Google Launches Android Auto in India

Bolstering Android Auto's availability across the globe, Google recently announced the infotainment system's availability in India and 17 other countries. First unveiled in June 2014, the infotainment system offers features such as calling, voice controls, maps, music playback, messaging, etc. Similar to Apple CarPlay, Google is now offering it in India, Russia, Brazil, Austria, Colombia, and Switzerland among others.

Google's Android Auto allows users to connect their smartphones, and thus provides access to apps like Google Maps. Medium of connectivity includes Google Now voice assistant, steering-mounted controls, and dashboard touchscreen controls. Interestingly, the system locks the user's phone in order to minimize distraction for the driver. In case you want to read about Android Auto Vs Apple CarPlay, click here.

To be able to use Android Auto, folks will need a compatible infotainment system, a USB port, an Android smartphone with version 5.0 (Lollipop) or above, and finally a USB cable.

While Mahindra had announced Android Auto support for XUV500 and Scorpio last year, other manufacturers are expected to follow suit soon. Furthermore, car stereo manufacturers like Kenwood and Pioneer are also likely to introduce compatible systems in the near future.