Do you have a car compatible with the Google infotainment system and want to get the most out of it? We detail you an extensive list of apps for Android Auto that will make you not want to get out of your car. We will include applications to listen to music or podcasts; we will put GPS navigator alternatives, as well as instant messaging options.
Since they arrived in the vehicles the possibility of connecting the mobile and have an infotainment system based on the interface of our smartphone, users increasingly want more applications that can be used in their own vehicle. Both users who use iPhone and owners of Android-based terminals can do it through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, respectively. And we will base ourselves on the second option.
What is Android Auto
Over the years, Google has been working to bring its operating system – and interface – to vehicles. And he did it with a product: Android Auto. It is the way to connect your smartphone to the car screen and be able to control everything from it, leaving the mobile screen in the background. In this way, we achieve more safety when driving and, in addition, we can enjoy more information in our vehicle: maps, songs, podcasts, messages, audiobooks, etc.. And all without having to resort directly to the mobile. In addition, to make this even more secure, we can invoke the Google assistant from the car and thus not have to use our hands at any time.
The Android Auto user interface is as if we were using a tablet based on Google's mobile operating system. Besides, the company has been working and the updates are diverse in this infotainment system.
Apps for Android Auto – what can we find in its catalog
Although Android Auto started with few compatible applications to be able to be played on car screens, it is true that new additions have been added to the catalog. And it is that the same developers –and companies behind the associated services– they know that users use the applications a lot in their vehicles and it is a way to get new customers. And therefore, higher income. Hence, now we give you a list of the applications that you will be able to use on the screen of your car.
GPS Apps for Android Auto
Perhaps one of the options most loved by users of these systems is the possibility of using a geolocation system. Because? Well, because most of the options offered by vehicle brands usually have an associated subscription and updates usually take a little longer. Therefore, the best option is to opt for an updated system that is free. Hence the two options that we are going to give you:
Google Maps – the king of geolocation inside and outside the vehicle
Undoubtedly, the option most used by users is the one offered by Google itself. Exactly, we are talking about Google Maps, which more than a GPS geolocation system, could currently be treated as a social network. In addition to allowing you to organize your routes with different alternatives, it also includes information about points of interest. And the best thing: users can contribute their grain of sand by uploading images of these places and writing a short review that will serve as extra information for the entire community.
Waze – another very complete alternative
The other option Android Auto users have is Waze, this veteran can also be used in your vehicle using the system devised by Google. It is another of the alternatives that allow you to be guided through your routes, thus adding a plus with all the warnings and signals that we can see on the screen -here we taught you how to activate the radar warnings–. You need to register to create a user, although it is free.
Sygic – the alternative to have offline maps with a big but
Finally, we also recommend Sygic, another of the good GPS navigators that you can connect to Android Auto, with good cartography and that allows you to download the routes for when your phone does not have coverage. However, Sygic requires a subscription.
Apps to listen to music on Android Auto
Another of the most used functions in the car is the possibility to listen to music. Although in recent times the famous podcasts have been added, as well as the possibility of listening to audiobooks – we will see this in the next section. Well, you can do all this from inside the car's passenger compartment, through your mobile and interacting with the vehicle's screen. We leave you the alternatives available to you:
Spotify – the king of music on streaming
It escapes no one that the most widely used music service in the world is Spotify. Power make your own playlists, search among millions of songs or thousands of artists and all from the same application that will later be reflected on the screen of our car with a very easy to use interface.
Amazon Music – if you are a Prime member it is another alternative service
It is one of the services that you can enjoy if you pay the amazon premium membership, also known as Amazon Prime, where you will have different benefits and access to other services. Amazon Music It is one of them where you can find thousands of songs and share them in your car.
Deezer – the alternative to Spotify
A service very similar to Spotify and that it has a very similar operation. That is to say: you will be able to find music, podcasts and radio stations. Deezer have different plans. One free and one paid -with the family plan to get up to 6 accounts with the same Premium options-. This application will also allow you to take your favorite music to the car.
YouTube Music – Google is also in the music section of Android Auto
Android Auto is the work of Google. And how could it be otherwise, if you are subscribed to YouTube Music You can also enjoy your favorite music through this service that can be free or Premium.
Apps for Android Auto for podcasts, Internet radio and audiobooks
Podcasts and audiobooks are booming in the audio entertainment industry. And that is why there are alternatives so that, in addition to being able to enjoy them in the smartphone, we can also take them to the car. And the alternatives that you have are the following:
Audible – the best option to listen to books in audio format
There are users who have become hooked on the possibility of 'reading' books in audio format. Audible is another of Amazon's products and it has a large catalog of titles in its portfolio. It has a 3-month trial. And if it convinces you, you can spend a monthly subscriber.
Google Play books- the default app for ebooks and audiobooks
It will seem silly to you, but this application should be installed on your Android mobile. Is Google's service for e-books, among which we also find titles in audio format -audiobooks-. So if you use this platform, it is also compatible with Android Auto.
Google Podcasts – a platform dedicated to podcasts
Another of the alternatives that you have to listen to podcasts from the car and with a dedicated interface in Android Auto is Google Podcasts. This car system promoter service also has a platform dedicated to Podcasts programs. If you have them stored on this platform, you can also listen to them -and drive- from the car without problems.
TuneIn – the application par excellence to listen to Internet radio stations
If there is a veteran in the Internet radio sector, it is TuneIn. with millions of stations around the world, it is also compatible with Android Auto. Therefore, it is a good alternative to listen to the news, sports events or, who knows, practice a language that you are studying.
Apps for Android Auto in the instant messaging sector
Text messages -or audio- are the order of the day in terms of relationships with our friends or family. Instant messaging platforms are very relevant in the mobile telephony sector. And, therefore, the alternatives that were compatible with Android Auto and being able to receive alerts on the car screen could not be missing.
WhatsApp – the most popular service among users
Surely you have installed WhatsApp on your mobile. Moreover, the vast majority of users have this service in their smartphone. And therefore, it was expected that it would be compatible with Android Auto. From the screen of your car you can receive all kinds of messages and you can even listen to them, in addition to being able to respond by voice.
Telegram – the other alternative platform to WhatsApp
There are many users who for some reason searched for an alternative to WhatsApp and it was Telegram the one chosen for it. In addition to the channels and possibilities that allow you to control this platform from a computer, Telegram has become a tool in the business field. And it is because of its importance and its constant updates, Telegram is compatible with the Google car system.
Signal – the most secure messaging service of all
If security and anonymity are among your preferences when choosing an instant messaging platform, Signal will be your reference And for your peace of mind, if your car is compatible with Android Auto, you can also manage your messages from this platform this way.
Similarly, if you want more applications, here you have the complete list of applications compatible with Android Auto. This list is updated and new alternatives are added.