Google IO 2015 : Everything you need to know about Android Auto

Android Auto was initially announced exactly one year ago at Google’s I/O developer conference 2014 with the app launching in March(2015). This technology is the new connected car innitiative which brings the UI of an whole Android OS to the car. It will require a Phone or Tablet running Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher. The phone can be plugged into the car's USB port. The system can be controlled by voice, touch screen or steering-wheel controls and replaces a car's built-in navigation and infotainment system. This means the user could  just use hands-free or voice commands to play music, answer calls, read and reply text messages without having the divert attention off the road making it safe to drive. 

While the technology is still new Google has announced that developers can develop apps with the Android Auto SDK , so additional apps and functions will undoubtedly be coming in the near future. Developer's need not have to worry about vehicle-specific hardware differences like screen resolution, software interfaces, knobs, and touch controls as users get the same experience on any compatible vehicle such as a consistent app launcher and system events such as notifications.


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Over the coming months Android Auto will be reportedly available on cars from 40 manufacturers, with Google working with Audi, Fiat, Ford, Hyundai, Honda, Kia, Mazda, Nissan, Renault, Volkswagen  and others to integrate the technology.

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The system will compete with Apple CarPlay, a similar technology that uses an iPhone to make calls, send messages and get directions from iOS on a dashboard display which is mostly hands-free. Apple is working with a similarly long list of car manufacturers, with CarPlay also available on aftermarket radios.

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Following same Hyundai said "Apart from Sonata (Only in U.S) more of its cars would be getting Android Auto later this year".  Hyundai is the first automaker to integrate Android Auto, which was previously only available on aftermarket radios. Currently Hyundai Sonata(US model only) is installed with this software. Owners of models with similar version can get Android Auto via a software update.


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Lets hope to see this in Indian cars.