Android Auto: Why You Need it and Its Hacks
Car infotainment systems have improved over the years. With the integration of Android Auto, drivers or passengers can easily connect their mobile phones and enjoy hands-free access to communication apps and navigation. Take advantage of Google Assistant or play music from your playlist easily with Android Auto. However, you must learn the Android Auto tips and tricks to take full advantage of the system.
Here, we’ll cover useful Android Auto hacks to make driving a car more convenient and fun.
Android Auto Tricks That Drivers Must Know
Driving requires a high level of focus. Plus, there are several fines and penalties for using mobile phones while driving in the UAE. For instance, drivers can incur a fine of AED 400 and four black points as per the UAE driving laws.
If you have an Android phone, you can connect your mobile to Android Auto using a mobile app. It is different from the Android OS infotainment systems. Android Auto is a mobile application that connects with the car’s infotainment system. Meanwhile, the Android OS Infotainment System is built into the car and does not require a mobile device.
Android Auto allows one to communicate, navigate and entertain using mobile phones on an infotainment screen. Let’s go through these essential Android Auto tips and tricks.
Take Help From Google Assistant
Android Auto heavily relies on voice commands powered by Google Assistant. By using “OK Google” or pressing the voice command button, you can perform various tasks. For instance, make calls, send messages, get directions and play music using the car’s Spotify things, all without taking your hands off the steering wheel.
Use Google Maps or Waze to Navigate
GPS navigation has many benefits. One of the Android Auto tips and tricks is to use Waze or Google Maps. These useful apps for drivers in Dubai or anywhere globally can help them navigate the route and plan the journey according to the traffic.
Receive Calls and SMS
When you pair the mobile phone to a car, Android Auto allows you to make and receive calls, as well as send and receive messages, without physically interacting with your phone. It reads out messages and helps dictate replies, all using voice commands, making communication while driving safer.
Play Music and Media
You can control your music and media apps through Android Auto. Whether you prefer Spotify, Google Play Music or other compatible apps, you can manage your playlists, select songs and adjust the volume using voice commands or the car’s infotainment system.
Manage your playlist according to different moods and occasions. Download audiobooks and podcasts to play offline. Set a default music player in the Google Assistant app and enjoy your ride.
Organise Contacts
Since using mobile phones is one of the dangerous driving habits, it is essential to arrange your priority contacts. Set Google Assistant to call them in case of emergency. Moreover, you can command Google to send a text message, read the SMS or receive the call. Priority contacts can easily receive calls via Google Assistant.
Set App Limitations
Distractions while driving can cause an accident. Therefore, it is among the essential Android Auto tips and tricks to limit the apps that can distract you while driving. That said, it can make your driving experience safer.
Essential Tips and Tricks for Android Auto Users
Here are some Android Auto tips to make driving safer while connected to your mobile phone.
- Ensure your phone and car are compatible with Android Auto.
- Keep your apps, especially Android Auto and Google Maps, updated to the latest versions for optimal performance and new features.
- Use voice commands to send texts, make calls, play music and get directions without taking your hands off the wheel.
- Arrange your home screen icons for easy access to your most-used apps. You can drag and drop apps to rearrange them.
- Use compatible apps, such as Spotify, WhatsApp and Waze. Ensure these apps are installed and updated on your phone for seamless integration.
- Manage notifications and configure which apps can send notifications while driving to minimise distractions.
- Enable “OK Google” detection in Android Auto settings for hands-free assistance.
- Customise Google Maps settings, like avoiding tolls and highways, to suit your preferences.
FAQs
What are Android Auto’s Hidden Features?
Android Auto is a complete application that allows drivers to access mobile phones without the use of hands. Some lesser-known features of Android Auto are:
- Dark screen mode
- AA Mirror Plus application to stream videos
- Set weather conditions
- Play music automatically as soon as you start the car
- Compatible with several applications, such as Google Books, News Channels or instant messaging and calling apps
Can I Stream Netflix on Android Auto?
Yes. It is one of the top Android Auto hacks to download the Android Auto Mirror Plus application to play videos or stream Netflix on the car’s screen. However, it is not advisable to play videos while driving.
This was the complete guide to Android Auto tips and tricks. These top Android Auto hacks will help you use the app more efficiently and effectively. If you buy a new or used car for sale in the UAE with Android Auto, you can use these tricks to drive safely and stay connected. Besides, you can find out more details about Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which allows connectivity on the go.
You can also follow tips to troubleshoot the Android Auto disconnecting issues. A missing update can be a problem in this case.
Keep reading the dubizzle cars blog and learn more tips and tricks to make driving safer and more fun.