Android Auto is finally here. On Thursday morning announced the Android Auto app’s availability in the ay store for devices running Android llipop.
’ve been waiting eagerly ever since we tried Android Auto at I/O in 2014, it looks like it’s just barely making it out before this year’s I/O (May 28-29 in San Francisco).
Before you get too excited, all this app release means is that the last piece of the Android Auto puzzle is in place. But you still need the other pieces: an Android device running llipop, a car or in-car system that’s compatible with Android Auto. The app, on its own, doesn’t really do anything.
Car companies like Volkswagen have been announcing Android Auto compatibility for 2015 2016 model-year vehicles, so some new cars are ready waiting. Not all of us are in the market for a new car, however, so your other option will be installable systems. Android lice spotted oneer’s new 8100 NEX series on sale last weekend, for instance; it’s the first third-party system compatible with Android Auto.
y this matters: Android Auto is ‘s way of making sure the Android ecosystem stays with you even when you’re in the car— in a safer way than if you were juggling your phone while driving. There’s still a lot to do—like make more apps that you can use safely in the car—but with this debut, Android Auto finally joins Apple Caray Mirrornk in the car-smartphone connectivity derby.
