if you’re here, you’ve probably heard the news: android auto for phone screens is about to go, soon to be replaced entirely with assistive driving mode (accessed via google settings). maps). this affects users of android 12 and up and leaves many people wanting an automatic android alternative.
To be clear, the end of android auto only applies to the phone app version, not the version that is built into your car’s dashboard. but if you don’t have android auto in your car and now you’re looking for an alternative on your phone, these are your best options.
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1. google maps
yeah, it might seem obvious, but since part of the downfall of android auto is the fact that people just didn’t use it in favor of google maps’ built-in navigation functionality, it’s worth reiterating. Also, there are already signs that Android Auto features are being integrated into Google Maps and Google Assistant.
Now that android auto is about to die, most users will probably go straight to google maps, whose driving mode does pretty much the same job. you can use voice commands, call your contacts, play music and get traffic updates.
When you’re in google maps driving mode on android 12, you’ll now see an assistant bar at the bottom, which will listen to your voice commands just like android auto did.
2 automate
automate is one of the best alternatives to android auto. the app has a clean and easy to use user interface. The app is quite similar to Android Auto, although it comes with more features and customization options than Android Auto.
automate allows you to make a call using your voice or by touching the number, send messages, etc. In addition, you can also play music using only voice commands. GPS functionality is also great at automation, and you can easily navigate to a desired location using voice commands.
the dashboard displays a speedometer, weather updates, media controls, shortcuts to your widgets, etc. the premium version of the app unlocks hands-free gestures, traffic camera alerts, custom wallpapers, and more.
3. autozen
autozen is another one of the top rated auto android alternatives. uses voice commands for certain tasks, such as calling your contacts, checking the weather, setting up navigation, controlling your favorite music player, and more.
plus, you can use your voice to reply to messages while staying focused on the road. The app shows turn-by-turn navigation, speed cameras and alerts, and available speed limits on the map. it also allows you to do things like customize the app drawer.
You can access your calendar events with a single touch. there are several other options that you can customize to your preferences. Notably, the app also has light and dark theme options.
4. driving mode
drivemode focuses more on providing important features rather than providing a lot of unnecessary features. allows users to use their voice to answer or make calls, control music, reply to messages, and more.
do not disturb mode lets you ignore calls or messages and focus on the road. you can set the driving mode app to start automatically when you start driving, which is pretty nifty!
Overall, you can integrate many of your favorite apps with the driving mode interface, including navigation apps, music apps, messaging apps, and voice assistant apps, to make your driving more comfortable and distraction-free .
5. waze
waze navigation app is just behind google maps in popularity. is one of the trusted navigation apps used by millions all over the world. The app gives you real-time information about traffic, construction, police, accidents, and more. the app intelligently changes the route if it detects traffic in your direction. waze is easy to use and offers various customization options.
For example, you can enable the speedometer and speed limit functions from the settings menu. The app also keeps you up to date on the toll costs on your route and your eta and also shows the cheapest gas stations along your route, which is very convenient.
You can also play your favorite songs with your favorite music app directly from the waze app. bored with the same voice of the assistant? can switch to one of a variety of voices to guide you as you take the wheel.
6. car dashboard
You can use car dashdroid as a car home screen replacement to give it a new appeal. car dashdroid gives you quick access to popular apps like whatsapp and telegram. You can also reply to incoming messages with your voice without touching your phone.
Customize the app home screen with your favorite apps and also change the dashboard screen theme for a personal touch. car mode, when activated, offers huge icons, a group app folder, intuitive music controls, a speedometer, a compass and much more.
The dashboard also shows you the current weather, temperature, battery, etc. you can set over 40 shortcuts that include directions to a particular place, open a specific playlist, or send a pre-written message.
Also read:
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so now that android auto is going away, it’s time to adapt and grab one of the above apps. For more control over your android phone, check out how to stop apps running in the background. Or, if your allegiance to Android extends to your TV, check out our list of the best Android TV apps.