Android Auto
TechnologieAverage price
Inclus de série ou en option (300€ - 1500€)
Android Auto is a software interface developed by Google that projects and adapts the display of an Android smartphone's applications onto a vehicle's infotainment system screen. Designed for safety, it minimizes driving distractions by offering a streamlined interface with large icons and powerful voice commands via Google Assistant. Drivers can access essential functions without taking their eyes off the road: real-time navigation with Google Maps or Waze, call and message management (SMS, WhatsApp), and listening to a wide range of audio content (music, podcasts, audiobooks) from apps like Spotify, Deezer, or YouTube Music. The connection between the phone and the car is traditionally made via a USB cable, but a growing number of recent models offer a wireless connection (Android Auto Wireless) for added convenience. An automotive industry standard, Android Auto is now integrated by the majority of manufacturers, including Renault, Peugeot, and Volkswagen, making it essential equipment for a modern, connected, and safe driving experience.
Benefits
- ✓Enhanced safety through a simplified interface and voice commands.
- ✓Real-time GPS navigation with apps like Google Maps and Waze.
- ✓Simplified access to calls, messages, and notifications without handling the phone.
- ✓Broad ecosystem of music, podcast, and audiobook applications.
Learn more
What is Android Auto? Definition and purpose
Android Auto is a technology developed by Google that allows you to "project" a simplified version of your Android smartphone, optimized for driving, onto your car's infotainment screen. The main objective is to give you access to your favorite applications safely, while minimizing distractions. Gone are the days of having to handle your phone to start a route or change the music. With Android Auto, everything is accessible via large icons on the vehicle's touchscreen or, even better, by voice thanks to Google Assistant integration.
How does Android Auto work?
The principle is simple: your car's system acts as an external display for your phone, which does all the heavy lifting. There are two ways to connect your smartphone:
- Wired connection (USB): This is the most common method. Simply plug your Android phone into your vehicle's USB port using a good-quality cable. The car automatically detects the phone and launches the Android Auto interface on the central screen.
- Wireless connection: A growing number of recent vehicles and smartphones are compatible with wireless Android Auto. The connection is established via Wi-Fi after an initial Bluetooth pairing. This offers superior ease of use, as you no longer need to take your phone out of your pocket or bag.
Key features for connected driving
Android Auto transforms your driving experience by integrating essential smartphone features in an intuitive way.
- Smart Navigation: Enjoy the power of Google Maps or Waze directly on a large screen. You benefit from real-time traffic information, alternative route suggestions, speed camera alerts, and points of interest search (gas stations, restaurants, etc.).
- Hands-Free Communication: Make and receive calls using steering wheel controls or your voice. Google Assistant can read your SMS, WhatsApp, or Messenger messages aloud and allow you to reply by dictating your text, without ever touching your phone.
- Entertainment on Demand: Access your favorite playlists, albums, and podcasts from apps like Spotify, Deezer, YouTube Music, or Amazon Music. The interface is simplified for quick and safe navigation.
- Google Assistant, your co-pilot: Voice control is at the heart of the experience. Simply say "Hey Google" to request directions, make a call, send a message, play a song, or ask a question, all while keeping your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.
Compatibility and availability
Today, Android Auto is an industry standard. Virtually all automakers, from Renault and Peugeot to BMW and Mercedes, integrate it as standard or optional equipment in their new models. To use it, you need a compatible vehicle and a smartphone running a recent version of Android (generally Android 6.0 or higher, and Android 11+ for the wireless version). For older vehicles not equipped with the system, it is possible to install an aftermarket head unit (Pioneer, Kenwood, Sony, etc.) compatible with Android Auto to modernize your cabin.
In conclusion, Android Auto is no longer just a gadget, but an essential tool that significantly improves driving safety and enjoyment. By centralizing navigation, communication, and entertainment into an interface designed specifically for the car, it establishes itself as the ideal road companion for any driver with an Android smartphone.
