• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia
Google

How Google Is Making Android Auto Available To Everyone

By
Kirsten Korosec
Kirsten Korosec
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Kirsten Korosec
Kirsten Korosec
Down Arrow Button Icon
November 7, 2016, 12:44 PM ET
Android Auto in the 2015 Hyundai Sonata
Android Auto in the 2015 Hyundai Sonata

Google’s in-car software platform Android Auto, which brings the functionality and feel of a smartphone to the vehicle’s central screen, is now in more than 200 new car models from 50 brands.

Even with such a high level of saturation in new vehicles, the in-car software platform has been unavailable to anyone driving an older car or truck, or one lacking an aftermarket dashboard display.

Google announced an update Monday to the app that will allow anyone with an Android phone to download use it in their car, even old models with outdated technology. The new version of Android Auto will be rolling out in the coming days to more than 30 countries, Google says.

Get Data Sheet, Fortune’s technology newsletter.

Android Auto, which launched two years ago, is designed to give a simplified user experience meant for drivers; imagine a few large icons on the phone’s display—all of which can be accessed via voice—instead of the typical cluster of apps that can crowd the screen.

Once downloaded, Android Auto will either connect to the driver’s compatible car display or operate directly from the phone. From here, a user can use voice-recognition prompts to make a call, send a text message, or launch an app such as Spotify or Pandora. Drivers can also get turn-by-turn direction via Google Maps.

Are Internet-Connected Cars Worth the Risk?

Users will be able to automatically start the app when the phone is paired with Bluetooth. Google says will also enhance support for hands-free voice commands in the coming weeks. Users will soon be able to easily access features like maps, music and messaging by just saying “Ok Google” so they can stay focused on the road.

The company’s push into automotive is noteworthy because the more automakers bite, the more services Google can deliver to consumers and integrate even deeper into their daily lives. The company is also going up against Apple and its rival in-car software platform Apple CarPlay.

About the Author
By Kirsten Korosec
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • Future 50
  • World’s Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Editorial Calendar
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Diversity And Inclusion
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in

Checking a bag on United Airlines now costs $10 more as Iran war sends jet fuel costs up nearly 100% in major hubs
Travel & LeisureAir Travel
Checking a bag on United Airlines now costs $10 more as Iran war sends jet fuel costs up nearly 100% in major hubs
By Rio Yamat and The Associated PressApril 3, 2026
1 hour ago
At least one crew member still missing after Iran shoots down 2 U.S. aircraft while Trump says ‘it’s war’
PoliticsIran
At least one crew member still missing after Iran shoots down 2 U.S. aircraft while Trump says ‘it’s war’
By Sam Mednick, Konstantin Toropin, Seung Min Kim and The Associated PressApril 3, 2026
1 hour ago
man silhouette two computer screens
CybersecurityOnline
Internet Watch Foundation finds 260-fold increase in AI-generated CSAM in just one year, and ‘it’s the tip of the iceberg’
By Catherina GioinoApril 3, 2026
2 hours ago
6 Best Vitamins to Boost Energy (2026): Top Recommendations From Experts
HealthDietary Supplements
6 Best Vitamins to Boost Energy (2026): Top Recommendations From Experts
By Emily PharesApril 3, 2026
3 hours ago
A person taking a supplement.
HealthDietary Supplements
What Is NMN: Everything You Need to Know From Experts
By Katherine Van DisApril 3, 2026
3 hours ago
Best certificates of deposit (CDs) for April 2026
Personal FinanceCertificates of Deposit (CDs)
Best certificates of deposit (CDs) for April 2026
By Glen Luke FlanaganApril 3, 2026
4 hours ago

Most Popular

Gen Z fled San Francisco for Texas and Florida. Now they’re turning ‘welcomer cities’ into the next big tech towns
Real Estate
Gen Z fled San Francisco for Texas and Florida. Now they’re turning ‘welcomer cities’ into the next big tech towns
By Fortune EditorsApril 2, 2026
2 days ago
Major 4-day workweek study suggests that when we work 5 days we spend one doing basically nothing
Success
Major 4-day workweek study suggests that when we work 5 days we spend one doing basically nothing
By Fortune EditorsApril 2, 2026
1 day ago
Google CEO Sundar Pichai says we’re just a decade away from a new normal of extraterrestrial data centers
Innovation
Google CEO Sundar Pichai says we’re just a decade away from a new normal of extraterrestrial data centers
By Fortune EditorsApril 3, 2026
14 hours ago
The Walmart billionaires next door: Quiet backlash is brewing against the heirs who remade the retailer’s hometown
Magazine
The Walmart billionaires next door: Quiet backlash is brewing against the heirs who remade the retailer’s hometown
By Fortune EditorsApril 3, 2026
17 hours ago
Current price of oil as of April 2, 2026
Personal Finance
Current price of oil as of April 2, 2026
By Fortune EditorsApril 2, 2026
1 day ago
Paul Krugman smacks down Trump speech with argument that $4 gas is ‘less than half’ of the Hormuz hit. Here’s what he’s talking about
Economy
Paul Krugman smacks down Trump speech with argument that $4 gas is ‘less than half’ of the Hormuz hit. Here’s what he’s talking about
By Fortune EditorsApril 2, 2026
1 day ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.