Android Auto Settings: 5 Must-Knows for a Seamless Drive
I recently made the switch from my trusty 2003 PT Cruiser to a brand-new 2022 Hyundai Tucson, and let me tell you, the technological leap was a game-changer. One of the biggest surprises was Android Auto, a feature I had never used before. At first, I was a bit overwhelmed, but after a few months, I realized there were some settings that truly made the driving experience better. Here are five Android Auto settings that I wish I had known about before I bought my new car.
Taskbar Widgets: Multitasking Made Easy
By default, the bottom bar in Android Auto acts as a taskbar for your apps, which is handy if you frequently switch between multiple applications. However, I discovered a more efficient way to use the taskbar. On your Android phone, open the Settings app, tap the search bar/icon at the top, and type "Android Auto" to find and access Android Auto settings. Once you're on the Android Auto settings page, scroll down to the Display section and toggle on Taskbar widgets. This enables miniature widgets in the taskbar, depending on what you're doing. For instance, if you have music playing and open Google Maps, you'll see a mini music player widget with quick access to playback controls. This small change has been a game-changer for me, allowing me to multitask more efficiently while driving.
Launcher Customization: Personalize Your App Drawer
The Android Auto launcher may not be as customizable as the one on your Android phone, but there are still options to personalize it. On the same Android Auto settings page, scroll down to the Display section and tap Customize launcher. This takes you to a page where you can rearrange the order of apps and hide those you don't use frequently. While it may not be the most groundbreaking customization, it's a welcome feature that allows you to tailor your app drawer to your preferences.
Change Home Screen Layout: Media Controls at Your Fingertips
By default, Android Auto displays your maps/navigation app on the left and your media app on the right. This layout is fine, but if your car has a large cabin or a big infotainment screen, the media controls might be out of reach. To fix this, go to the Android Auto settings page on your phone, scroll to the bottom, and tap Change layout. Then, select Media closer to driver, which swaps the positions of your navigation and media apps, putting your music or podcast controls closer to you. This simple change has made a big difference in my driving experience.
Play Media by Default: Choose Your Own Tune
Android Auto is configured to automatically play whatever you were last listening to on your phone when you turn on your car. While this is convenient, there are times when you might want to choose your own music. To disable this feature, go back to the Android Auto settings on your phone and toggle off Start music automatically. Now, you have the freedom to manually start the music you want to hear when you get in the car.
Gemini Actions: AI Assistance on the Road
Some people might not be fans of Gemini, but I find it incredibly useful, especially when tailored to my driving needs. From the Customize launcher page, tap Add a shortcut to the launcher and select A Gemini action. Here, you can type in commands and add names for them. For instance, I created an action called "Driving home" that starts turn-by-turn directions, sets the air conditioner to 70 degrees, turns on the living room lights, and plays one of my go-to playlists. These Gemini actions appear in your app drawer and can be arranged alongside your other apps. With a bit of creativity, you can create powerful, multi-step actions that make your driving experience more efficient and enjoyable.
In my opinion, these five Android Auto settings have transformed my driving experience. They are simple yet effective, and I can't imagine going back to my old car without them. So, if you're in the market for a new car with Android Auto, make sure to explore these settings and customize them to your liking. Happy driving!
