What is the Android Auto head unit feature?
Android Auto is an integrated car experience built into vehicle infotainment systems or aftermarket head units. Powered by a user’s Android smartphone, Android Auto brings an optimized interface for apps, particularly driving and navigation apps, to the car’s display (reference 1). This allows drivers to access key features like Google Maps, music streaming, messaging, and voice control in a simplified and safer way while driving.
With Android Auto, core apps are optimized for driving. Information is displayed in simple cards that allows the driver to quickly view directions, music, incoming calls and messages, and more without excessive menus or difficult interfaces to navigate. Voice commands via Google Assistant provide hands-free control. Android Auto aims to minimize distractions for drivers by streamlining the in-car experience (reference 2).
What is the Android Auto Head Unit?
An Android Auto head unit is a built-in car stereo and touchscreen that runs the Android Auto software interface. It provides drivers with an integrated way to use Android Auto features in their vehicle, as an alternative to connecting an Android smartphone to the car’s infotainment system. The Android Auto head unit has its own display screen, processor, and operating system built-in so it can run the full Android Auto experience natively in the vehicle (https://www.binize.com/blogs/news/the-basic-for-android-auto).
With an Android Auto head unit installed, drivers can access Google Maps for navigation, listen to music and podcasts, take phone calls, and use other Android Auto apps directly through the vehicle’s center touchscreen. This provides a simplified and optimized interface designed specifically for safer in-car use, versus having to interact with apps on the smartphone itself while driving. The head unit mirrors and displays the Android Auto interface from the connected smartphone and allows the driver to control it hands-free using the head unit’s touchscreen or voice commands.
Benefits of the Android Auto Head Unit
Android Auto head units provide a number of key benefits over relying solely on a connected smartphone. With a head unit, you get a larger display screen that is optimized and positioned for safe driving. The screen is integrated into the vehicle’s dashboard and runs Android Auto as soon as the car starts – there’s no need to repeatedly connect and disconnect your smartphone each time you get in and out of the car.
The head unit allows for a more seamless and integrated Android Auto experience. Core apps are always accessible and optimized for use while driving, allowing for potentially faster operation than fumbling with a smartphone while driving down the road. The interface is simplified with larger buttons and text.
Overall, the dedicated head unit provides a safer, more integrated and optimized experience for accessing the key features of Android Auto without distraction. With smartphone mirroring and a built-in touchscreen, the head unit brings the Android Auto experience directly into the vehicle’s infotainment system.
Head Unit Hardware and Specifications
Android Auto head units contain the hardware needed to run the Android Auto software interface and connect it to the vehicle. Some key hardware specifications include:
The touchscreen display is often between 6 to 10 inches wide. This provides enough screen real estate for the Android Auto interface and apps [1].
The CPU and RAM power Android Auto’s operating system. For a smooth experience, Android head units should have at least 4GB of RAM based on user reports [1]. Quad-core CPUs are commonly used.
Internal storage ranges from 32GB to 128GB to hold the Android Auto software, apps, maps and media files. Some units have SD card slots for additional external storage.
High quality speakers and microphones are included for audio playback and voice controls. The head unit connects to the car’s speaker system.
Head units can interface with steering wheel controls to allow adjusting volume, skipping tracks, and voice commands while driving.
Head Unit Installation Process
The installation process for an Android Auto head unit often requires professional expertise. Unlike a car phone mount or wiring harness adapter, the head unit integrates directly into the vehicle’s infotainment system and dashboard.
To install an aftermarket Android Auto head unit, the vehicle’s original factory head unit must first be removed. This requires dash disassembly to access the back of the head unit and wiring harnesses. Professional installers have specialized tools and expertise for this process while avoiding damage to the vehicle.
Once the original head unit is removed, the new Android head unit must be properly mounted into the dashboard. This usually requires a mounting bracket kit and possibly some custom trimming or fabrication depending on the vehicle and replacement unit.
The most complex part of the installation is connecting the wiring harnesses. The head unit must integrate with the vehicle’s wiring for power, ground, ignition, speakers, steering wheel controls, backup camera, and other integrated features. Wiring harness adapters are often needed to convert the vehicle’s OEM plugs into a compatible connection for the new head unit’s harness.
Overall, the installation process requires expertise in dash removal, custom fabrication, wiring, and maintaining functionality of integrated vehicle features. While advanced DIYers may be able to self-install, professional installation is highly recommended for most consumers due to the complexity involved.
