Android Auto, while useful, is something we never think about. After setting up Android Auto on the car, most of us only use it for navigation, music, and receiving calls while in the car. But there’s more to it. Android Auto was designed to be more flexible and fun, making car rides more exciting.
With the right apps, you can achieve that. Your car can become an entertainment hub. Rides can become a jamming session. Waiting time in the parking lot becomes more enjoyable. And in some cases, even soothing and romantic.
YouTube Music
Playlist for every turn and everyone
YouTube Music is a must for me. I have tried multiple music apps, but YouTube Music is the one that gives me the best auto-suggest playlists, which keep the vibes going during long drives.
With YouTube Music, I can import my friend’s playlists or start a radio from any song, keeping the music going. But what’s even better is that with YouTube Premium, I can download songs on my phone for offline jams, ensuring I don’t kill the vibe because of the internet. This is especially useful when driving through areas with poor network coverage.
Audible
Stories and novels on the go
YouTube Music is for when I am with my friends and I want to keep the jam going. But when I am commuting alone, I prefer listening to books and series. That’s where Audible shines. It is a service from Amazon that allows me to go through my favorite books, novels, and dramas, all in audio-only format.
This allows me to stay focused on driving without being distracted by a screen. Audible offers a vast library of dramas, novels, and podcasts. In any genre you can imagine, even a solo commute to work can be made thrilling.
Game Snacks
Games for you to park and play
If you have Android Auto working on your car, you’ve probably seen this app in the launcher. Game Snacks allows me to play games while my car is parked. It has a huge library of games that’s constantly updated with new ones, including puzzles, strategy games, and even some classic arcade games. So even if you’ve played all the listed games, you will find a new one in no time.
Game Snacks requires an internet connection to launch every game. Eventually, you will even encounter ads, but they are short and often reward you with in-game items, which makes up for the loss. All in all, Game Snacks is a great way to pass the time while hanging out in a parking spot.
While the games and media are great, do not play games or stream videos while driving. Always practice safe driving.
WhatsApp
Keep in check with communication
Communication is important even when in a car, and WhatsApp is one messenger app that I always keep on my Android Auto app list. If it’s not, you can add its shortcut from the Android Auto Settings. Texting and driving is never advisable, which is why I prefer WhatsApp as my messaging app.
WhatsApp, with its voice-to-text input and the capability to announce incoming messages, makes sure that I stay connected without compromising my safety. You can select which messages you want to be read aloud, giving you control over your communication while driving.
Car Fireplace
Warm ambiance wherever you go
Car Fireplace is an Android Automotive app that lets you take a relaxing break while in the car. It presents your car screen with a soothing fire, along with a gentle burning fire sound that surrounds you using all the speakers of your vehicle, creating a calming and peaceful atmosphere.
The Car Fireplace app is exceptionally effective when you are tired from long driving sessions, as it allows you to take a short break. You don’t need to leave your seat, park your vehicle, launch the app, and let the flickering flames and crackling sound take care of your fatigue.
VLC for Android
All-in-one player for interruption-free jamming
Not everyone buys a premium subscription for YouTube; that’s where VLC comes into play. If you already own songs offline on your phone, which I usually tend to do, VLC is the one media player I use and recommend for Android Auto users. It offers a responsive and neat interface that is easy to navigate on car screens.
Ease of access is one thing, but network fluctuations and unavailability, especially when I’m on the road, are a huge deal breaker for me, as they can cause songs to play in lower quality or worse, not play at all. VLC for Android solves all these issues by letting you play media stored offline on Android Auto.
Pocket Cast
An app for everything Podcast
Audible is great if you want to listen to books or series. But when it comes to podcasts, Pocket Cast is a must. It features a vast library of podcasts, interviews, and stories I can listen to when driving. For me, it’s an all-in-one podcast app that helps me listen to conversations while I’m on the go.
It features some neat functions, such as continue listening and library browsing, right from the Android Auto screen, allowing me to change stations or podcast channels even while driving without being too distracted.
Make your ride more fun with Android Auto
Most of us believe that Android Auto comes stock with a strong emphasis on navigation, often sidelining the fun factor in drives. But with these apps, you can transform your Android Auto experience and elevate its fun factor.
