androidauto
Latest
Android Auto reaches cars in 18 more countries
Android Auto isn't just available in a handful of countries anymore. Google has expanded its phone-as-infotainment integration to 18 more countries, as well as Puerto Rico. Most of the coverage revolves around Europe and Latin American nations (including Austria, Brazil, Colombia and Switzerland), but there are big exceptions like India and Russia. Your car or head-end unit will need to support Android Auto as well, of course, but this may hit the spot if you're hoping to stream music while you're stuck in Mumbai traffic.
Honda's concept nav system consists of an Android phone and free app
Plugging your phone into your car has become second nature for most drivers. After all, at this point your handset probably has more functionality than your vehicle. Plus, while your car's infotainment system might see an upgrade every three to five years, smartphones are constantly being updated with new features and better apps. Unfortunately, tapping at tiny onscreen buttons while flying down the road at 60 miles per hour isn't exactly safe.
Fiat Chrysler adding Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is introducing the next generation of its Connect in-car entertainment (ICE) software at CES this year, and it includes support for both Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto. The move follows Ford's announcement earlier today that it too would support both platforms with its Sync 3 ICE platform. FCA produces Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Alfa Romeo cars in addition to those from its namesake brands.
Fords with Sync 3 are getting Android Auto and CarPlay
Owners of Ford vehicles with Sync 3 will soon be able to enjoy Android Auto or Apple's Car Play in their cars. The automaker announced that its connected car system will start playing nicer with your mobile-platform of choice.
DoubleTwist's CloudPlayer can stream to Android Wear and Auto
DoubleTwist's CloudPlayer can already pull and stream media from Dropbox, OneDrive and Google Drive accounts, but now it works on AllPlay speakers, Android smartwatches and Auto. Yep, you'll be able to stream your tunes in your car, on your wrist and in your home or office... depending on where you store your non-smartphone Android hardware. With AllPlay support it also means you can now use CloudPlayer on Chromecast Audio, Apple TV or an AllPlay speaker. These are all great reasons to give doubleTwist's media player a shot -- unless you're already busy with one of the (many) other options available.
Google denies scooping up your car's data through Android Auto
If you ask Motor Trend, Porsche is leery of supporting Android Auto. The sports car badge supposedly refused to use it due to an agreement that required sending Google tons of data about a vehicle, from its speed to its oil temperature. That would be pretty damning if true -- but it's not, according to the search firm. Google tells The Verge that it doesn't collect any of the information mentioned in MT's Porsche piece, and that you only opt in to sharing things that improve your Android Auto experience, such as hands-free control and navigation.
Chevy's Android Auto update will reach cars in March
Buying a brand new Chevy with the hopes of using Android Auto during your daily commute? You'll have to sit tight for a while before that dream becomes reality. The car maker has announced that an Android Auto software update will only reach its 2016 model year vehicles this March, starting with those which have 8-inch MyLink touchscreen systems. That's going to be a long half-year wait if you're eager to get Google Maps directions through the center stack. The good news? Chevy is promising that all vehicles with 7- and 8-inch MyLink displays (ranging from the Spark to the Corvette) will eventually have Android Auto, so you won't have to drive one of the brand's swankier machines to get a smartphone-powered infotainment deck.
2016 Civic is the second Honda with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay
In July Honda announced the 2016 Accord as its first car to support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, while now it's revealed the next one up is its redesigned 2016 Civic. Our friends at Autoblog have some in person impressions of the new 10th generation model, but we're mostly focused on the compact car's new features. It has a 7-inch touchscreen display in the console (on EX models and above) that's Android-based just like the Pilot, but is of course ready to let your phone take over for apps, navigation and more. Besides a markedly better interior to match a wider and lower frame, features it can have include the ability to brake itself or steer itself back onto the road when it senses danger, and it's the first Honda to have Adaptive Cruise Control with low-speed follow. This year is also the first time we'll be able to get a Civic Type-R in the US, and choices for power include a 2.0-liter 4 cylinder engine, or a 1.5-liter turbocharged version. There's no word on pricing, but the new cars will be at dealerships this fall.
Developers can test Android Auto apps without buying a Bentley
Android Auto developers now have way to try out their apps without spending lots on an actual head unit or entire car. The Android Auto Desktop Unit (DHU) runs on your Windows, OS X or Linux desktop and works in conjunction with the companion app on Android 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher. Installing it is a bit of a rigmarole and you'll need to connect your Android device via a USB cable, but you probably already know that if you're a developer. Once you've compiled and installed your app, it'll "behave as if it's connected to a car," according to Google.
Android Auto update puts music and directions up front
Given that users are operating heavy machinery, tweaking a car system interface is a delicate act. As such, Google has made some subtle changes to the Android Auto home screen in the latest update to show "ongoing activities like music and navigation at a glance." You can now access music playback controls directly from the homescreen -- before, you could see which song was playing but needed to go to another screen to pause it. Navigation is also expanded on the home screen to show turning directions without forcing users over to the main app.
Most 2016 Volkswagen cars can avoid crashes and talk to your phone
You normally have to spring for higher-end cars to get semi-autonomous features that could save your hide, but Volkswagen is aiming to make them relatively commonplace. The automaker has started shipping its 2016 model line, and most of it will at least make crash avoidance features an option, if not include it as a matter of course. The majority of Golf, Jetta and Touareg models will have the choice of smart cruise control and emergency braking technology that could keep you out of an accident even if you can't react in time; they're standard on Executive trim levels for the CC and Touareg. You'll also find a lane departure system on the CC, Golf, and Touareg, and parking assistance on the Golf.
