Android Auto is now compatible with the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Galaxy S4, two of the most popular Android handsets available.
Google has released an update to the Android Auto companion app that addresses issues that prevent owners of the S5 and S4 running on Verizon, AT&T and Sprint's networks from syncing their smartphones with Android Auto in their cars. The infotainment platform is supposedly compatible with all smartphones running on Android Lollipop, but it is obvious Google is facing compatibility issues early into the release of Android Auto.
S5 and S4 owners were previously unable to do anything when they connect their phones to their cars or third-party head units. When plugging their handsets into their cars, Android Auto did not do anything. It did not even show error messages to notify the user that something was wrong.
Google does not specify what caused the error, but it is likely that the auto-installation dialog that usually pops up when smartphones are plugged into a computer have something to do with the issue.
With the latest update, however, S5 and S4 users can now enjoy the perks of having Android Auto in their vehicles. Some of these useful features include the ability to send messages or make phone calls hands-free and receive turn-by-turn voice navigation. As with Google Now, Android Auto uses a card-based interface that shows its user useful information, such as weather and traffic, at the most relevant times.
The update is set to roll out to affected handsets in the coming days, but people who are not willing to wait for the automatic update and have experience with sideloading software into their Android devices can download the update from APK Mirror. The update is officially named Android Auto version 1.1.075280 and takes up approximately 26 MB of space.
A number of other smartphones were found to be incompatible with Android Auto earlier this year, which is expected when it comes to using new software coming from Google. Samsung's flagship, the Galaxy S6, arguably the hottest Android phone around, was initially unable to connect with Android Auto. The LG G3, also a very popular Android phone, also had the same problem.
However, Google patched that up with an update to Google Play Services, adding the S6 and the G3 to the list of smartphones compatible with Android Auto. That includes the Nexus 6, HTC One M8 and Moto X. Now, let's hope Google issues a fix for the Sony Xperia Z3.
Photo: Maurizio Pesce | Flickr
