New technologies allow us to use ours smartphone by car and in absolute safety, through i infotainment systems. The mobile phone is now an integral part of our life and to always remain connected the new generation cars have applications Apple CarPlay And Android Auto. It is two applications that allow you to duplicate the screen of your smartphone on the on-board display of the car, but with an interface designed to use the smartphone while driving without distractions. In fact, it is possible to replicate the main functions of the mobile phone such as callsi messagesthe maps and the music. The first two functions can also be accessed via voice commands and those on the car’s steering wheel.
With these two functions it is possible to use the mobile phone maps through the machine screen, in some cases obviating the absence of the standard navigator. In this guide, we focus on how the Android Autowhich supports smartphones with the Android operating system.
Android Auto what is it?
Android Auto allows you to replicate mobile phones with the operating system Androidthrough the car touchscreen. The function is accessed by connecting the smartphone only through the USB socketbecause currently still the wireless function is not available. It is compatible with over 600 car models on the market and is also available on many aftermarket audio systemslike those of Alpine, CVTE, JBL, JVC, Kenwood, Panasonic, Pioneer and Sony (updated list).
It can be provided as standard or as an option and if in the list there is the name of your car but you do not have the function, obviously it was not included in the purchase phase.
How does Android Auto work?
To use Android Auto, you need a device Android 5.0 or latera USB cable and an internet connection.
First you need to download the Application on your mobile phone from Play Store. Then the phone is connected via USB to the car: the mobile device communicates with the car through a defined mechanism mirroring. If the App is already present in the list of pre-installed ones on your phone there is no need to download it through Play Store.
You can also use it only through the mobile phone screen, placing it on the dashboard of the car with a suction cup or other support. In this case, to access the voice commands of the car you can use the Bluetooth connection.
When used, a appears on the mobile phone screen completely black screen with the inscription Android Auto. At this stage, for safety reasons, the mobile phone is unusable. To start it on the mobile phone or on the machine screen, you must start from the main screen “Home” where recent activities such as the latest navigation destinations, calls made or received, weather information, traffic information and all notifications received are displayed.
Functions supported by Android Auto
At the bottom right of the Home screen is the menu key which allows you to access four different functions supported by Android Auto: Navigation (the road sign) that allows you to set the place to reach and receive directions; Calls (the handset) to view the calls received and make new ones; Music (the headphone icon) to listen to music through one of the applications that support Android Auto, such as TuneIn, Spotify, Deezer, Google Play Music etc.. And Home (the round icon) which allows you to return to the main Android Auto screen and close the application.
If you use it via the car’s touchscreen, you also have one available fifth clock icon which brings us back to the onboard system of the car.
How to make a call with Android Auto?
To make a call with Android Auto it works through i voice commands or those on the steering wheel. To activate the voice function you go microphone icon present in the Home of the system, acting on the button located on the steering wheel of the machine (if present) and giving the voice command “Ok Google” which will launch a white screen with four colored lines in the center.
To perform the function correctly after saying “Ok Google “ the command must be given: “Ok Google Call (contact name) or Call (phone number)”. If more numbers are associated with a contact, the system will ask us which number we want to call.
Maps on Android Auto
The other functions present on Android Auto are used in the same way, including the one relating to maps. In this case the command is: Ok Googlefollowed by the command Driving directions to (destination), but also Navigate to (destination) or Drive to (destination).
Messages on Android Auto
With Android Auto it is also possible send and receive sms. As previously described, to give a command to the system, the formula must be pronounced “Ok Google” followed by Send a message to (name). Then just follow the system indications and the message will be sent to the desired person. The messaging function is also available on applications supported by the system, including Whatsapp, Skype, Messenger And Telegram.
To read a message with your finger, you touch the notification icon on the screen and then it will be read automatically by the application.
If you have come this far, you will have understood how to use your mobile phone in the car in total safety and without distractions during the driving.
Video how Android Auto works
You might be interested in (indeed I recommend it):
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