Android Auto has been out for a good little bit now, and we’ve seen many developers add in support for Android Auto into their apps. Largely just media apps though. Currently those and messaging apps are really the only apps you can use on Android Auto aside from the stock dialer and Google Maps. There are a number of media apps available for Android Auto, so let’s take a look at a few of the best ones available.
Pocket Casts
If you haven’t bought Pocket Casts yet and you listen to podcasts, this is a must have app. The Android version is pretty amazing already, and looks great too. With Pocket Casts you can stream your favorite podcasts (keep in mind that while you’re driving, the streaming is over mobile data). You can also play podcasts that you’ve downloaded onto your smartphone already. You also have your usual play, pause, skip, etc functionality on the Android Auto interface. From your phone, you can find your favorite podcasts and subscribe to them.
Google Play Music
Since Play Music was launched, it has gotten better and better. Now allowing users to use their curated playlists for free (of course it’s ad-supported), you can now listen to those favorite playlists in the car. From the Android Auto interface, you are able to find your playlists, albums and much more from the slide-out menu, there’s also the ability to skip or go back between songs and of course the ability to play or pause those songs as well. You can also choose to play only music stored on your device, to save bandwidth.
Pandora
This is another oldie but goodie when it comes to playing music. Pandora is probably the most popular music streaming app that allows you to streaming radio stations that are curated to your liking. And these stations can be played through Android Auto as well. Of course the interface isn’t as robust as some of the other music apps here, but Pandora does allow you to thumbs down, or up a song, play/pause, skip and bookmark them. Additionally, you can skip between radio stations in the slide-out menu on the left side.
Audible
If you like listening to books, then you’re going to love Audible, and you can sign up for a free 30-day trial here. Audible is also available for Android Auto, although there is one caveat here. You do need to download the book before you can have it playing in the car. Audible doesn’t do streaming. Not a huge issue, but it could be for some people. So now on these long road trips, you can sit back, relax and listen to your favorite book read to you.
Spotify
One of my favorites for Android Auto, Spotify. You have all of your playlists, radio stations, albums and can even browse the latest releases through the Android Auto app. So in the car, you can now jam to your favorite songs without having to touch your phone. Now Google’s voice commands don’t work 100% with Spotify, but they do work a good amount of the time. You do need to be specific when telling it to play a certain song though.