Google has released Android Auto API for developers that will allow developers to start creating apps for smart cars.Android Auto currently only supports two types of third-party apps viz, audio and messaging.
Cars dashboards can now show incoming notifications, accept replies through voice, let users browse music or other audio content and control playback. Over dozens of third party developers like TextMe, textPlus, Kik, and WhatsApp are working on the app. Google says the Android Auto APIs let developers easily extend their existing apps targeting Android 5.0 (API level 21) or higher to work in the car. Once ready, the apps will work directly though the car’s radio deck as well as through connected steering wheel controls.
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iHeartRadio, Joyride, MLB.com, NPR, Pandora, PocketCasts, Songza, SoundCloud, Spotify, Stitcher, and Umano are first batch of audio apps that will enable browsing audio playback from the car.Android Auto requires an Android phone to be plugged into power the interface. Apps installed on the phone that have support for Android Auto built-in will show up in the Auto interface.
“To help you get started with Android Auto, check out our Getting Started guide. It’s important to note that while the APIs are available today, apps extended with Android Auto cannot be published quite yet. More app categories will be supported in the future, providing more opportunities for developers and drivers of Android Auto.”
posted Daniel Holle, Product Manager, on Android Developer blog.
The company first announced Android Auto at its Google I/O event in June and has gained more than two dozen car maker partners by creating the Open Automotive Alliance to challenge Apple’s CarPlay initiative.
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