Unlock the Power of Android Auto in Any Vehicle
The Android Auto experience has undergone significant changes since its 2014 launch, with features and modes constantly evolving. However, Android Auto’s availability on Android devices has been a mixed bag, with the feature being replaced by Google Assistant Driving Mode on handsets and eventually disappearing. But what if you could still use Android Auto on any car?
Source: lifehacker.com
Enter Headunit Reloaded Emulator, an innovative app that lets you use Android Auto in any vehicle, regardless of whether it has a compatible dashboard. This game-changing app is a $4.99 purchase, but it works as advertised, and it’s a must-have for any Android user who wants to enjoy the Android Auto experience in their car.
Source: lifehacker.com
So, how does it work? Once you’ve installed Headunit Reloaded Emulator from the Play Store, you need to approve all the necessary permissions, including Bluetooth and location access. When you’re in the app, you’ll see three mode choices: Phone Mode, Wi-Fi, and USB. Tap Phone Mode to get Android Auto on your handset’s own screen, and you’ll be able to enjoy the familiar interface on your phone.
To set up the app, you’ll need to follow these steps:
- Install Headunit Reloaded Emulator from the Play Store and approve all the necessary permissions.
- Tap Phone Mode to get Android Auto on your handset’s own screen.
- Turn your phone around to its landscape orientation to fit the interface nicely.
- Any taps on the screen will register just as they would on Android Auto, and you can switch apps and change the layout via the icons down the side.
But that’s not all – you can also beam the Android Auto interface to another Android phone or tablet using the Wi-Fi or USB options. This means you can use the app in your car without having to worry about compatibility issues.
Connecting to another device is easy, and you can use the USB option if you’ve got a cable to spare. Simply connect the cables, tap the USB option on the device running Headunit Reloaded Emulator, and select your main phone when it appears. On your main phone, you may need to tap the USB notification and choose Transferring files / Android Auto as the connection mode before it works.
There’s also a Wi-Fi option, which requires you to have Headunit Reloaded Emulator running on the device that’s displaying Android Auto, and the companion Wi-Fi Launcher app on your primary phone. On the former device, choose Wi-Fi as the connection method inside Headunit Reloaded Emulator, and make sure the latter device is set up to be discovered in Wi-Fi Launcher.
One device will then drive Android Auto on the other – no connecting wires needed. You can also use a direct Wi-Fi connection by selecting it under Wireless in Wi-Fi Launcher, and under Settings > Connectivity in Headunit Reloaded Emulator.
Headunit Reloaded Emulator offers a wealth of options under Settings, including pixel density and screen margins, key press configurations, and audio routing. You can pipe the audio from apps through your car’s speakers via Bluetooth if you want, even if the Android Auto interface is on your phone.
However, be aware that there are some bad reviews of this app on the Play Store, with users complaining about flaky performance and difficulties with certain phones. So, it’s worth reading through to see if your handset is mentioned.
As always, remember the dangers of using your phone while driving. This app is specifically for emulating Android Auto on a screen other than your built-in head unit, so keep the other functions on your phone unused until you’re safely parked up.
Headunit Reloaded Emulator is a must-have for any Android user who wants to enjoy the Android Auto experience in their car. With its innovative features and user-friendly interface, it’s the perfect solution for anyone who wants to unlock the power of Android Auto in any vehicle.
