Google has announced a new app for smartphones that gives everyone the opportunity to use Android Auto in their car.
Android Auto has been available to select cars with in-dash screens for about two years. Google says about 200 new cars from some 50 manufacturers support Android Auto in the dashboard. Millions of older cars, however, don’t include navigation screens or support the platform.
Android Auto for Android handsets includes a driver-friendly user interface that provides access to core functions — navigation, music, communications — directly on the phone. Google says the new app will launch automatically when paired to cars via Bluetooth, but can also be turned on manually. The app includes support for “OK Google” voice commands to launch phone calls, dictate messages, and search for addresses.
Google plans to improve voice actions in the weeks ahead. Android Auto is compatible with Android devices running Android 5.0 and up. It will be made available to devices in 30 countries in the days ahead.
