Understanding the purpose of Android Auto
Understanding the purpose of Android Auto
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.
Conveniently I work in this space, but note the following is primarily my own personal opinion.
Primarily there's a few reasons I prefer Android Auto over native Android on the car:
In your specific case with a third party head unit..go ham and use the stock interface if you want. Personally I'd still use Android Auto, to top off my phone and to access my local music library (I don't stream music), but a third party has a lot less interest in spying on you or locking you in the same way an OEM does.
Also out of curiosity, what head unit did you get? I've got a 2012 Cruze I've considered installing one of those on but I can almost never find anything that seems actually trustworthy.