Head Unit Manufacturers
The major players in the Android Auto head unit space include brands like Pioneer, Kenwood, JVC, and Alpine. These established car audio companies have produced some of the most popular aftermarket Android Auto head units on the market.
For example, Pioneer offers Android Auto compatible receivers in a range of sizes including single DIN and double DIN units. Many Pioneer head units boast large touchscreens, built-in amplifiers, and support for wired and wireless Android Auto connectivity. Similarly, Kenwood produces Android Auto receivers with features like Hi-Res Audio compatibility, wireless Apple CarPlay, and HD screens.
In addition to aftermarket options, Android Auto is also available directly from some automakers. Brands like Kia, Hyundai, Honda, and Chevrolet offer factory-installed Android Auto head units in certain new vehicle models. These OEM (original equipment manufacturer) head units allow for seamless Android Auto integration right out of the box.
Costs of Android Auto Head Units
Aftermarket Android Auto head units typically range in price from around $300 to $1,200 USD, according to sources like Best Buy and review sites (https://www.bestbuy.com/site/car-stereos/android-auto-receivers/pcmcat1495052094624.c?id=pcmcat1495052094624, https://www.autoevolution.com/news/top-5-cheapest-android-auto-head-units-210556.html). This makes Android Auto head units more expensive than just connecting your smartphone to your car’s infotainment system. However, many find the improved experience and seamless integration worth the added cost. The larger touchscreens, onboard navigation, and hands-free voice control can provide a much smoother and safer Android Auto experience compared to smartphone-only integration.
New Car Models with Head Units
Android Auto head units are becoming more prevalent in new car models, especially from luxury and technology-focused automakers. However, Android Auto integration is also expanding to more mainstream brands as well.
Some examples of vehicles that offer Android Auto-compatible head units include:1
- Acura – Various ILX, MDX, RDX, TLX models
- Audi – Various A3, A4, A5, A6, A7, A8, Q3, Q5 models
- BMW – Various 2 Series, 3 Series, 5 Series, 7 Series, X3, X5 models
- Buick – Various Encore, Envision models
- Cadillac – Various CT6, XT5 models
While Android Auto was originally limited to luxury vehicle brands, it is now expanding. For example, many modern Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, and Toyota models now offer Android Auto compatibility.
Overall, if you are looking to purchase a new vehicle and want Android Auto integration, many of the latest model years from major automakers now support it. It’s a feature that is quickly becoming standard across all price points and vehicle segments.
The Future of the Android Auto Head Unit
The future looks bright for Android Auto head units. By 2023, Android Auto is expected to ship in over 50 million cars annually as it becomes the standard integrated infotainment system for many automakers (Android Automotive: The Future of IVI Systems – Intent).
Future Android Auto head units will have more virtual assistant capabilities and smarter AI features. Google Assistant will be better integrated, allowing for more natural voice control of music, navigation, and vehicle functions. Head units may also incorporate face recognition and hand gesture controls.
Another key advance will be over-the-air software updates that add new features and fix bugs without having to visit a dealership. Manufacturers like Volvo already provide OTA updates to improve Android Auto performance. As the software becomes more sophisticated, regular wireless updates will ensure head units stay current.
Overall, Android Auto head units are poised to become the brains of the connected car of the future. With smarter AI, better integration, and regular OTA updates, the technology will continue getting more advanced and useful for drivers.
Summary
Android Auto head units are in-dash receivers that run the Android Auto software natively for seamless smartphone integration and infotainment capabilities inside vehicles. Compared to just connecting your smartphone, Android Auto head units feature larger display screens, embedded GPS navigation, hands-free calling and voice control, and tight integration of key apps and features directly in the dash.
Android Auto head units utilize automotive-grade hardware with high-resolution touchscreens, CPU processors, GPUs, and RAM built specifically for in-vehicle use. Installation requires replacing the factory stereo system, which can be performed at auto repair shops or by advanced DIY installers. Costs range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars depending on features. As Android Auto gains mainstream adoption, more new vehicles are being offered with Android Auto head units pre-installed from the factory.
Looking forward, Android Auto head units will likely continue growing as a standard feature alongside touchscreens and infotainment systems in new cars. More drivers can expect streamlined access to their smartphone apps, music, navigation, and digital assistants thanks to the expanding availability of Android Auto head units across auto brands and models.