If there was ever a moment that would allow Google’s Android Auto to pull ahead of the competition, namely Apple’s CarPlay, it would be now. As you might have heard, Google announced that Android Auto will no longer require a new car or a stereo system for it to work as your smartphone itself can act as its interface.
To drive that point home, Google has recently started to sell the Logitech SmartCar mount on its website. In case you’re learning about this for the first time, the device was announced earlier this year as the ZeroTouch and if anything it seemed like a glorified car mount, but with Android Auto now being supported on smartphones, it seems that the ZeroTouch has found a new lease on life, although both accessories will exist separately from each other.
The mounts will connect with your phone via a magnetic holder attached to your phone. Once the magnets come into contact, it will launch the new on-device Android Auto interface. This means that users won’t need to fiddle around with launching apps as connecting the mounts will automate it.
There are two versions being offered: a dash mount version that is priced at $80 and sits on top of your car’s dashboard, or the vent mount version priced at $60 which you can use to stick on the vents of your car’s air conditioning unit.
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