Can you play music and use maps on Android Auto?
Android Auto is a phone-to-car dashboard connection platform that allows Android smartphone users to leverage their device through their vehicle’s touchscreen display. It was introduced by Google in 2014 as an extension of the Android operating system for vehicles (“Android Auto Features You Should Know About”).
Key features of Android Auto include navigation, phone calls, and music streaming. The in-car navigation displays Google Maps and integrates with apps like Waze for turn-by-turn directions, traffic conditions, and location searches (“Android Auto: How It Works”). Android Auto has voice recognition capabilities through Google Assistant, enabling drivers to make and receive calls or respond to text messages hands-free.
When it comes to music, Android Auto allows you to stream from popular apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, Pandora, and more. You can browse playlists, radio stations, and podcasts directly through the vehicle’s display.
Music Capabilities on Android Auto
Android Auto has robust capabilities for playing music from a variety of apps. The main apps that support music playback through Android Auto are Google Play Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Pandora, Amazon Music, and other popular streaming services.
Controlling music playback in Android Auto can be done through voice commands or by using the interface controls on your car’s dashboard/touchscreen. You can use commands like “Play artist The Beatles” or “Play my driving playlist”. Voice commands allow you to easily select artists, albums, songs, playlists without taking your eyes off the road.
In addition to playback controls, Android Auto also displays music metadata like album art, song title, and artist on your car’s display. This allows you to quickly identify what song is currently playing.
Overall, Android Auto makes it simple to access your favorite music libraries on the go using your voice or car controls. Support for top music apps gives you plenty of playback options.
Maps & Navigation with Android Auto
One of the key features of Android Auto is integration with Google Maps for navigation and mapping. When connected to Android Auto, Google Maps provides voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation to help you get to your destination hands-free.
You can enter destinations in Google Maps by voice using the Android Auto voice controls. For example, you can say things like “Navigate to 123 Main Street” or “Find the nearest gas station” to start navigation. The maps and directions will then display on your vehicle’s dashboard screen or head unit (Android Auto User Guide).
In addition to Google Maps, third-party mapping and navigation apps that support Android Auto will also work, providing alternative options. However, Google Maps integration is seamless with full voice control capabilities.
While navigating, you can continue listening to music, podcasts or audiobooks through Android Auto. The map will remain visible on your dashboard allowing you to follow the directions. This allows you to play media and navigate safely at the same time.
Third Party Music and Map Apps
The built-in music and map apps in Android Auto have some limitations. For example, the Google Play Music app only works with songs uploaded to your Google account, and doesn’t support services like Spotify.
For music, you can use third-party apps like Spotify that are optimized for Android Auto. To set this up, ensure you have the latest version of Spotify installed on your phone and enable Spotify support within the Android Auto app. You’ll then be able to launch and control Spotify from the Android Auto main screen.
For maps, Waze is a popular navigation app that works with Android Auto. From the Android Auto interface you can launch Waze and get turn-by-turn navigation powered by Waze’s crowd-sourced community. This offers features like real-time traffic updates and police/hazard alerts.
Using compatible third party apps in Android Auto provides more options and functionality over the built-in apps. Set up only takes a few minutes, and then you’ll have access to more music, maps and more while driving safely with Android Auto.
Playing Music While Using Maps
One of the key features of Android Auto is its multi-tasking capabilities, allowing you to play music in the background while using other apps. The same is true when using Maps and navigation.
When navigating along a route in Google Maps, you can simultaneously listen to music or podcasts from your preferred streaming app. This is done seamlessly with Android Auto, as it allows for easy switching between open apps.
For example, you can simply say “Hey Google, play my driving playlist on Spotify” to start music, then launch Maps and input your destination. The music will now play in the background automatically. You can then tap on the media playback bar at the bottom to pause, skip songs, or adjust the volume.
Additionally, you can issue voice commands at any time to control the music while still navigating. For example: “Ok Google, skip to the next song” or “Ok Google, turn it up”. This hands-free functionality makes using Maps and music even safer while driving.
Overall, Android Auto offers convenient and intuitive ways to use multiple apps simultaneously on the go. Whether playing music, podcasts, or audiobooks while navigating, users can enjoy a seamless media playback experience.
