14 DAY TRIAL // Google is apparently a lot more committed to Android Auto in the last few months, and after rolling out a major overhaul earlier this year, the search giant is now working on improving the connectivity side as well.
Because everybody hates cables, Google has recently added support for more phones in Android Auto Wireless, albeit as the title says, this isn’t necessarily good news for everyone.
First of all, it’s important to note that previously, only Google’s own phones were supported for Android Auto Wireless. This means the system was only available with Nexus 5X or 6P, Google Pixel or Pixel XL, Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL, and Pixel 3 or Pixel 3 XL.
Starting recently, if you want to use Android Auto Wireless with a non-Google phone, you can do this with Samsung flagships, as Google has added support for Galaxy S8 and S8+, Galaxy S9 and S9+, Galaxy S10 and S10+, Note 8, Note 9, and Note 10.
Head unit must support Android Auto Wireless
In other news, the last few generations of Samsung flagships now work with Android Auto Wireless, and Android 8.0 or higher is required. Android Auto app version must be at least version 4.7 for the two devices to pair. Samsung phones must be running Android 9.0 or higher to work with Android Auto without a cable.
Leaving aside that only Samsung’s latest-generations high-end smartphones are being added to the list of Android Auto Wireless supported devices, it’s very important to know that your car still requires a wireless head unit. This can be anything from a genuine factory-installed head unit to an aftermarket version that is compatible with Android Auto Wireless.
So if you couldn’t use Android Auto wirelessly before because of head unit limitations, this recent update won’t make any difference anyway.
Of course, Google hasn’t said a single word about this silent update, so nobody can tell for sure if more phones are in the process of being added to the supported list or this is it.
Via AP