Table of contents:
- What is Android Auto?
- How does Android Auto work?
- What type of apps can be developed for Android Auto?
- General design guidance
- Android Auto design system
As we’ve previously stated in the Short Guide to developing iOS apps for CarPlay, smartphones, the apps and the need for all of them are quite obvious, just imagine how much they ease your life. The growth of systems such as Android Auto, Android Automotive OS and CarPlay is now on the rise, and it's easy to see why when you look at their features and how they function.
Android Auto and CarPlay rely on phones to power the entire car-optimized experience and considering that everyone has a smartphone in their pocket, it's easy to see why so many people find it quite handy to reflect the interface on the larger screen in the cabin. While Android Auto appears to be a success, Google has been investing in a far more complex automobile experience driven by Android Automotive.
What exactly is Android Auto?
The Android Auto system works by connecting a phone to a compatible car and allowing drivers to interact with their phone's apps through the car screen and voice commands. It makes it simple to explore, listen to media and communications, and do other things.
Android Auto offers a driver-optimized app experience to consumers who have an Android phone and the Android Auto app but do not own a car that runs the Android Automotive OS. If a user's automobile sound system supports Android Auto, they may connect their phone and utilize your app directly on their car's display.
You, as a developer can create services that Android Auto can use to display to the driver. These services are reused for your Android Automotive OS software, but consumers do not install your phone app on their automobiles.
How does Android Auto work?
1. On the phone's screen
If your car does not have a suitable HU, you may use the solo Android Auto App on your smartphone or tablet. Following app startup, a car-friendly UI appears and is ready for usage. The app is easy to browse owing to somewhat bigger UI components that reduce the number of misclicks.
On the main screen, you'll see the currently playing music or podcast, recommended driving destinations, and alerts as they arrive. There is also a button for configuring Android Auto settings, such as Google Assistant, so that you may perform voice commands.