It’s safe to say, that Google’s Android Operating System has taken
the world by storm. This Linux-based open source OS is now operating on
more than 80% of all smartphones. One of Androids greatest strengths is
its adaptability to different applications. It can be used to operate
smartphones, TVs, audio equipment, smart devices for the home and now
Android’s version 5+ Lollipop, is bringing the power of your smartphone
into your car in the form of
Android Auto – Google’s groundbreaking new car system.
Being able to safely operate your smartphone while in the car is not
only a matter of convenience, but one that can mean the difference
between life and death. Google has taken this serious issue to task and
is currently working with automakers to change the way we drive. Its new
system integrates with vehicle touchscreens for the ability to use
mobile apps while driving, such as Google Maps, Google Now, and Google
music. Additionally, the new interface will support many of your
favorite third party apps such as Spotify and Pandora. Not only that,
but many of your car’s native functions such as climate control and
audio will be accessible through the simple Android interface.
Installing the system in a compatible vehicle is extremely easy, simply connect your
Android Smartphone
using a USB cable. The first time you connect your phone to your car,
you will have a few disclaimers to read and selections to make, then you
will see the app displayed on your phone screen. Select it, and then
you can begin to use Android’s best features right on your vehicle’s
touchscreen. At this point, some potentially distracting phone features
will be disabledand many features of your phone will operate by voice
command and simple on-screen swipes, leaving you free to operate your
vehicle in a safe manner.
One of the most impressive improvements is that the app will show an
Android overlay on top of your car’s touchscreen. This simple interface
will be at once familiar and intuitive. Using this system helps to
streamline functions across different vehicle ecosystems as well as
making changing between vehicles simple and seamless. But what exactly
does
Android Auto do?
It’s primarily focused on the
most useful apps to use while driving, such as navigation, music, and
communication. Let’s take a look at the main features.
There are five main information panels, each performing a different
set of tasks: navigation, information, media and music, phone dialer,
and a vehicle diagnostic panel that works with certain compatible
vehicles to alert you to vital car information such as tire pressure or
fuel efficiency readings.
Perhaps the most useful feature is the navigation panel which runs
Google Maps tools to help get you to your destination, quickly and
safely. Instead of complicated on-board GPS systems, the simple Google
Maps interface has a familiar look and operation and destinations can be
selected by voice command, for safe driving.
The information panel will alert you to incoming messages sent by
SMS, Hangouts, WhatsApp, and Skype. Select a message and Android will
read it aloud to you and give you the chance to respond by voice. You
can also dictate new messages safely while driving.
The music and media panel lets you access music and podcasts on your smartphone and play it through the
Vehicle's Audio System.
It currently supports Google Play Music as well as Spotify, Pandora and
certain podcasting apps. This great feature will keep you entertained
no matter how long your trip is.
The phone dialer panel, displays your phone contacts and recent
calls and making a call is as easy as tapping a contact, making a voice
command, or using your vehicles native voice control button.
Currently, the diagnostic panel, which displays important info about
your vehicle systems will work with selected cars, but Google is
working with many manufacturers to expand this important feature to many
more car models in the near future.
Recognizing the many advantages to bringing mobile smartphone power
into vehicles, Google has created a powerful system to give users more
information, easier communication, and better entertainment in
automobiles. In the interest of safety, Google’s new system eliminates
many dangerous phone distractions and makes full use of voice activation
for commands and uses Google Voice Search in an integral way to safely
access almost any information during your drive. With
Android Auto , the future is here, and it promises to be more entertaining, more useful and safer for you and your family.