A system and associated APIs for enabling display of Android apps on vehicle head units.
Android Auto (not to be confused with android-automotiive) is a secondary interface that is implemented on the already existing Android operating system and extends the Android platform into the car. It basically runs on a smartphone but the display is on the car dashboard, which can be either a hands-free (voice recognition) or touchscreen interface. The car must support Android auto to interact with your user auto-enabled apps. At present Android Auto has around 40 manufacturers to co-operate including Audi, Ford, Mercedes Benz, VW, Volvo etc. Full list of compatible vehicles and Android devices you can find here.
When users connect (via USB or Wireless) their handheld devices running Android 5.0 or higher to a compatible vehicle, the Auto user interface provides a car-optimized Android experience on the vehicle's screen. Users interact with compatible apps and services through voice actions and the vehicle's input controls (like a touchscreen or dashboard buttons).
Android Auto is also available on phone screens, giving users the full Android Auto experience entirely on the phone without needing to connect to a compatible vehicle. With this standalone, handheld version of Android Auto, users can still use voice to handle calls, messages, music, and navigation, using an interface designed for driving.
With Android Auto a driver's mobile will have access to several of the automobile's inputs and sensors with the help of Android Auto such: Compass, Wheel Speed, Sound System, Directional Speakers, Directional Microphones, GPS antennas, Mobile antennas.
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