Android Auto - Google Maps, Media & Messaging

Android Auto is a special launcher made to access Android apps and services from your car display. It also lets you use your tablet or phone as one, with a glance-oriented interface and voice assistance. It’s supported by hundreds of car models and even more phones and tablets.

Design and Usability 5/5

Android Auto is designed to meet the requirements of the most active users who need Android services even while driving. The app is supposed to be accessible from your car display as soon as you connect your phone to your car. The icons are big enough.

It’s compatible with over 500 cars and installable stereo systems. You can use your very device as a control screen otherwise. But it feels way better to access your Android apps and services from the bigger dashboard of your car and use buttons on the steering wheel for controlling apps.

Key Functions 5/5

With Android Auto you can control the most important functions with voice commands or simple gestures. What do you want to do? Compose and send an email or an SMS? Play your favorite radio station? Build the route to a certain location and get voice instruction while driving? Android Auto has all that.

In addition, it can notify you about incoming messages, send your voice calls to the car audio system, and play music and audiobooks. When connected to the Internet (that is, most of the time), it updates your routes and informs you about road incidents as they happen. Last but not least: it’s compatible with third-party apps, including messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram, Kik etc.), streaming services (Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio), and other services.

Security 4/5

The idea of the app is just making driving and using Android services safer. It doesn’t have its own weaknesses, but logically it can transmit Android vulnerabilities to your car. So if you’re an Android Auto user, you should take double care to keep your Android device as safe as possible.