best apps for Android Auto.Android Auto is a very convenient solution, it is a standard designed by Google to allow communication between our smartphone and the information and entertainment system of compatible modern cars. The idea is really interesting: to prevent the driver from using the phone, the phone’s functions and part of its applications are moved to the big screen of the car’s entertainment system.
In this article we will see which are the best applications for Android Auto divided by type of applications and that, having implemented compatibility with Android Auto, can be used comfortably in the car (equipped with the appropriate interface).
To use Android Auto you do not need any configuration, if you have a compatible system you just have to connect the phone through the USB cable (or Bluetooth, even so the compatibility extends to a low number of terminals). If you don’t have a compatible system, you can always use Android Auto directly from your smartphone through the convenient application.
The best apps for Android Auto
First of all we can only point out the section of the Google Play Store dedicated to applications compatible with Android Auto.
Accessing this section is very simple, from the Android Auto application, you just have to press the menu button on the upper left and then the “Android Auto Application”.
The best navigation apps
Navigation is essential in an application dedicated to in-car use. In addition to the always convenient Google Maps (which we find pre-installed on most Android devices), you can install the much-loved Waze.
Both apps report traffic information and support voice commands, so you don’t have to take your hands off the wheel. If you want to try it, you can download Waze for free directly from the Play Store.
If you want to try other navigation apps for Android, please see our dedicated article.
Applications to manage messages with Android Auto
In Android Auto WhatsApp is well supported, you can send and receive messages simply with your voice. The most popular messaging apps are also supported:
- Facebook Messenger;
- Telegram;
- Signal;
- Skype;
The latter also supports video calls.
SMS applications with Android Auto
After the messaging apps we have to talk about the old and dear text messages. They are directly supported by Android Auto without the need for third-party applications.
You can listen to the content of the SMS read by the voice of the Google Assistant and you can reply to the messages using voice commands.
If you want to have more options, you can opt for the great SMS Pulse, you can find it for free directly in the Play Store.
Applications to listen to music with Android Auto
There are many options to listen to our favorite music in the car. You can listen to music locally (that is, the songs downloaded to our phone) through the handy Google Play Music.
If you are not convinced by Google Music, there are many good alternatives to listen to your mp3s, the best applications are:
- DoubleTwist Audio;
- MediaMonkey;
- JetAudio;
- Press Music Player.
If instead of local music (that is, downloaded to your mp3 phone) you prefer to listen to streaming music, almost all services are compatible with Android Auto. Here is a quick list:
- Spotify;
- Deezer;
- Amazon Music (it’s free if you have Amazon Prime).
They all work well with voice commands, which allow you to start playback and choose a playlist.
Application to listen to the radio with Android Auto
An Internet radio has some important advantages, although the data consumption is not impressive, it allows you to keep the same station while traveling without having to worry about signal drops or frequency changes between different areas.
In addition, through online radios you have free access to an infinitely greater choice than what you can achieve through FM: you can find radios from all countries, dedicated to the type of music that you prefer or that talk about the subject you want. you are interested in (news, sports, politics).
The best applications dedicated to radio compatible with Android Auto are:
- Simple radius;
- My tuner;
- Tune in.
Podcast apps with Android Auto
It is also convenient to listen to podcasts, they are recorded clips that can be enjoyed on demand. You can find podcasts on all topics, from political to sports-talking to historical. If you are passionate about podcasts, you will have no problem using the best car applications, here are the best compatible solutions:
- Google Podcast;
- Republic of Podcast;
- Podcast and Radio Addicted;
- Stitcher – Podcast Player.
Application to listen to audiobooks with Android Auto
Even listening to audiobooks can be good company on the go, which is why there are many solutions supported by Android Auto:
- Google Books;
- Audible (with monthly subscription);
- AudioBooks.com.
