I upgraded the head unit in my car recently. The head unit itself runs Android, and it supports Android Auto. So far, I’ve been using Android Auto via bluetooth, and it works great. I have no complaints.

I started using Android Auto just because it seemed logical, but I’m not understanding exactly what the benefits are. Since the head unit runs Android, couldn’t I just install the apps I need on the head unit itself and just tether my phone for internet access? It also supports a 5G connection, so if I installed a SIM card, I don’t think I’d need my phone at all. To be honest, I’m leading toward that; it just seems easier and a lot more straightforward.

I have no complaints about Android Auto, I just don’t really see what it brings to the table other than a layer of abstraction over the head unit’s native interface. It might be worth mentioning that the only thing I do in my car is streaming music and navigation.

What features am I missing? Surely there is a compelling reason for Android Auto to exist.

  • FederatedSaint@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    11 months ago

    I listen to audio books or podcasts on my phone while I take walks and want to continue those same books/casts while driving from the same place I left off. I couldn’t do that with your configuration.

    • Lag@lemmy.worldEnglish
      2·
      11 months ago

      You can already do that with Chromecast for example. Just press cast to TV and resume where you left off. It uses the device wifi to stream it instead of your phone.