Android Auto has been gaining territory since its release more than a year ago, and is basically a projection of an Android-equipped smartphone to a vehicle's head unit. This acts as the display screen of the phone. It also started out in 10 countries and is now available to 28 nations. Plus, more vehicles are getting on to the compatibility list, and aftermarket stereos are now available for older vehicles.
The Android Auto will only work on the Android 5.0 version and above, so it will be Lollipop and Marshmallow, and can provide several functionality that include GPS mapping and navigation, music control, incoming and outgoing call control, SMS control, and web search.
Back in March 2015, the program was only available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, New Zealand, Spain, the U.K., and the U.S. There have been 18 more countries added to the list, which include, Argentina, Austria, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador and Guatemala. It is also available in India, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Russia, Switzerland, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Aftermarket automotive stereos from Pioneer and Kenwood are now available, which can support app from the search-engine giant. This is also more appropriate for individuals who do not have plans to purchase a new vehicle but want to have the Android Auto experience.
Several current and upcoming models from Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Ford, GMC, Holden, Honda, Hundai, Kia, Lincoln, Mitsubishi, Opel, Seat, Skoda, Vauxhall, Volkswagen, and Volvo are also compatible with the Google app. These car makers are also members of the Open Automotive Alliance, where 28 vehicle manufacturers are involved in making the Google Android a part of their models. The group also includes CloudCar, NVIDIA, and Google, and was formed back in 2014. It was formally announced during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) of that year.
The 2015 Hyundai Sonata was the first vehicle to offer Android Auto.
Google has compiled a list of all the compatible models with their application.
