Wireless Android Auto arrives on Pixel & Nexus devices
Select Android users can now use Android Auto without a USB cable. Until now, in order for the driver to use Android Auto with their devices, smartphones were required to be connected via cable at all times. Now, however, after a number of previous leaks hinting at the feature, wireless support is now available, albeit to a limited number of device owners.
In order to gain access to the feature, drivers must own either a Pixel device, be it a first or second generation smartphone, or a Nexus 5X or 6P. In addition to this, the devices in question must be running stock Android 8.0 Oreo or higher and have at least version 3.1 of the official Android Auto app installed. However, those who want to take advantage of the feature will still be required to connect their phones via USB cable in order to go through the initial setup process. Presently, it’s unclear if the new feature support will implement any performance improvements other than removing the hassle of having to connect a smartphone up via USB cable, although some people expect device temperatures to remain much lower. It will also remain to be seen how the wireless connectivity affects battery life after a long period of time in the driver’s seat.
It’s worth noting that a member of the Android Auto team confirmed the existence of the feature and also mentioned that the internet giant is working with a number of other manufacturers in the hope of bringing the wireless support to other devices. However, this wider rollout will likely be preceded by a Google I/O announcement next month, so other smartphone owners could still have over a month to wait before they receive the feature.
In order to gain access to the feature, drivers must own either a Pixel device, be it a first or second generation smartphone, or a Nexus 5X or 6P. In addition to this, the devices in question must be running stock Android 8.0 Oreo or higher and have at least version 3.1 of the official Android Auto app installed. However, those who want to take advantage of the feature will still be required to connect their phones via USB cable in order to go through the initial setup process. Presently, it’s unclear if the new feature support will implement any performance improvements other than removing the hassle of having to connect a smartphone up via USB cable, although some people expect device temperatures to remain much lower. It will also remain to be seen how the wireless connectivity affects battery life after a long period of time in the driver’s seat.
It’s worth noting that a member of the Android Auto team confirmed the existence of the feature and also mentioned that the internet giant is working with a number of other manufacturers in the hope of bringing the wireless support to other devices. However, this wider rollout will likely be preceded by a Google I/O announcement next month, so other smartphone owners could still have over a month to wait before they receive the feature.
source: Google Forums via: XDA Developers
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