I spend most of my day at my desk, so I like the idea of having a dedicated dashboard near my monitor. Be it to control music playback, control the lights in my study, or show upcoming calendar appointments.
While I have a tablet sitting near my keyboard, I wanted something geared towards quick access instead of a full-fledged app drawer. Something that takes the Android Auto-style approach.
That thought got me thinking. Why not use Android Auto as a dashboard? Using an open source app called Open HeadUnit, I’ve been running Android Auto on spare phones and tablets mounted to a fixed charger or a MagSafe dock.
It’s become the perfect desk companion for everyday interactions without the distractions that come with a full-fledged tablet.
Android Auto turned out to be the dashboard I was looking for
The distraction-free design works great on a desk
I had a few simple requirements when I started looking at dashboard options.
I wanted essential information such as incoming emails, messages, and calendar appointments to show up. Weather would be a nice-to-have. If the dashboard can handle smart home controls, it’s borderline perfect.
What I didn’t want was an extension of my computer with system stats and news feeds. I have enough ways to get that information.
Android Auto handles all of my requirements with minimal caveats.
Turns out, the philosophy behind building an interface that’s intentionally simple because it’s built to minimize distractions while driving translates beautifully to a desk.
All I did was install an app called Open HeadUnit. You might remember it as Headunit Revived. The app offers a few modes.
You can pair it with another phone using USB or Wi-Fi to act as a remote front end for Android Auto, or you can use it in self mode to trigger Android Auto on the device.
I use it over USB for a reliable connection between my phone and the tablet on my desk. One tap of a button and I have the full-fledged Android Auto setup running on my desk.
Coming to the experience of using Android Auto on a desk, here’s where it gets interesting. The map that occupies most of the display isn’t all that useful. However, everything else around it is exactly what I need.
For example, media controls that are always available let me control the music playing back over my streamer. I can pause, skip, or play a track again without reaching for my oh-too-distracting phone.
The notification system is equally useful. Instead of mirroring every notification, I only get the critical ones. Moreover, unlike my phone, if I get an Instagram message, I’m not tempted to reply because I can’t. There’s no Instagram app on Android Auto.
Meanwhile, essential information like calendar reminders, messages, and important alerts show up when needed. It’s neat and non-intrusive.
The feature that ties this together is the voice controls. I can ask it to start playing a track, reply to a message, or make a call without breaking my flow.
Since Gemini taps into Google Home, I use it to control my smart home. It’s very convenient.
If you like using Focus modes and the Do Not Disturb feature, you’ll love using Android Auto as a dashboard.
If you’re trying to cut down on the noise around you, be it through incessant notifications or distractions, Android Auto is a shoo-in. The dashboard isn’t designed to launch everyday distractions like Reddit and Instagram.
Quiz
Android Auto trivia
The ultimate challenge
From launch day to the latest features — how well do you really know Google’s in-car platform?
History
In what year was Android Auto first announced by Google?
History
Which car manufacturer was the first to ship a production vehicle with built-in Android Auto support?
Features
What is the name of the feature that allows Android Auto to work without a physical cable connection to the car?
Navigation
Which of the following navigation apps was NOT officially supported on Android Auto at launch in 2015?
Compatibility
What is the minimum Android version required to run Android Auto on a phone as of its standalone app era?
Apps
Which messaging app was among the first third-party apps to be supported on Android Auto at launch?
Features
What major redesign did Android Auto receive in 2022 that changed its visual layout significantly?
History
Google discontinued the phone-screen version of Android Auto in 2023, replacing it with what product for direct phone use?
Your Score
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It’s not perfect, but it gets close enough
A persistent map makes no sense on a desktop dashboard
Earlier in this article, I mentioned that there’s one caveat to using Android Auto as a dashboard. That’s Google Maps. There’s no escaping the persistent map widget on the dashboard.
It makes sense since Android Auto is designed for in-car use. On my desk, I’d happily replace it with a clock or weather information. But that’s something you can’t change. Thankfully, you can tuck it away partially.
Despite that, this is a setup I’ve grown rather fond of. I’m not looking for a productivity dashboard. I need a way to control media playback and keep tabs on my calendar. If I can sneak a peek at incoming messages and control my smart lights, that’s even better.
The hardware helps too. When I’m on my treadmill, I usually mount a phone to a MagSafe mount. Plus, I have a large Android tablet in front of me with a screen size that rivals most in-car units. It’s a great user experience.
The best dashboard that was never meant to be a dashboard
This isn’t the only dashboard solution. It’s a common problem for enthusiasts, and they’ve made multiple attempts to solve it.
Some target stats, while others toss in a full Kanban board. Most tend to be an extension of the desktop. Rarely do dashboards target simplicity.
I know Android Auto isn’t designed for the desk, and it’s not someplace where Google expected it to be used. But combined with Open HeadUnit, it’s solved my dashboard problem, and better than most other solutions.
