Thoughts on Android Auto?

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

After Apple launched CarPlay, Google is now in the game with Android Auto.

Personally, I'm impressed. I love the deep integration with Google Now and how it gives relevant information. I also love it's integration with the car's voice command functions and, let's face it, Google Maps will make anyone more confident than Apple Maps.

Your thoughts?

 

[JRDroid]

I would love to put Android Auto head units in both our cars. Can't wait for them to launch.

Posted via Android Central App

 

[D13H4RD2L1V3]

I would love to put Android Auto head units in both our cars. Can't wait for them to launch.

Posted via Android Central App

I'd do it too. From the looks of it, it looks more appealing than CarPlay. Plus, Google Maps.

 

[Adiliyo]

i have been waiting for way too long for this to happen. this fall i'm going to be super happy. and broke. happily broke.

 

[YAYTech]

Without it, there is no appeal to me to buy a car with a built in touchscreen or other expensive stereo. Anything that can't lean on a standalone device like a phone is going to be outdated so quickly. Android Auto & Car Play actually make in-car systems have the potential to be meaningful more than a couple years.

 

[tr-1]

Android Auto is the best execution in this new segment. We will have 3 options:
1. MirrorLink
2. CarPlay
3. AndroidAuto

I keep reading some people on other forums calling for Mirror Link. Obviously it would be an ideal solution since it's an open standard so I decided to see how it works on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBheWdipIWQ
I'm sorry but this is not how I want my phone to be integrated. The lag is atrocious. The UI is simply a mirror of some "car mode" on the phone (that you have to manually activate). The "car mode" is simply large icons. Nope... this is an ugly band aid.

I'm actually a bit surprised that CarPlay looks more like a hack (kinda like MirrorLink) comparing to Android Auto. CarPlay is pretty much rows of icons on a screen that looks like a virtual machine of iOS. The GUI reminds me Android 1.x releases. Imagine scrolling through bunch of apps to get to what you want.... (If a developer makes a CarPlay compatible app, the icon for this app just joins the others).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q63kr9T97uY

AndroidAuto has a home screen with GoogleNow cards and notifications. It's very useful. Then you have most used categories at the bottom (phone, music, maps, information) so that you don't have to scroll through all the apps. You press one of those buttons and then simply select the app you want in that specific category... already presorted for you. They all have consistent UI, etc because Google only allows the use of defined templates as oppose to developers going nuts.
AudroidAuto https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVY10OcsE3A

I can't wait for it to be available on all brands. At the moment the center console screen is useless to me.