Google is now tightening the requirements for Android Auto, so that the program becomes impossible to use on several, older mobile phones. The control system is decisive.
Android Auto is on its way out. At least on several older mobiles. Google has decided to tighten the system requirements for smartphones with the app installed.
In the future, it will no longer be possible to access Android Auto on mobile phones with an older Android-based operating system. Specifically, Google now sets the limit with Android 9 – also called Pie.
Until now, smartphones with Android 8 (Oreo), which was launched in 2017, were also supported by Android Auto. But not anymore.
That's what Auto Bild writes.
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However, the change will probably not affect very many Android Auto users. According to the site 9to5Google, Google itself states that a good six percent of Android-based smartphones run on the software Android 8 or older.
Until now, it has also been the case that Android 8 users have had to physically connect their phones to the car with a USB cable to use Android Auto. Wireless connection is only an option in the software Android 11 and up.
It is not certain that the mobile owners who are now affected by Google's decision will be able to get the program again. At least not on their current cell phones. It is quite normal for smartphone manufacturers to stop supporting their phones after a few years.
Some of these smartphones may be caught in a development that has come to a standstill precisely with Android 8. And then there is not much to do other than buy a new mobile.
However, it is not in all cars that Android Auto – and for that matter the competitor Apple CarPlay – is an option at all. Tesla, for example, does not allow it at all. The same attitude is held by Rivian and the entire General Motors group.
At Mercedes, it is said that they would like to allow both the one and the other third-party-based control system for mobile use in the car. Also in future cars. However, it will not be without limitations. Read more about it here .
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