Google announced that any smartphone device running the Android 11 operating system will be able to connect to Android Auto.
Quoting The Verge, Google’s updated Android Auto support page now notes that ‘any smartphone with Android 11.0’ will be able to connect to Android Auto wirelessly.
Apart from Google and Samsung smartphones, which have been able to connect to Android Auto, smartphones from a number of technology manufacturers, such as LG, Motorola and OnePlus will also receive support for the service when Android 11 is officially released later this year.
However, Android 11 support for wireless Android Auto comes with a number of requirements, i.e the user must have an Android Auto smartphone and head unit that supports 5GHz WiFi.
For users living in Japan or Russia, they will not have access because according to Google the region does not support the Android Auto wireless feature.
In fact, in the United Arab Emirates, there is an additional requirement, with Google saying Android smartphones in the country using 5GHz WiFi in the car must ‘comply with additional regulatory requirements’.
Meanwhile, quoted from Phone Arena, countries that can support the service include the US, UK, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, South Africa, South Korea, Spain and Taiwan.
Android Auto basically transfers smartphone features and capabilities to a car-compatible entertainment system, making it easier for users to drive without missing what happens to their smartphone.
Apps and services available on Android Auto, including WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook Messenger, Spotify, and YouTube Music.
