Checking your phone while driving is risky, and that’s where Android Auto comes in handy. It allows you to use some of the best features of Android phones on your car’s infotainment system without sacrificing safety.
After setting up Android Auto, the first step will be to get the apps you need to stay connected, entertained, and informed without losing focus.
Android Auto has support for some of the widely popular apps that most people use on their handsets. While these are packed with features, Android Auto is also compatible with some lesser-known but powerful apps that let you do more.
Here are sevem such underrated apps that deserve a spot on your Android Auto dashboard.
7
SpotHero
Knowing where the parking lot is can save you from last-minute hassles, especially if you’re going somewhere busy or unfamiliar.
So, it’s always a good idea to book a spot to park your car well in advance to avoid waiting ages and paying a lot more than the regular price.
SpotHero not only finds you a parking space, it also allows you to book one. You may also be lucky and pay much less than the regular parking rates if you find and apply deals.
Finding and booking a parking space is pretty simple with SpotHero. To get things started, find and buy a reservation using the SpotHero mobile app.
You’ll also be able to make changes to your reservation, such as changing the vehicle, but those have to be made before using the app with Android Auto.
After making those changes, you can use the SpotHero app on your car’s dashboard to view the booking details, navigate to the facility, and open the booking details on the mobile app.
6
TomTom Go
Android without Google apps can cause some inconvenience, but it’s possible. This is also true in the case of Android Auto.
However, if you don’t like Google Maps launching automatically when Android Auto starts, it’s worth checking out the TomTom Go navigation app.
One of the standout features of TomTom Go is its interface. It’s easy to use and gets the job done, from providing users with traffic information and speed camera alerts to allowing you to download detailed 3D Maps.
TomTom also takes care of your safety on the road by imposing certain restrictions if you use TomTom Go via Android Auto.
The number of results for Search, Favourites, and More recents is limited to six to prevent you from scrolling too much while driving. Map interaction is also limited while you drive.
5
MyRadar
Unlike in the case of Android phones, you won’t see a lot of weather apps on Android Auto, because it’s only been two years since the support was added.
However, this was enough time for ACME AtronOmatic to let users run the MyRadar app on their car’s infotainment system.
MyRadar is a powerful weather app that provides you with information about the upcoming weather conditions and high-definition radar visuals of weather patterns.
It also has a feature called RouteCast, specifically designed to provide real-time weather conditions along a specific travel route. It can also act like a mapping app with touch support.
While MyRadar is available to all for free, certain features like RouteCast are available only to paid users.
4
Fuelio
One of the biggest real-life hassles of owning a car is keeping track of the cost of running and maintaining it.
The Fuelio app doesn’t fix all of this, but it does allow you to track car expenses, auto service, your fill-ups, consumption, car mileage, costs, and fuel prices.
The app requires input from the users to provide the information.
You’ll enter basic details like fuel type, odometer reading, amount of fuel, and price per unit to let Fuelio calculate fuel consumption, cost per mile, and how much you spend on fuel per month.
However, not everything requires your input. Fuelio can record the distance traveled, route map, time of the fill-up, and locate nearby fuel stations.
If the app is missing a gas station in your area, you can add a gas station from the app or email the developers.
3
Podcast Addict
Podcast Addict has everything you need, making it one of the best podcast apps on Android.
You can also take that awesome podcast listening experience to your car, thanks to Podcast Addict’s Android Auto support.
The Podcast Addict Android Auto app isn’t as feature-rich as the one available on your Android phone, but the number is large enough to make your podcast listening experience great when driving.
It can display podcasts on your car’s infotainment screen, allows you to control playback from the car’s interface and play downloaded episodes offline, and keeps track of your listening progress, and more.
Like other Android Auto apps, Podcast Addict prioritizes driver safety. To keep the distraction minimal, it doesn’t allow users to access certain features from the car’s screen, including the ability to manage subscriptions.
2
Plexamp
Listening to music while driving may not be universally enjoyed, but it’s a long and monotonous journey.
While most people choose popular options like Spotify and YouTube Music for music streaming, Plexamp gives you more control over your playlists.
Unlike the popular music streaming app, Plexamp is powered by your own Plex Media Server. So, you’ll first have to install the Plex Media Server on your computer or NAS to add music files to it.
After adding your favorite music tracks, you can stream or download them for offline listening from your phone or your car’s infotainment system. However, the download feature requires a paid subscription.
If you buy a Plex Pass subscription, you’ll also get access to other premium features like gapless playback, better EQ, and more. All these premium features are available on your car’s screen, too.
1
Telegram
WhatsApp is arguably the most popular messenger service in the world, but if you want something more privacy-focused, Telegram is a great option.
Telegram supports Android Auto, and the functionality is as good on your car’s screen as its rivals like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger when it comes to sending and receiving messages.
Telegram isn’t as popular as Meta’s services, but the app has more granular control over privacy settings. It also allows you to send and receive messages using your voice via Google Assistant.
Android Auto is an extension of your phone with safety in mind
Unlike Android phones, Android Auto doesn’t have millions of apps to keep you safe on the road.
Some of Google’s widely popular entertainment apps aren’t supported on Android Auto. For example, you can’t access YouTube on Android Auto.
However, Fermata allows you to run those apps that aren’t officially available on Android Auto by default, including YouTube.
You’ll need to install Fermata through sideloading or by using app launchers like AAAD (Android Auto Apps Downloader).
However, it’s worth keeping in mind that the app is no longer in active development. Fermata doesn’t align with Android Auto’s safety guidelines, either.
While video apps are officially coming to Android Auto, the video playback won’t be available when the car is moving.
While Android Auto’s app library is deliberately limited, you can still get a lot done. The above picks are among the best to make your in-car experience great, while also prioritizing safety.
