Android Auto via WiFi

[anon(871934)]

So it was announced today at Google I/O that Android Auto is going to be updated soon to be able to function over Wi-Fi. My 2015 Hyundai Sonata has a Wi-Fi connection. I can connect to any hotspot that I want. So, my question is do you think that the automaker will actually have to support this functionality and make some change in the car or is this all done on Google's side? Obviously, if the car maker has to make a change to support this then I'm guessing it is highly unlikely that existing car models will be updated to support this.

 

[theelite1x87]

I got a 2016 Sonata. Unless Hyundai wired up the system to accept audio and video signals via the Wi-Fi (very unlikely...) this will do nothing for us. And I suspect changing this would require more than a firmware update. I simply don't believe it's wired to work in this fashion. So it would require a new head unit. So...not going to happen. I'd love to be proven wrong of course.

That being said, not sure if I'd want to use it over Wi-Fi. I'm assuming it'll utilize Wi-Fi direct. I've used Wi-Fi direct to broadcast to my tv. Its a absolute battery killer. With Android auto using navigation, my battery already has decent drain and that's with it connected with Usb and getting power (obviously). Can't imagine how fast it'll drain with no power attached. I'm sure you could just plug in a seperate usb powered cable but that defeats the purpose of using Wi-Fi doesn't it?

 

[mcdonsco]

I have a 2016 Sierra Denali with a built-in 4G hotspot, would that work for this? Would LOVE to be able to use Android auto without having to plug in especially since my truck has wireless charging built-in.

 

[theelite1x87]

No. Won't work with Wi-Fi. 4G hotspot and Wi-Fi for Android auto are two different things. My understanding, this is a feature for future head units. No existing system can utilize it to my knowledge.

 

[Damien J]

I just got a Denali and was informed that turning my car into a hotspot would work. I'm currently using ip6s, so now all I have to do it wait for N7.