Android Auto is awesome and I use it every day

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Jamie McKane

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Android Auto is awesome and I use it every day

Like many Johannesburg residents, I spend a lot of time driving to and from work.

While this is only a 30-minute commute, having a Bluetooth connection and smartphone mount in my vehicle makes it easy to play music, listen to podcasts, and navigate - making the ride more pleasant.
 
I use Android auto on my Mi Max 2, coupled with a Roidmi 3S, my dumb radio, is now a smart radio. Streaming music to the radio, while maps to get around. Just an awesome interface.
Nice thing is, when you fiddle to much, it tells you to get your eyes on the road first.

@skimread, I believe you can use offline maps, will test later today.
 
skimread said:
Does it work offline as well? Can you preload maps?
Click to expand...

Ok, just tested it now. Works great with google maps' offline maps. Went and choose the area I want offline maps, in google maps. After download, I switched off wifi and opened Android auto. Works good.
 
Will test this a bit and see how it is
 
Will give this a bash. However i've been to places where Google maps kind of sucks and had to switch to Here Maps which was kind of surprising
 
kianm said:
Will give this a bash. However i've been to places where Google maps kind of sucks and had to switch to Here Maps which was kind of surprising
Click to expand...

It looks like it gives you the options to choose which mapping software it uses
 
Jamie McKane said:
Android Auto is awesome and I use it every day

Like many Johannesburg residents, I spend a lot of time driving to and from work.

While this is only a 30-minute commute, having a Bluetooth connection and smartphone mount in my vehicle makes it easy to play music, listen to podcasts, and navigate - making the ride more pleasant.
Click to expand...
What vehicle? It does make a difference.
 
FiestaST said:
What vehicle? It does make a difference.
Click to expand...

You can use Android Auto standalone on your phone, in regards to cars, Ford requires Sync 3 or higher, with fast enough USB. Also know that it works on Jeep Grand Cherokee's. Other than the it will depend on the vehicle manufacturer.

Keep in mind that the vehicle requirement is only when you want to display Android Auto on the vehicle infotainment display.
 
New Polo with app connect work great for android auto. Radio interface changes to a more basic one and maps appear on the 8 inch touchscreen
 
Traq said:
You can use Android Auto standalone on your phone, in regards to cars, Ford requires Sync 3 or higher, with fast enough USB. Also know that it works on Jeep Grand Cherokee's. Other than the it will depend on the vehicle manufacturer.

Keep in mind that the vehicle requirement is only when you want to display Android Auto on the vehicle infotainment display.
Click to expand...

Thanks but I’m aware of all that bruv.

The article is vague ito if AA is being used via an actual phone or via a (supported) car’s infotainment system?

If the latter then what system? It actually does matter & not all systems are created equal.
 
FiestaST said:
Thanks but I’m aware of all that bruv.

The article is vague ito if AA is being used via an actual phone or via a (supported) car’s infotainment system?

If the latter then what system? It actually does matter & not all systems are created equal.
Click to expand...

When I read the article it seems like he used it on his phone (bluetooth connection) regarding your point for the infotainment system, why does it matter (apart from the size of the screen)? It will load the AA from your phone, and just display it. The underlying car system doesn't matter apart from just being able to support AA.
 
It can be used standalone on your Android phone or if your car radio supports it you can mirror your phones screen to the cars system.

Android-Auto-2.jpg
 
Traq said:
When I read the article it seems like he used it on his phone (bluetooth connection) regarding your point for the infotainment system, why does it matter (apart from the size of the screen)? It will load the AA from your phone, and just display it. The underlying car system doesn't matter apart from just being able to support AA.
Click to expand...

Off the top of my head:

- Screen size (sizes differ between automakers & even more so with the market positioning). Generally AA & CP adapt to larger widescreen displays fairly well.
- Screen resolution (this can differ greatly between brands)
- Hardware of the infotainment system (how long does it take to even boot to run AA & CP, what is the frame rate, does drop etc)
- Screen input method (touchscreen or jog wheel or pad or controller or a combination etc)
- Functionality (some system only AA & CP & that’s it at a given time. Other (higher end) system allow expanded functionality.)
 
FiestaST said:
Thanks but I’m aware of all that bruv.

The article is vague ito if AA is being used via an actual phone or via a (supported) car’s infotainment system?

If the latter then what system? It actually does matter & not all systems are created equal.
Click to expand...
It's pretty clear that he's using it on a phone.
 
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