Honda announces Android Auto and CarPlay support are coming
At its new R&D Center in Mountain View, California, Honda announced that it is adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to its upcoming vehicles. The first model that will support both car entertainment systems will be the 2016 Honda Accord, which the automaker unveiled at the event. In addition to making its future generation of vehicles compatible with Apple's and Google's smartphone integration systems, the auto company also announced an upcoming API for its rolling stool, the Uni-Cub. The Uni-Cub API will be launching this fall for any developers interested in building an app for a chair that rolls around the office.
Buick and GMC vehicles will support Android Auto and CarPlay
If you prefer to drive big honking Buick sedans and GMC trucks, you won't have to give up a phone-savvy infotainment system for the privilege. Both Apple's CarPlay and Google's Android Auto are coming to the Buick and GMC lineups, starting with the 2016 model year. CarPlay will arrive first, beginning with Buick's LaCrosse and Regal as well as GMC's Canyon, Sierra and Yukon. The Android option will show up some time later in the model year. Between this and similar moves from Cadillac and Chevy, you won't have to be fussy about your choice of cars or smartphones -- so long as you like GM's brands in the first place, you'll be taken care of.
CarPlay and Android Auto will be in Cadillac's 2016 models
Following in the footsteps of sibling Chevrolet, Cadillac has also revealed its plans to support both CarPlay and Android Auto. This is yet another move by the automaker's parent company, General Motors, to not miss out on the new wave of in-car features from Apple and Google. Cadillac says it's all part of a major overhaul to CUE, the 8-inch infotainment system that's been powering its vehicles for the past few years. You can expect to see CarPlay in most 2016 Cadillacs this summer (save for the SRX Crossover), while Android Auto compatibility is scheduled to arrive at a later, undisclosed date.
Chevrolet's 2016 models support both CarPlay and Android Auto
Apple's and Google's in-car efforts aren't mainstream just yet, but manufacturers have given us a glimpse at how these features will work going forward. Soon enough, most automakers are expected to support CarPlay or Android Auto, even though others like Toyota won't be playing along anytime soon. Chevrolet, meanwhile, announced today that 14 of its 2016 models, including cars, trucks and crossovers, will be compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto, making it easy for people to enjoy either platform based on which smartphone they own. What this means is that buyers don't have to worry about choosing one over the other; instead, Chevy's MyLink infotainment system is compatible with both simultaneously.
Taking a spin in the first car with Android Auto
Get ready for Android Auto to hit the masses. Until now, the only way to get the Google-powered car interface was to install an aftermarket unit from Pioneer, and even those have only been around since March (Parrot is also citing support for Android Auto in its head units, but its availability has not been announced). But that changes today, as Android Auto is now finally available in actual cars that you can buy. That is, if you want to buy a Hyundai. The Korean automaker is the first car company to have Android Auto integrated in its production vehicles, starting with the 2015 Sonata with Navigation models. I recently spent a week with a 2015 Hyundai Sonata Sport 2.0T, and while I think Android Auto still has some growing up to do, I was overall very pleased.
Ford explains why Sync 3 supports Apple and Google car apps
With both Apple and Google wrangling to become the infotainment center of your next new car, Ford will be choosing neither. Or both, depending on how you look at it. During an interview with Re/code, Ford CEO Mark Fields provided some details on how his company will be leveraging its in-house designed Sync system to act as middleman between smart devices and vehicles.
TuneIn brings internet radio to your Android Auto-ready car
If you're part of the fortunate group that can use Android Auto now that it's up and running on Pioneer head units, you may be looking for fresh internet audio sources to keep you entertained during your commute. Well, TuneIn is happy to oblige -- the latest version of its app supports Android Auto from day one, letting you play radio stations and podcasts without taking your eyes off the road for more than a brief moment. It's going to be a long while before you can listen to virtually anything without reaching for your phone, but this should cover the bases for those times when FM radio or your personal music collection just won't cut it.
Android Auto is now live for Lollipop phones and Pioneer head units
Google just proclaimed that Android Auto is ready for the masses... or at least the masses that feel like picking up a separate Pioneer head unit and own a device running Android 5.0 Lollipop. In case your memory of the search giant's in-car plans is a little fuzzy, Google wants you to be able to connect your phone to your stereo with a USB cable -- once that's done, you can issue voice commands, sketch out routes and fire up apps like Spotify or Soundcloud. The Japanese car gadget maker got the ball rolling earlier this week with the release of a trio of Android Auto-compatible car receivers (they actually play nice with Apple's CarPlay too), though they might be a hair too pricey for would-be experimenters to take the plunge on.
Google holds its next I/O developer conference on May 28th and 29th
Attention, Google fans: the company's big developer conference is kicking off early this year. The internet giant has announced that I/O 2015 will take place on May 28th and 29th, about a month ahead of where it was in 2014. Sign-ups start at noon Eastern on March 17th, although the company is once again running on a lottery system that picks guests at random. As for what's going to show? Google isn't saying anything yet, but there's bound to be talk of Android's rapidly growing ecosystem, Chrome developments and internet services aplenty. What do you hope Google will show? Let us know what you think! [Image credit: Stephen Lam/Getty Images]
