Android Auto is a hot topic for discussion among tech and car enthusiasts. It is a topic that’s been discussed due to different reasons, be it its improved functionality after every update, or new car manufactures including it in their lineup, or maybe its expansion to more countries. After reading about this in the news the question which comes in reader’s mind is, What exactly is Android Auto? We are here with an answer to this burning question.
Overview 
First announced at Google I/O in 2014 and first released on Hyundai Sonata in May 2015 Android Auto helps to use the functions of your Smartphone on your Vehicle’s touchscreen. Android auto works as a broadcast system for your Smartphone using the vehicle’s touchscreen as a second screen. Initially it only allowed users to control media or navigation, later updates made it possible to use voice commands and use third party apps. Newer versions added support for other in car functions like climate control, vehicle lighting etc.
Functionality 
The main aim of Android auto is to extend the functionality of an android device to a vehicle’s infotainment system. Several functions are supported by Android Auto including GPS, music control and playback, calling, messaging, use of social apps etc. With more and more third party apps releasing everyday these functions are sure to improve.
Support 
Not every phone supports Android Auto. The phone must be running Android 5.0 lollipop or above. In addition to that, the media unit fitted in the vehicle should be Android Auto enabled. The media unit can be a built in, or an aftermarket unit. Most of the higher end vehicles being launched in the United States are being launched with Android Auto support. Also Android Auto is not available in every country. Google recently announced expansion to 18 new countries including India, Brazil, Russia and more. Other markets will follow soon
Future
Just one year old Android Auto is already being implemented by most vehicle manufactures in the US. Due to open sourced nature of android many third party apps can be released in the future which will improve its functionality even more. But Google’s Android Auto faces a tough competition from Apple’s Carplay.
Recently in India, Maruti Suzuki, an Indian car manufacturer, launched its budget SUV, the Vitara Brezza, with Apple Carplay, thus indicating a future for Apple in not just expensive cars, but on budget cars as well. Google should also use this formula in order to make Android Auto a success worldwide.
