Google is killing Android Auto for phone screens

Virtually a year in the past, the tech big minimize the plug on the Android Vehicle for cell phone screens for buyers of Android 12, redirecting them to Google’s Assistant driving mode. Now, Google is shutting down the application altogether.

If end users of Android 11 and more mature variations open up the app, they’ll see the following, terse concept: “Android Auto for cellphone screens will quit functioning soon”

Here’s a screenshot of my Xiaomi Redmi 11 (operating on Android 11), when I open up it:

The application is nonetheless usable, but the message reappears each time it’s activated. And there are no even more facts as to how soon “soon” essentially is.

In a statement to 9to5google, Google verified that the application is getting carried out away with, but didn’t share any facts about when it is heading to stop performing:

For the persons who use Android Automobile in supported automobiles, that encounter is not likely absent — and in fact we introduced an future important UI advancement lately at Google I/O. For individuals who use the on phone practical experience (Android Automobile mobile application), they will be transitioned to Google Assistant driving mode which is our upcoming evolution of the mobile driving knowledge. We have no more specifics to share at this time.

This mainly signifies that either you will acquire a car or truck with Android Auto as a built-in aspect, or you are going to have to switch to the Google Assistant driving mode.

The Assistant driving mode has undoubtedly appear a extended way due to the fact its original start. It brings together Google Maps and Assistant, each of which integrate a variety of media apps. It appears to be like a lot more present day and can more or less cope with the exact same things.

Continue to, it’s not really as polished as Android Car nonetheless, and to activate it you’ll want to enter a spot into Google Maps — something that isn’t constantly needed and is not necessary in Android Car.

Presumably, you’ll be able to proceed making use of Android Auto in areas where by Google’s Assistant driving method isn’t obtainable nonetheless. So delight in it while you can, and if you’d like to swap from Google, it’s time to get started searching for a alternative.