Which voice Assistant is best for Android Auto?
Android Auto is Google’s in-vehicle infotainment system that allows drivers to access apps and services from their Android device on a car’s built-in display. With Android Auto, drivers can access features like Google Maps, music streaming, and voice commands in a safer, more integrated way while driving.
There are currently three main voice assistant options available to use with Android Auto – Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung Bixby. Google Assistant comes built into Android Auto as it is developed by Google. Alexa can be enabled through the Amazon Auto app. And Bixby comes integrated with select Samsung Galaxy devices.
Google Assistant
Google Assistant comes built into Android Auto as the default voice assistant option. Since Android Auto was created by Google, the Google Assistant integration runs seamlessly and provides full functionality. Users don’t need to download a separate app or enable any special settings to start using Google Assistant on Android Auto.
With Google Assistant, Android Auto users can get directions, play music and podcasts, place calls, send messages, control smart home devices, and more through simple voice commands. Google Assistant leverages the full capabilities of Google’s knowledge graph to provide accurate information and responses.
According to https://en.apkshki.com/app/android-auto-karty-muzyka-i-golosovye-komandy “Google Assistant features a simplified interface with large buttons and powerful voice actions, making it easier to use your phone while driving.”
Alexa
Alexa is available in cars through the Amazon Alexa Auto app integration. The Alexa Auto app allows you to access Alexa features like playing music, listening to audiobooks, controlling smart home devices, and more through your car’s infotainment system (1).
To use Alexa Auto, you first need to install the Alexa app on your Android or iOS device. You can then connect your phone via Bluetooth or USB to enable Alexa features on your car’s infotainment screen (2). Some newer vehicles also have Alexa built-in without needing a separate app.
Once connected, you can ask Alexa to play music, make calls, hear the news, control your smart home, and more. Alexa Auto has access to your Alexa skills and connected devices at home. You can also navigate and get directions using Alexa in the car (1).
Bixby
Bixby is Samsung’s proprietary voice assistant, available on select Samsung Galaxy models like the S22, S21, S20, Note 20, and Note 10 (Samsung, 2022). It allows users to control certain features of their Samsung devices through voice commands. However, Bixby has limited capabilities when it comes to Android Auto integration compared to Google Assistant and Alexa.
Bixby is not fully hands-free for Android Auto, requiring users to press a button to activate it (Reddit, 2022). Users have also reported issues getting Bixby to work properly with Android Auto, including routines not triggering automatically (Reddit, 2022). As a proprietary assistant, Bixby is designed primarily for Samsung devices and does not have the level of third-party integration and capabilities that Google Assistant and Alexa offer.
Performance Comparison
When it comes to performance, there are key differences between the three voice assistants on Android Auto in terms of accuracy, response time, and capabilities.
Google Assistant tends to be the most accurate, according to testing done by SlashGear. Since Google developed both Android Auto and the Google Assistant, the integration and machine learning are finely tuned, resulting in highly accurate voice recognition and responses.
In contrast, Alexa can sometimes misinterpret commands, forcing the user to repeat them, as noted in testing by MakeUseOf. Bixby has improved but still trails behind Google Assistant for accuracy.
Google Assistant also has the fastest response time, generally answering queries nearly instantly. Alexa can lag slightly behind in responding, while Bixby has some delays before answering.
When it comes to capabilities, Google Assistant was built specifically for Android Auto, so it has deep integration and can control core functions like navigation and media playback. Alexa has more limited functionality within Android Auto, while Bixby lacks native Android Auto support.
Integration and Ecosystem
When it comes to ecosystem integration, Google Assistant has a clear advantage over Alexa and Bixby for Android Auto users. As Google Assistant | Multidevice notes, Google Assistant is deeply integrated across the entire Android ecosystem, including Android Auto. This allows for seamless connectivity and transitioning between devices. For example, you can start music playback on your Android phone using Google Assistant, then automatically pick up where you left off when getting into your car with Android Auto.
In contrast, Alexa has more limited capabilities when it comes to integration with Android devices. While Alexa can be installed on Android phones, the experience is not as seamless as with Google Assistant which is built-in. There is less consistency when transitioning between Alexa on your phone versus in the car. Bixby has even less ecosystem integration outside of Samsung Galaxy devices. Ultimately, Google Assistant provides the most unified experience across the Android environment.
