Android Auto is the extension of Google’s mobile platform into the car. Third-party manufacturers have already released several units which can be installed in existing cars while major vehicle manufacturers have committed to installing the platform in their new cars. Android Auto appears to be progressing nicely considering the fact that it has now been rolled out in an additional 18 countries across the globe.
Android Auto is now available in Argentina, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, India, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Russia, Switzerland, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
This is a big roll out for this in-car infotainment platform and the fact that it’s going to be available in 18 new countries should help cement its position in the market against competitors like Apple’s CarPlay. Google should be able to form partnerships with car manufacturers in these new markets to further expand the user base of Android Auto.
To use Android Auto one needs to have a vehicle that has support for Android Auto, Google has put up a list on its support page to make it easier for users to find out whether their car supports the platform. There’s always the option of installing a third-party unit which has Android Auto baked right in.
An Android smartphone running version 5.0 Lollipop or higher is also required to use all of the features and functionality offered by Android Auto.
Filed in . Read more about Android Auto and Google. Source: androidauthority