Android Auto now available without a screen

Much like Apple’s CarPlay, it requires an Android phone to be connected to a compatible infotainment system. Google has also integrated the services with third party apps including Spotify and Pandora, so next time you want to skip that one bad song in the playlist, just do so with voice commands.

In a blog post announcing this ready-for-any-car version of Android Auto, Google advised potential drivers to keep an eye out for upcoming Bluetooth-capable vehicle mount accessories, one of which is coming from Logitech.

This is why Google is now announcing Android Auto functionality for smartphones, allowing you to use any smartphone running Lollipop or later as a mini vehicle dashboard.

Now you can say “Ok Google” and request the app to play music for you, find directions to your destination or make phone calls.

If using a Bluetooth enabled auto mount, the app will automatically fire up when it’s paired with the mount.

Once downloaded, the user must go through the course of managing consents like calls or messages. Google will add hands-free voice control “in the coming weeks”, the company says. For example you could be in Maps and ask Google to change the song, without having to exit Maps.

To be clear, Android Auto doesn’t really give you extra functionality; rather, it’s the opposite.

However, those millions of older cars not previously compatible with Android Auto are out there, many with no screens at all, thus pushing Google to ‘bring the same connected experience to these drivers too’. Naturally, there’s also turn-by-turn navigation with Google Maps.

Even with such a high level of saturation in new vehicles, the in-car software platform has been unavailable to anyone driving an older auto or truck, or one lacking an aftermarket dashboard display. It’s a significant update, though be warned that hands-free communication may not necessarily make you a safer driver.

The problem with Android Auto was, it was only available on select vehicles. Another way to check for the upcoming Android Auto 2.0 app is via the Google Play Store, or if you do trust the APK sources out there for the app, then APKmirror has a sideload APK file as well.