Android Auto will finally no longer require a compatible head unit to work

Android Auto is one of the most under utilized features hidden inside Android since Lollipop. Why doesn’t the general population even know it exists? Probably because Android users need a compatible head unit in your car in order to activate it the car-friendly UI. Why? Your guess is as good as ours. With all the amazing car docks available on the market, you’d think converting your phone to a “car mode” would be just one more way Google would want to keep people safe while on the road, but I digress…

While there’s a ton of news coming out of Google I/O, one of the more interesting bits was Google’s sudden change of heart regarding Android Auto. Turns out they reportedly have plans to drop that annoying compatible head unit requirement, instead allowing anyone (Android 5.0+) to open the app and use it like any other. This will finally allow users to take advantage of Android Auto’s mostly hands-free features and keep distractions down to a minimum while driving.

Google is also planning on introducing new features like voice activation for Google Now, Waze integration, and the ability to “beam” the in-car interface to supported devices (WiFi support required). With Android Auto headed to 40 car models this year and 19 new countries things seem to be on the up and up.

Download on Google Play: Android Auto

[via Engadget]