Source: https://support.google.com/maps/answer/11523238?hl=en&co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid
Connecting Your Phone to Use Android Auto
To use Android Auto, you first need to make sure you have a compatible Android phone. Most relatively modern Android phones from major manufacturers like Samsung, LG, Motorola and Google are compatible. You can check if your Android phone is supported on the Android Auto website.
In order to connect your Android phone to your car’s infotainment system, you’ll need a USB cable. For best performance, it’s recommended to use a cable certified for high speed data transfer. The cable connects your phone to your vehicle’s USB port, which enables Android Auto. Make sure the USB cable you select is long enough to reach comfortably from your dashboard’s USB input to wherever you place your phone.
You’ll also need to enable Android Auto in your phone’s settings. Open settings and navigate to Connected Services > Android Auto to enable it. You may need to agree to some permissions or terms during setup. Once enabled, when you connect your phone via USB, Android Auto should launch automatically on your vehicle’s display.
Troubleshooting Music and Maps
According to MakeUseOf, some common issues with music and maps on Android Auto include problems with audio quality, crashes or freezes, connection issues, and problems with specific apps.
Common audio issues on Android Auto include problems with loudness, quality, specific song or stations. This is often related to connection type – Bluetooth, wired connection, wi-fi hotspot. Make sure your music source (app, streaming service etc) and Android Auto have the latest updates. Also check audio quality settings and equalizer both on Android Auto and your music app.
Fixing problems with maps usually involves checking if Android Auto itself needs an update, or updating/reinstalling your preferred maps app like Google Maps or Waze. For navigation issues like incorrect directions or lag, check mobile data and location accuracy settings on your phone. For recurring crashes or freezes, try rebooting your phone and disconnecting/reconnecting to Android Auto.
If audio, maps or navigation issues persist in Android Auto, official support options include contacting the vehicle manufacturer, app developers, or Google support for troubleshooting. Some car dealerships also provide Android Auto support. Describe the exact issues and your troubleshooting attempts in detail to get tailored solutions.
Tips for Using Music and Maps
Taking full advantage of Android Auto’s capabilities for music and maps requires learning some tips and tricks. One key tip is using voice commands to control music and navigation (Motor Trend). You can say commands like “Play Mozart’s Concerto Number 17” or “Navigate me to 123 Main Street.” This lets you keep your eyes on the road.
Customizing the display and interface in Android Auto’s settings is another useful tip. Reduce screen clutter by removing unused apps and widgets or resize the map so it doesn’t cover up music controls (Make Use Of). You can also rearrange icons and menus so your commonly-used features are more easily accessible.
For efficient usage, only connect to Android Auto when needed on longer trips. Using it briefly around town uses more battery. Also avoid background activities like podcasts that can distract from navigation and traffic awareness. Close unused apps fully from the recents screen rather than just minimizing them. This avoids wasted resources and ensures smooth performance. Learning these tips will let you get the most out of Android Auto for playing music while navigating unfamiliar areas.
Limitations of Android Auto
While Android Auto offers many useful features for drivers, it does have some limitations to be aware of. One limitation is that Android Auto only supports certain apps. For music, it works with popular apps like Spotify, Google Play Music, and Pandora, but does not support many lesser known music apps (1). For navigation, it only supports Google Maps and Waze, so you cannot use other map or route planning apps. Android Auto also requires connecting your phone via USB cable in order to view the interface on your car’s display (2). It does not currently support wireless Android Auto connections for most users. Finally, as a newer technology platform, Android Auto is still rolling out major feature updates and expanding supported apps and functionality. It may not yet offer all the features that some users have come to expect from their smartphones.
The Future of Android Auto
Android Auto is expected to gain several new capabilities in the coming years according to Google’s announcements at CES 2024 [1]. This includes enhancements to navigation, music streaming, and vehicle integration. One potential new feature is the ability to run multiple apps like music and maps simultaneously, removing a current limitation.
However, some automakers like GM are developing alternative in-car software and shifting away from Android Auto support [2]. This indicates that Android Auto may face stiffer competition, requiring continued innovation. But other major manufacturers still fully support Android Auto.
Overall, Android Auto is likely to focus on deeper smartphone integration, smarter voice controls, and more seamless access to apps and services. The platform aims to provide a safe, optimized in-car experience. But its ultimate direction depends on adoption by automakers versus proprietary alternatives.