In 2015, the Android Auto app was first presented for automobiles. The app is used for maps, navigation, and music playback for Android users without any agitation. It enabled users to access bigger UI features to provide a much better watching experience. But Google has now shut down the Android Auto for phone screens and users will not be able to use the app anymore.
However, the actual Android App is now restricted to in-car advertisement systems. It isn’t more surprising because the company stopped offering a car-optimized UI in the app for the last couple of years. It is noteworthy that the Android Auto for phone screens wasn’t compatible with Android 12. The app began showing a message a few days ago that it will stop working very soon.
The recent change has become official and the app has entirely stopped working even on the old Android smartphone versions. Moreover, Google will not entirely disable the entire options. The tech giant is encouraging people to use the Driving Mode of Google Assistant on their smartphone screens as a replacement.
Google Assistant Driving Mode is a Replacement
The newly offered mode has a similar UI feature with large options, but it isn’t a complete replacement. Keep in mind that Google Assistant Driving Mode isn’t simple to launch because you will not find a specific icon in the app tray like Android Auto. If you need to use the app, you must initiate a command such as “Hey Google, launch Driving Mode”.
However, another drawback is that you can’t use the app in landscape mode, which is considered a major disadvantage. But it will offer support for various music services with limited options. Samsung also offered a car-optimized UI but the company terminated the option when Google launched Android Auto app.
App Will Go Away Soon Message
Meanwhile, 9to5google also reported that Google has officially said goodbye to the version of the Android Auto app. The app was available on Android smartphones but is now only available for car screens. The outlet said the Android Auto was first presented in 2015. The app was available for Android smartphones and compatible vehicles.
Google has now decided to pull the app but offered Android Auto for phone Screens to fill the gap. The company also confirmed that its replacement is still in the development phase. The Android Auto app started showing a message earlier this month that the app will go away soon. It is worth noting that Google discontinued Android Auto for Phone Screens on Android 12 running devices in 2021.
Android Auto App isn’t Available Android 11 & Older Versions
The company confirmed that it will not allow the Phone Screens app for everyone, but didn’t mention its complete termination. However, the Android 11 and previous versions have stopped working the Android Auto for Phone Screens. If you have already installed the app, it will immediately redirect to the Android Auto settings page after you launch.
The Android Auto settings page says the platform is just available for car screens. Google also pointed out that the company has offered Google Assistant Driving Mode as a replacement. However, Google Assistant’s Driving Mode experienced a significant delay in release in 2021. It offers a different UI than was first announced in 2019. Moreover, Driving Mode in Google Assistant is considered an immediate replacement for Android Auto.