Hey Google, fix android auto

Key Takeaways

• Google must ensure a consistent user experience between cars and phones for security.
• The company should improve caller display to announce calls and avoid distractions.
• It should also add a toggle to pause audio playback between drives to enable silence.

For many people, Android Auto, along with Apple Car Play, has replaced the infotainment system that comes with their car with something that is an extension of their phone. While we have seen Android Auto flourish, there are several areas where Google could improve the experience.

1 Different car, different experience

A seamless experience all around

In the past, one of the arguments I used to have with Apple users was about the isolation of Android across brands. Basically, with Apple devices, everyone has the same experience. While I think that’s dumb when it comes to phones and tablets, I don’t want a different user experience between cars and Android hands when I’m driving.

I want all the buttons and settings to be in one place.

I want all the buttons and settings to be in one place. There should be no learning curve. If I have to be self-conscious about looking at a certain setting or control when I’m driving, that’s a problem. Google has already taken significant steps to integrate the Android Auto experience, but the company can do more. Since it’s a car, you’d want the buttons to be in one place for safety reasons alone. I can’t count how many times I’ve gone into the rental and had to find the action buttons, only to repeat the process in Android Auto.

2 Caller ID

Someone is calling. Don’t look now.

Some of us use our phones to call, and some of us adults let our phones ring loudly.

When someone calls and their name appears on the screen, one thing has to happen and the other I wish it didn’t. First, I’d like to hear Android Auto automatically announce the caller. Sure, you can get your phone to do that, but it’s a royal pain in the butt to change the settings every time I get in and out of the car manually. Google, please fix this; help the drivers keep our eyes on the road.

Also, why does Android Auto overlay your navigation app to show the name of the person calling you? Can you change this, Google? A small bubble notification is fine, or like I said, an audio announcement with the option to answer or reject the call with your voice would be nice. While we’re on the subject, an option to Decline or Reply, perhaps Send to Voicemail, would be new Google Gemini AI help here?

3 Pause the music between drives

Stop it

One of my biggest annoyances with Android Auto involves audio playback. music, podcasts whatever you last played in the car, the sound will continue when you reinstall it, like it or not.

Also, a simple change in a certain area can do wonders.

While that is good in some cases, it can be harmful in others. In the morning, for example, I want to run quietly. The last thing I need is the explosion of a Formula 1 postman on my morning commute.

Also, a simple change in a certain area can do wonders.

4 Hear what I’m saying

Yelling doesn’t help, obviously

I’m not American. I am English. There are times when Google Assistant it will be difficult to understand what I am saying unless I say it in an American way. If you get a chance to meet me and ask me to do an American accent, remember that I was raised on Dirty Harry and John Wayne movies. Apparently, Google doesn’t find this helpful either.

To be honest, the poor speech recognition is not 100% limited to Android Auto, but the car is the place where I hear the worst of what Google has to offer, and the place where accuracy is most important.