How does Android Auto work?

Drivers want to use their phones when driving. Sometimes they need to use their phones to make important phone calls and send texts. But it is illegal to handle your mobile phone whilst driving. This is why phone manufacturers are developing new systems to allow drivers to do those important actions whilst keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

iPhones have the Apple CarPlay and Android phones have Android Auto.

What is Android Auto?

Android Auto allows you to connect your Android phone to your car’s built-in touchscreen. Through this system, you can make phone calls, text, listen to music, follow Google Maps and use a variety of apps without using your hands.

Android designed Android Auto with safety being the priority. It has a simple and intuitive interface that’s integrated with the steering wheel controls and is also voice-controlled. All of this is designed to ensure you don’t suffer from multiple distractions when driving and can keep your eyes on the road at all times.

How Android Auto works

Android Auto turns your touchscreen into a version of your Android phone’s home screen. This allows you to see if you receive any notifications from text messages to other apps. It also allows you to select the app you wish to use.

If you choose to use Maps, you access Google Maps, which is by far the best Sat-Nav phone app available. You can follow the instructions to your destination, either through free voice-guided navigation or visual navigation, which includes live traffic information and lane guidance.

In term of music, with Android Auto, you get 90 days of Google Play Music for free. You can also play the music you personally upload to your phone and Spotify is available for use. You have a variety of different ways you can bop along to your favourite songs whilst driving with Android Auto.

You can make phone calls and send text messages either through the controls on your steering wheel or through voice command. This means you can keep your hands on the wheel at all times. You can dictate text messages and send them and you can ask to ring someone.

Apps available

The following apps are available for use on Android Auto:

• • Pandora Music

• • iHeart Radio

• • Spotify

• • Contacts+

• • KIK

• • Stitcher Radio for Podcasts

• • NPR One

• • Skype

• • And many more

Which car manufacturers host Android Auto?

The following brands host Android Auto in a selection of their vehicles:

• • Abarth

• • Alfa Romeo

• • Audi

• • Bentley

• • Chevrolet

• • Citroen

• • Dodge

• • DS

• • Fiat

• • Ford

• • Honda Hyundai

• • Infiniti

• • Jaguar

• • Jeep

• • KIA

• • Koenigsegg

• • Lamborghini

• • Land Rover

• • Maserati

• • Mazda

• • Mercedes-Benz

• • Mitsubishi Motors

• • Nissan

• • Peugeot

• • Renault

• • SEAT

• • Skoda

• • SsangYong

• • Subaru

• • Suzuki

• • Vauxhall

• • Volkswagen

• • Volvo

Which devices can you use with Android Auto?

Android is a much more widespread operating system and therefore is used on many more phones. Whilst Apple CarPlay only connects to iPhones, Android Auto connects with the following:

• • Pixel Phone by Google

• • LG G5

• • HTC 10

• • Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

• • Sony Xperia X

• • Nexus 6P

• • LG Watch Style

• • Moto 360 Sport

• • Tag Heuer Connected

• • Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 8.0

• • Pixel C Tablet

• • So many more devices

Get a car compatible with Android Auto

Android Auto is compatible with over 100 different models and a variety of devices, as shown above. If you are looking for a car to lease that is compatible with Android Auto, the newest cars will be your best choice. This means you have the opportunity to lease a brand new car through Contract Hire.