This article was published on March 19, 2015

Google releases an Android Auto app so your phone can interact with car dashboards


Google releases an Android Auto app so your phone can interact with car dashboards

While Tesla is busy announcing self-driving features, Google has gone and finally released an Android Auto app.

Android Auto was first unveiled in June last year, and essentially brings Google Now and Google Maps to your car’s dashboard with enhanced voice control. Users can set reminders, control music or look up business hours with with voice, for instance. Google also released an API in November to let developers create custom experiences for the car.

Currently, the app only works with Pioneer dashboard hardware that was released a few days ago. When the hardware was announced it was a bit puzzling as immediate buyers wouldn’t be able to use the units without an Android Wear companion app. Google says more hardware partners are coming soon.

Android Auto

The app is only available for Android 5.0 and later, but if you’re excited to get Google Now in your car and somehow already have compatible hardware, head on over to the Play Store to download it.

@Android

Get the TNW newsletter

Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.

Also tagged with