Google Shutting Down Android Auto App in Favour of Google Assistant

American tech big Google has confirmed that will probably be shutting down its standalone ”Android Auto for Phone Screens” app from Android 12 onwards.

According to The Verge, as a substitute, anybody who desires a driving-friendly interface for his or her Android telephone ought to use the Google Assistant driving mode, which is offered inside Google Maps, or the native Android Auto interface accessible in choose automobiles.

In an announcement, Google mentioned, “For those who use the on phone experience (Android Auto mobile app), they will be transitioned to Google Assistant driving mode. Starting with Android 12, Google Assistant driving mode will be the built-in mobile driving experience. We have no further details to share at this time.”

Google has mentioned that the expertise will not be altering for anybody utilizing Android Auto in appropriate automobiles.

Google’s affirmation got here after a information outlet reported that some customers had been seeing a message within the ”Android Auto for Phone Screens” app that mentioned the service is “now only available for car screens” and pointed telephone customers in the direction of Google Assistant driving mode as a substitute.

Meanwhile, there are additionally stories that the ”Android Auto for Phone Screens” app now says it is incompatible with Pixel units working on Android 12.

Android Auto’s app historical past is just a little bit messy, however it is a transfer that is been a very long time coming. The saga began in 2019, when Google determined to construct most of Android Auto’s options into Android 10 as a system-level function, and discontinue the beforehand downloadable app.

That’s fantastic for anybody with an Android Auto-compatible automotive, however anybody with an older car would have misplaced entry to the driving-friendly interface accessible immediately on their telephone.

As per The Verge, Google’s plan for these customers was a brand new Google Assistant driving mode, however this software program was delayed, and regardless of being introduced in 2019, it solely began rolling out late final 12 months.

That meant Google successfully wanted a stopgap measure, and the clunkily named ”Android Auto for Phone Screens app” was born.