Android Auto

As with Android TV, Android Auto can run many apps designed originally for mobile devices. Of course, with in-car software, safety is the overwhelming priority, which is why most Auto apps concentrate on audio functions, such as messaging and music.

Note

Because of the emphasis on safety, Android Auto apps have to undergo stringent testing before they can be published.

It barely needs mentioning that safety is the overriding principle when developing in-car apps, and for this reason, Android Auto applications nearly all fall into two categories: music or audio players and messaging.

All applications require extensive testing during the development phase. Obviously, it would be impractical and highly dangerous to test an Auto app on a live device, and for this reason Auto API simulators are provided. These can be installed from the SDK manager's tools tab.

Auto safety considerations

Many of the rules governing Auto safety are simple common sense, avoid animations, distractions...