri.

6.       Though Google claims that Android Auto is compatible with any handset running Android Lollipop, users have been reporting incompatibility messages for their phones now and then.

CarPlay is said to be compatible with iPhone 5, 5C and 5S as well as the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models. Then, there is car compatibility issue. BMW and Ferrari exclusively support CarPlay but more automakers have announced to offer support for both the Uconnect and CarPlay systems.

The real way to test out what Android Auto and CarPlay can do for you is to plug and play.