I upgraded the head unit in my car recently. The head unit itself runs Android, and it supports Android Auto. So far, I’ve been using Android Auto via bluetooth, and it works great. I have no complaints.

I started using Android Auto just because it seemed logical, but I’m not understanding exactly what the benefits are. Since the head unit runs Android, couldn’t I just install the apps I need on the head unit itself and just tether my phone for internet access? It also supports a 5G connection, so if I installed a SIM card, I don’t think I’d need my phone at all. To be honest, I’m leading toward that; it just seems easier and a lot more straightforward.

I have no complaints about Android Auto, I just don’t really see what it brings to the table other than a layer of abstraction over the head unit’s native interface. It might be worth mentioning that the only thing I do in my car is streaming music and navigation.

What features am I missing? Surely there is a compelling reason for Android Auto to exist.

  • corroded@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
    2·
    6 months ago

    I don’t think I was confused. My head unit falls into the category you mention as “some after-market head units come with Android installed.” It runs a full-featured Android OS, and in addition, it allows me to connect my phone via Android Auto. My question was about the benefits of using Android Auto to connect my phone vs simply using the native Android OS on my head unit.