Audi was among four automakers here demonstrating an implementation of the Android Auto feature, a technology that mirrors Android phone functions on the car’s dashboard.
Unlike implementations of Android Auto in cars with touchscreens, Audi managed to make Android Auto work seamlessly with its indirect Multimedia Interface (MMI) controller. With Android Auto, you use the MMI’s dial to select and choose menu items, and the touchpad to trace letters for alphanumeric entry or to pan and zoom the map display.
Android Auto’s home screen shows tiles relevant to you, such as meetings from your calendar and a history of messages. You can easily scroll through the tiles with the car’s dial, and select any one of them. Entering destinations for navigation is easy. You can quickly enter a destination by voice, or use the MMI controller’s touchpad or dial to enter alphanumeric characters on this screen. You can also pan the map and choose a location.
At time of writing, Android Auto supports four messaging apps, including WhatsApp, Telegram and Android’s native SMS app. Android Auto indicates when a message has come in, and lets the driver decide whether to have Android Auto read it out loud. The driver can then dictate a reply.
Audio apps include music, sports, audio books and news. This screen will show whichever audio apps compatible with Android Auto are currently installed on the connected phone. Android Auto shows the attached phone’s contact list, letting the driver initiate hands-free phone calls.
