Android Auto has been a giant improve in my driving expertise.
Having not too long ago bought a suitable automobile after driving a tech-challenged Toyota Camry since 2012, I’ve discovered the navigation, connection pace, and general performance make going from level A to level B much more enjoyable.
Nonetheless, one thing was lacking that would have unlocked the total potential of my new Android Auto-compatible automobile.
Three apps might take this automobile infotainment system to the following degree, and you are able to do the identical proper now.
WhatsApp
Messaging made straightforward
Probably the most-used messaging app is accessible in Android Auto. With greater than 3 billion customers worldwide, having a automobile that’s outfitted to message them is a game-changer.
Even higher, the WhatsApp app in Android Auto integrates seamlessly with the onboard voice assistant, so you possibly can compose messages to ship to family and friends with out your telephone whereas on the street.
As a US driver, WhatsApp is not frequent for everybody in my contacts. Most Individuals aren’t as adept with WhatsApp as folks in practically each different nation, however that does not imply it would not have clear use circumstances.
This one is especially essential for me and my driving expertise, as WhatsApp is the go-to messaging app that my spouse and I exploit to speak as a result of she is an iPhone person.
Since she’s been giving me guff for texting and driving each from time to time, the benefit and accuracy of the voice-to-text performance is a welcome answer for each of us.
SpotHero
No dearer parking garages for me
Should you’re a suburban or rural driver, the SpotHero app might not be needed to your Android Auto setup, with parking spots and plenty being free and plentiful all through the realm.
Nevertheless, within the metropolis of Chicago, the place I reside, parking is difficult to come back by. Because of this, last-ditch choices like parking garages are exorbitantly costly, particularly for those who do not plan forward and are in a high traffic space.
That is why apps like SpotHero are a dream. They supply entry to extra reasonably priced parking choices all through town.
The Android Auto app makes it even simpler. It means that you can test and ensure your parking appointments, and you may rebook earlier spots with just a few clicks.
You’ll be able to’t ebook a brand new parking spot within the SpotHero app, however while you ebook in your telephone and refresh the app, the brand new spots pop up immediately, so you may get into your spot with out challenge.
GameSnacks
A dad or mum’s dream
There’s nothing worse than being parked within the automobile with nothing to do. Whether or not you are in line in school drop-off or stranded ready for a tow, the boredom might be an excessive amount of generally.
With the GameSnacks app on Android Auto, that boredom can be a factor of the previous. It offers you entry to more than a hundred mobile-style games, like Fruit Chopper, 2048 Dice Merge, and Backyard Bloom, that you would be able to play in your in-vehicle show.
For instance, I used to be on dad responsibility whereas a technician got here to make a second key for the automobile. I needed to be within the automobile to show I owned it, and I needed to watch my toddler, so it was the proper time to play video games.
We received in 10 rounds of Diamond Rush whereas our pal made our new key, and by the top, she was begging to remain within the automobile a bit longer as an alternative of going inside for lunch.
The way to add apps to Android Auto
Would not get a lot simpler than that
Should you’ve been clicking by way of your Android Auto setup looking for a method so as to add apps to your automobile, you are most likely annoyed. That is as a result of you possibly can’t obtain apps immediately on Android Auto.
So as to add apps to Android Auto, obtain them to your telephone. Then, go to Android Auto settings, scroll all the way down to Customise launcher, and select which out there apps you need in your automobile.
Most can be out there by default, but it surely by no means hurts to test.
The way forward for Android Auto
Updates are coming
Android Auto’s March replace added loads of nice performance, however the very best continues to be but to come back.
Current replace notes from Google level to much more superior upgrades to the automobile infotainment system, together with deeper Gemini voice assistant performance, sensible display widgets, and enhanced media controls.
All that to say, Android Auto’s finest days should still be forward of us.