This ecosystem advantage also extends to smart home device integration. As reported by More smart home apps coming to Android Auto, Google Assistant enables voice control of smart home devices directly through Android Auto. This deep home ecosystem integration is unique to Google.
Privacy and Data Collection
When it comes to privacy and data collection, Google Assistant, Alexa, and Bixby take different approaches. Google Assistant collects a significant amount of user data to improve the service, store recordings, and target advertising, though users can opt out of storing recordings. According to Google’s support page, “Your voice & audio data stays private while Google Assistant improves.” However, many privacy advocates are skeptical of Google’s data practices.
Alexa also collects user data, such as voice recordings, device location, and shopping habits, primarily to improve its services and personalize the experience. Users can delete recordings and opt out of human review of audio. Amazon states that transparency and control are core principles. Still, some security experts say Alexa could be vulnerable to hacking.
Samsung’s Bixby was designed with privacy in mind from the start, according to Samsung. Bixby uses on-device processing, meaning data stays private and isn’t transmitted to Samsung servers. This prevents collection of personal data for advertising. However, some features may be more limited compared to cloud-assisted assistants. Overall, Bixby offers the most private experience while Google Assistant collects the most user data.
Sources:
[Is there a privacy-respecting voice assistant for Android?](https://www.reddit.com/r/privacy/comments/eo7xbp/is_there_a_privacyrespecting_voice_assistant_for/)
[How Google Assistant protects your privacy](https://support.google.com/assistant/answer/11090019?hl=en)
Cost Considerations
When considering costs, Android Auto itself is free to use as it comes pre-installed on Android phones running Android 5.0 or higher. However, using some third party voice assistants like Alexa may require additional purchases and subscriptions.
The default Google Assistant is free and already integrated into Android Auto. There are no extra fees or purchases needed to use Google Assistant for voice commands in Android Auto. This makes it the most cost effective option for most users.
In contrast, to use Alexa as your voice assistant in Android Auto requires installing the Amazon Alexa app first. This is a free download from the Google Play store. However, to unlock Alexa’s full capabilities requires an Amazon Echo device and Alexa subscription plan which start at $0.99 per month (according to this source).
So while Alexa may offer more advanced features, using the built-in Google Assistant is the most budget friendly choice requiring no additional purchases or fees.
Recommendation
Based on the factors discussed, Google Assistant stands out as the overall best voice assistant option for Android Auto.
Google Assistant is deeply integrated into the Android Auto system and provides the most seamless and full-featured experience. It allows you to access all of your Google services, apps and information while driving in a hands-free manner.
The voice recognition accuracy of Google Assistant is excellent, with natural language processing that understands commands well. This results in a more reliable and less frustrating experience compared to the other assistants.
Google Assistant also enables control of the most media apps, navigation features, and smart home devices from Android Auto. And it provides personalized results and recommendations based on your Google account and search history.
In terms of privacy, while not perfect, Google provides more transparency and controls over data collection than Amazon. Google also does not monetize data to the same degree as Amazon.
Given its tight integration, superior voice recognition, richest features, and reasonable privacy protections, Google Assistant is the clear choice for getting the most utility and value from Android Auto.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Google Assistant, Alexa, and Bixby each have their own strengths and weaknesses when it comes to using a voice assistant with Android Auto. Google Assistant offers the most seamless integration and best overall performance thanks to Google’s control over both Android Auto and the Assistant. Alexa brings Amazon’s massive knowledge graph and extensive smart home integrations, but lacks some key features in Android Auto. Bixby has improved over the years but still trails behind Google and Alexa in many respects.
For most Android users, Google Assistant remains the most full-featured and convenient option. It delivers fast performance, hands-free access to music and navigation, and deep integration with your contacts and apps. Google also collects less personal data than Amazon. However, Alexa brings welcome competition and innovation, while providing an excellent alternative for users heavily invested in Amazon services. Ultimately, choosing the best voice assistant depends on your priorities and ecosystem preferences.
