Android Auto

Upgrade With An Android Auto Installation

An Android Auto installation allows you to add a  familiar interface to your car’s radio. Since audio manufacturers’ main priority is delivering top-quality sound, the user interface found in their systems takes a back seat. With many Boston drivers only familiar with their phones or computer’s clean user interfaces, navigating an unpolished UI can be a hassle. 

Thankfully, you can have the best of both worlds with Android Auto. While your radio delivers crystal-clear sound, your smartphone will take care of providing you with an interface that you know and love.

What Is Android Auto?

Like an  Apple CarPlay radio, Android Auto brings the look and feel of your smartphone to your radio. The purpose of the system is not only to get enhanced integration with your Android smartphone but also to maximize the number of things you can do without taking your attention away from the road.

Android Auto allows you to use the apps you are familiar with on your car’s radio, eliminating the need for you to learn a new user interface. However, the system does not simply mirror your phone screen onto your radio. The number of apps is limited to communication, navigation, and audio streaming categories. However, these apps have been optimized to work seamlessly on your vehicle’s screen. 

A significant function of this setup is the use of  Google Assistant. With the end goal being distraction-free driving, almost any task you can think of can be accomplished via voice commands. Whether sending music to your car’s stereo system or replying to a text, it can all be done with the sound of your voice.  

How to Use Android Auto

Aside from having an Android Auto-capable car radio, the only requirement to get Android Auto working is to ensure that your smartphone runs Android 8.0 or above. If you own an Android phone made after 2017, chances are that it’s compatible. 

Depending on the model of your car’s entertainment system , you will either have to connect via a wire or Bluetooth. A wired connection involves plugging your Android phone into the USB port found on your car’s radio . A wireless connection will allow you to connect your phone with Bluetooth. 

Wireless Android Auto Adapter

If your car’s system limits you to a wired Android Auto connection, you can still enjoy a more convenient wireless connection without replacing your radio. With the help of a wireless Android Auto adapter, you can wirelessly connect to your Android radio. After simply plugging the adapter into your stereo’s USB, you can use Android Auto wirelessly.

Android Auto Apps

While your Android smartphone may be filled to the brim with apps, you won’t be able to use them all with an Android Auto installation. Apps such as games or video streaming services will be off-limits as they pose a dangerous distraction. 

You will find your default Android apps within Android Auto, but there is also a healthy amount of third-party support, especially regarding messaging and music streaming. It’s important to note that the current iteration of Android Auto can only display one app at a time, unlike Apple CarPlay. However, Google intends to push a redesign soon to allow multiple apps to be displayed.

Navigation

While using Android Auto, you can use either Google Maps or Waze for your navigation needs. Google Maps has become so ubiquitous that many should feel comfortable choosing it as their car’s navigation system.

If you are in an electric car, you can also use the ChargePoint app to guide you to the nearest charging station.

While you are free to use the stock messaging app, Android Auto supports many popular third-party messaging apps. These apps include Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, Telegram, WeChat, Kik, ICQ, and others.

All of these communication apps will be integrated with Google Assistant and allow you to have text conversations completely hands-free.

Communication

Audio

Whether you want to stream music, listen to online radio, or sit through an audiobook or podcast, there is no shortage of apps for streaming audio.

Popular choices include Spotify, Audible, BBC Sounds, Amazon Music, Youtube Music, TuneIn Radio, SiriusXM, Pandora, and Deezer. 

You can keep up with the latest news using the NPR One or ABC News apps. If you’re a baseball fan, the MLB app is also available to keep up with your favorite team.

Stay updated with your schedule by taking advantage of the calendar app. With an Android Auto radio, smart integrations with alarm notifications and automated navigation make keeping track of your busy schedule more manageable.

Calendar

Choosing An Android Auto Radio

When looking for the best Android Auto radio to install, you won’t have to worry about differences in Android Auto features. The system is standardized, so if it supports Android Auto, it’ll have the same capabilities mentioned. The only variable you might encounter is whether or not it has Bluetooth compatibility. If it doesn’t, adding a wireless Android Auto adapter will allow you to connect via Bluetooth. 

With a wireless CarPlay adapter, you’ll be able to add Bluetooth connectivity to any CarPlay radio. 

With that in mind, you should pay attention to the accompanying features of the Android Auto radio to determine if it’s right for you. A large touchscreen will be necessary to take advantage of all the features found in the service. If you choose a double-DIN radio, your screen will embed in your dashboard with a maximum screen size of around seven inches. However, if you select a single-DIN radio, the screen will protrude from the unit and hover over your central dashboard, allowing for larger screens.

Typically, Android Auto-enabled touchscreen car radios will have all the features anyone can think of, ranging from audiophile-tier equalizers to inputs for your backup cameras. If your chosen radio plays DVDs, you may also use it to watch movies.

Lastly, make sure to look over the technical specifications. Different radios will be capable of outputting different amounts of power. Conversely, your car speakers will only be able to handle a certain amount of power. So be sure to check that your speakers and radio are compatible. If you have a  subwoofer , check that your radio has the proper pre-amp outputs to hook up an amplifier . 

Get Android Auto Installed Today

The commute of any Boston driver will improve if they install Android Auto. The team at ProCarSound&Security will get the job done right and help advise you on choosing the best Android Auto radio for your car.

If you have any questions or would like to go forward with an installation, don’t delay in reaching out to us.

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