Chevrolet will finally roll out an Android Auto update, allowing owners of certain 2016 vehicles with the car manufacturer's 8-inch infotainment system to finally use the app. Chevrolet says it will release the update in March 2016 for a wide range of models, from the Spark to the Corvette.
Chevrolet recently announced that only 2016 vehicles with 7-inch MyLink systems would get the Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but models with 8-inch displays would only get Apple's system.
"Thanks to the hard work and determination of our engineering team, Chevrolet consumers who use Android phones will not have to compromise when choosing which MyLink system meets their needs—both the 7-inch and 8-inch systems will offer Android Auto capability," Alan Batey, president of GM North America and Global Chevrolet, said.
The update, however, will not be automatic, and those who want Android Auto will have to visit their Chevrolet dealers. In an effort to make things convenient, Chevrolet says it is working closely with dealerships.
Although Chevrolet only promised Android Auto compatibility for select models with 8-inch MyLink Systems this coming March 2016, the carmaker assures that the update will eventually be available to all cars with 7- and 8-inch displays.
Eager to make good on a promise, Chevrolet says that it will offer the two systems in more 2016 vehicle models, beating other car manufacturers in the market.
Regarding compatibility with smartphones, Android Auto only works on handsets with Android Lollipop 5.0 or higher and Apple's CarPlay requires at least an iPhone 5. Google and Apple developed and designed the user interfaces of their respective apps, making sure that they meet users' needs.
It is also good to know that the touchscreen system can easily switch from one OS to another. When an Android phone is plugged into the system, Android Auto will launch automatically. The same goes for Apple phones, which will launch CarPlay instead.
Photo: Maurizio Pesce | Flickr
