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Android Auto skips the in-car display with new update

If you've been agonising over your car's lack of compatibility with Android Auto or Apple Carplay, maybe you've gone so far as to consider a new car, or - where possible - replacing your car's existing infotainment system with a compatible aftermarket option.


For Android users, there's now another option: stick your phone in a cradle and fire up the full Android Auto experience right there on the device itself.

Although Android users have already been able to adopt third-party apps like the Android Auto-inspired AutoMate, the official Android Auto system now supports a standalone experience, running independently of the car's infotainment system.

For owners of older vehicles, or new vehicles egregiously not compatible with CarPlay and Android Auto, this latest development could prove compelling.

As with the regular integrated forms of Android Auto, this latest update will continue to allow access to many day-to-day apps and functions from within the Android Auto interface, including messaging and music apps.

Oddly, verbal "Okay Google" invocation is not yet available, but Google has confirmed it will feature with a coming update.

Hitting devices in the days ahead, Android Auto will be available for any device running Android 5.0 or above.

[Header image via GreenBot.com]

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