Android Auto has come a long way since its inception and provided users with a smoother and safer driving experience. In spite of all the enhancements, there are still some issues that affect user satisfaction. One of the most prevalent issues is the Android Auto reboot issue, which has been causing phones to restart when used with the in-car system. This issue appears to be linked to a developer setting rather than an update or Android version. Disabling the “Force Desktop Mode” in developer settings has been reported as a temporary fix, with a more permanent fix expected in future updates.
Another issue that users are facing is wireless connectivity. There are certain users who complained that wireless Android Auto malfunctioned after the recent updates and were forced to use wired connections. Google has noticed these issues and tried to fix them. Some of these connectivity issues were addressed by a recent update, but there still are problems, particularly with Samsung phones, which have never been good with Android Auto.
In addition to connectivity problems, users have been beset by audio problems. Problems include no sound output after updates and stuttering sound when connected wirelessly. The latest updates, however, resolved these problems so that music and podcast audio streams are more fluid. Other problems have been resolved such as Sirius XM menu problems, WhatsApp message sending problems, and Gboard resizing problems with Android Auto.
Despite these fixes, there are still issues for some users. GPS signal loss and location accuracy problems, for instance, have been reported, particularly on Oppo phones. Another issue is limiting passengers from being able to enter search queries when the vehicle is moving, a safety feature that others find too restrictive. Basic connectivity problems persist for many users, which points to hardware and software compatibility problems.
There have been rumors that Android Auto’s capability will be expanded to natively integrate more into car entertainment systems. It could involve the use of the car radio tuner and access to connected USB media players, possibly involving cooperation from car manufacturers. These capabilities would improve the driving experience significantly, especially in areas with poor streaming capabilities.
Google continues to heed user criticisms and correct reported issues. The latest releases have shown improvement in the fixing of long-standing problems, but more is needed to make it a seamless experience for all. With ongoing research into issues like disconnection on certain devices and freezing on others, Android Auto remains a work in progress. The users have to keep their systems and apps updated and also provide feedback on bugs so that the development team can address them more effectively.
