What is Andoid Auto, and how do you use it in the car?

Before Android Auto came into the world, car manufacturers had major problems with their proprietary software for the cars' infotainment systems. They were often perfectly fine, but the big problem was that they became completely outdated and useless after just a few years.

Android Auto changed all that. The app is, together with Apple's Carplay, a sensible solution to that problem, as the apps are constantly updated. They simply never get "too old". With Android Auto, you can enjoy your infotainment system as long as you keep your car.

What is Android Auto?

Android Auto is an app that you download to your Android phone. It works with phones that have Android 6 or later - and starting with Android 10, you don't have to download it. It is pre-installed in your Android phone. For Android 6-9, however, you need to download it manually from Google Play.

Android Auto is developed by Google and helps you easily connect the phone with the touch screen that is often found in slightly newer cars. But Android Auto works even if you don't have a screen in the car.

Android Auto is thus a platform that moves the phone's functions into the car's dashboard. It gives you an interface that is easy to navigate and you can control it via voice commands. Some apps available for Android Auto are:

• Google Maps

• Spotify

• WhatsApp

• Waze

• Acast

• Sweden's Radio Play

Here you can see a list of more apps for Android Auto

With Android Auto, you can listen to music in the car, navigate traffic, listen to various podcasts and audiobooks. Of course, you can also make calls and read/send messages.

Android Auto, just like Apple Carplay, has been welcomed by car owners worldwide. It makes it much safer to use your phone in the car without having to take it out and fiddle with its icons and functions. In Sweden, it is also prohibited.

So – do you have a car that supports Android Auto? Today, there are over 50 car brands and 500 models that support the system, including Kia, Ford, VW, Skoda, Peugeot, Volvo and Toyota. On Android's own website you will find the list of all car models with support for Android Auto .

How much does Android Auto cost?

Android Auto doesn't cost a penny to download or use. What it might cost is the price of a new stereo, if your car doesn't already support the app.

Still, many car manufacturers install their own solutions for media in their new cars. However, these are anything but free, as you often have to pay a rather expensive subscription fee to use them. Android Auto is free and also often better than the car manufacturers' own solutions.

Worth knowing: You need internet access, and Android Auto requires some data traffic – for example, if you're going to listen to music or when you're driving for directions on Google Maps. Therefore, it can be a good idea to get a mobile subscription with unlimited surfing.

When will Android Auto come in Swedish?

For some reason, the Nordic countries had to wait a long time for Android Auto. But in the spring of 2021, it was finally time for Swedish drivers to join the "club", together with Denmark and Norway, among others.

The app is now available for download on Google Play or on Android's website.

How does Android Auto work?

Android Auto makes your phone's apps appear on the car's screen. And there are basically 4 main areas it can help you with:

• Google Assisi

• Navigation

• Communication

• Entertainment

With Google Assistant, you can concentrate on driving and use your voice to activate various functions in Android Auto. To get started, just say "Hey Google".

First, however, you need to connect the phone to the car's system. You can do it with a USB cable or wirelessly, in some car models. Start by downloading Android Auto. We also assume that your car and phone are compatible with Android Auto, so please check this before downloading the app.

Connect via USB

• Use a high-quality USB cable and connect the phone to the infotainment system.

• Turn on the ignition in the car - make sure it is stationary.

• The system may ask you to download or update the Android Auto app.

• Complete the setup by following the on-screen instructions.

Connect wirelessly

• Launch the Android Auto app in your car, and download all the apps you need, such as Spotify and Google Maps.

• Give Android Auto permission to access your apps.

• If you pair the phone with Auto via Bluetooth, check that Autolaunch is enabled. Then you don't have to connect manually the next time you go away.

Now everything is ready and you are ready to call on Google Assistant to get directions, listen to music or have text messages read out - and much more.

To activate the assistant, just say "Hey Google". You can also hold down the steering wheel button for voice command or tap the touchscreen icon for the microphone. Wait until you hear a beep, and then you can give your instructions to the assistant.