Earlier today during Google I/O 2016, the company announced that an updated version of Android Auto would be on its way later this year with a feature that we’re sure many car owners can appreciate. Right now Android Auto and Apple’s CarPlay requires users to own a compatible vehicle, or at least a vehicle with a compatible infotainment system which newer models sport.
However since running out to buy a new car just for the feature is something we’re sure many of us probably wouldn’t do, this is where the update will come in handy. Google has announced that Android Auto will soon be able to work on your phone regardless of whether your car has an Android Auto compatible system.
Right now the Android Auto app functions as a link between your smartphone and your car’s system, but in the future it will run like a regular app. This means that pair your phone with a dash mount and you’ve got yourself a “smarter” car for literally the price of your phone. You will also be getting the same features like the ability to use your voice to handle calls, messages, music control, navigation, and so on.
Google will also introduce an “OK Google” voice command to activate the features instead of having to press a button on the dashboard. If Google ever wanted a way to get Android Auto into as many cars as possible, we reckon that this updated (scheduled for later this year) may very well do just that.
Filed in . Read more about Android, Android Auto, Google, Google i/o 2016 and Google Io.