Finitions équipées
46 finition(s) proposent cet équipement
Cupra Cupra León
Cupra 280 (SEAT León III / 5F) (2015-2016)
Dacia Dacia Duster
Techroad (2nd generation) (2019-2021)
Dacia Dacia Jogger
Journey ECO-G (1st generation) (2022-2026)
Dacia Dacia Jogger
Journey Hybrid 140 (1st generation) (2023-2026)
Dacia Dacia Lodgy
Explorer (1st generation) (2016-2018)
Dacia Dacia Logan
Logan MCV Stepway (2nd generation) (2017-2020)
Dacia Dacia Sandero
Explorer (2nd generation - special edition) (2016-2017)
Fiat Fiat 500
Hybrid (facelifted 1st generation) (2020-2024)
Ford Ford Edge
Sport (2nd generation, phase 1) (2016-2018)
Ford Ford Explorer
XLT (5th generation) (2011-2015)
Ford Ford Kuga
Titanium (3rd generation) (2020-2024)
Ford Ford Ranger
Stormtrak (Generation T6.2) (2020-2022)
Ford Ford S-Max
Hybrid ST-Line (2nd generation) (2021-2023)
Ford Ford S-Max
Hybrid Titanium (2nd generation) (2021-2023)
Kia Ceed
Active (3rd generation facelifted CD) (2021-2026)
Land Rover Land Rover Defender
S (2nd generation) (2020-2026)
Land Rover Land Rover Discovery Sport
S (2nd generation) (2019-2026)
Land Rover Land Rover Evoque
R-Dynamic SE (2nd generation) (2019-2026)
Land Rover Land Rover Velar
Velar S (1st generation phase 2) (2021-2026)
Mazda Mazda MX-30
Edition R (1st generation) (2022-2024)
Associated equipment
Multimedia Touchscreen
The multimedia touchscreen, also known as the infotainment system or Human-Machine Interface (HMI), serves as the digital command center in modern vehicles. Positioned in the center of the dashboard, it replaces numerous physical buttons to provide a centralized and interactive graphical interface. Its primary functions include GPS navigation with real-time traffic information, audio source management (DAB+ radio, Bluetooth streaming, USB), and advanced smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, it allows control of essential vehicle settings such as climate control, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), drive modes, and ambient lighting. Technology has evolved from small resistive screens to large, high-resolution capacitive panels (LCD or OLED), offering responsiveness and image quality worthy of high-end tablets. Processing power, provided by high-performance processors, is crucial to ensuring a fluid interface. Today, ergonomics (UX) and interface design (UI) are major differentiators, directly influencing the driving experience and the vehicle's perception of modernity.
Wireless Android Auto
Wireless Android Auto is an in-vehicle connectivity technology that mirrors an Android smartphone's interface on a vehicle's infotainment screen, without requiring a physical USB cable connection. A direct evolution of the wired version, this feature uses a direct Wi-Fi connection between the phone and the car to transmit data. Once the initial setup is complete (typically via Bluetooth and USB), the connection is established automatically as soon as the driver enters the vehicle with their phone. Users thus gain seamless and intuitive access to their favorite navigation apps (Google Maps, Waze), music streaming services (Spotify, Deezer), as well as messages and calls, all controllable via the vehicle's touchscreen, steering wheel controls, or Google Assistant. This technological advancement significantly improves user comfort by eliminating cable clutter and simplifying the connected driving experience. It is often paired with a wireless charging pad for a 100% cord-free solution, where the phone connects and charges simultaneously.
Apple CarPlay
Apple CarPlay is an in-vehicle system developed by Apple that mirrors an optimized iPhone interface on the vehicle's infotainment screen. Designed to enhance safety by minimizing distractions, it offers simplified access to essential applications via the touchscreen, steering wheel controls, or the Siri voice assistant. Key features include GPS navigation (Apple Maps, Waze, Google Maps), call and message management (read and dictated by Siri), as well as listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks (Apple Music, Spotify, etc.). The interface features large icons and streamlined menus designed for quick and intuitive interaction while driving. Initially available via a wired USB connection—which has the advantage of charging the phone—CarPlay has evolved to offer a wireless connection (via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) on recent models, providing superior user convenience. With the latest iOS updates, CarPlay has been enhanced with new features such as a customizable dashboard displaying multiple applications simultaneously and better integration with vehicle displays. Now an essential standard, it is offered by virtually all automakers and represents a major purchasing criterion for many drivers.
Smartphone Mirroring
Smartphone mirroring, also known as screen mirroring, is a technology that allows you to project and control a smartphone interface on a vehicle's infotainment system screen. This feature has become a standard in modern automotive connectivity, primarily embodied by two dominant systems: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The goal is to offer a safer and more intuitive use of essential phone applications while driving. Instead of handling the small smartphone screen, the driver interacts with a simplified interface optimized for in-car use, directly on the larger central screen. Controls can be operated via the vehicle's touchscreen, steering wheel controls, or, even more safely, through voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant. The system provides access to navigation apps (Waze, Google Maps), music apps (Spotify, Deezer), messaging (voice reading of messages), and communication. Connection can be made via a USB cable or, on newer models, wirelessly via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, offering an even more seamless and integrated experience upon entering the vehicle. This technology significantly improves ergonomics and safety, keeping the driver connected to their digital world without compromising attention on the road.
Smart Voice Assistant
The smart voice assistant is a cutting-edge technology integrated into a vehicle's infotainment system, allowing the driver to interact with various car functions through natural language voice commands. Unlike traditional voice control systems that require precise phrases, a smart assistant uses artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP) to understand complex and contextual queries. Activated by a wake word such as "Hey Mercedes" or "Ok BMW", it can manage navigation, control climate settings, change audio sources, make calls, and even answer general knowledge questions by connecting to the internet. This technology aims to improve safety by allowing the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road, while offering an unmatched level of comfort and ergonomics. It often integrates with the manufacturer's connected services, enabling over-the-air (OTA) updates and continuous learning of user habits for an increasingly personalized experience.