Hyundai stressed the safety elements of using the system, noting that any given moment during the day in the US around 660,000 people are using their phone or another electronic device while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010. Android Auto helps keep drivers' attention on the road by integrating the driving-related functions of the user's smartphone with the central screen, physical controls and microphone of the car. Furthermore, the smartphone's screen becomes locked, so drivers are not tempted to look down and interact with their phones while Android Auto is in use.
To use Android Auto, car owners need to have a phone running Android 5.0 or higher and download the associated app from Google Play. Once the phone is connected to the car with a micro USB cable, Android apps such as Google Maps, Google Now, messaging, phone calling and Google Play Music will be displayed on the vehicle screen. These applications can be controlled by voice, steering wheel controls and touchscreen. Android Auto also will offer third-party audio apps that owners have on their phones, including iHeartRadio, Spotify, TuneIn, NPR, Stitcher, Skype and TextMe.
Owners of existing 2015 Sonatas with Navigation can get the Android Auto software update free at Hyundai dealers now, and Android Auto will be available online later this summer for download to a USB stick.
