Whether you recently got into Android Auto thanks to a new vehicle purchase or are looking for a new app to try out in your car, here is a list of Android apps that will work. Most of the apps are used to stream music or play other media in the car, but there are some others that you can use as well. Google has limited the selection and removed the ability to utilize apps that you sideload, so let's take a look at what you can get from Google Play to test in Android Auto.
Audio
The Best Audio Apps
Odds are that if you are in your car, you want to listen to music. Luckily, there are a number of awesome music services that have already added Android Auto support. Some of the best include:
Google Play Music
Google Play Music is already installed on just about every Android phone, and it gives you an easy way to store your existing music collection for free. With Android Auto, you can access new music through search, or your existing music to stream and keep you occupied and entertained in the car.
Download Google Play Music from Google Play
Pandora
With Pandora on Android Auto you are able to listen to your favorite tunes through your car with ease. Whether you like to switch it up on the fly, or listen to the same genre of music, accessing your existing collection is easy.
Download Pandora from Google Play
Spotify
Spotify is a big one, and many people use it. With Spotify on Android Auto you can access your existing playlists, create new radio stations or browse the artists and other music you've previously listened to.
Download Spotify from Google Play
Pocket Casts
Not everyone wants to listen to music all the time in the car, so Pocket Casts breaks that up for you. With this app you can listen to your favorite podcasts through your car during your commute. It pulls from your existing subscriptions and lets you select the episodes you want to listen to.
Download Pocket Casts from Google Play
MLB.com At Bat
Sports are extremely popular, and if you hate the thought of missing out on what your team is doing, this is the app for you. You can listen to live commentary, recaps and more through your speakers when you are unable to watch it.
Download MLB.com At Bat from Google Play
Honorable Mentions
There are a ton of other audio apps that support Android Auto. Some of the others include:
- Audible
- Amazon Music
- Open Radio
- Player FM
- Audiobooks.com
- BeyondPod
- Slacker Radio
- iHeartRadio
- NPR One
- Stitcher
- TuneIn Radio
- Deezer Music
- BBC Media Player
- DoggCatcher
- OverDrive
Messaging
Android Auto is meant to offer a safer driving experience, though that doesn't mean you should feel left out of the loop. There are a bunch of messaging apps that support Android Auto, so you can have your texts read out to you, and reply to them without touching your phone.
The Best Messaging Apps
Hangouts
Hangouts is great for keeping in touch with friends, family, and even co-workers. With its Android Auto integration, you can have your messages read out loud, and reply to them easily with just your voice. This makes keeping in touch on the go extremely easy.
Download Hangouts from Google Play
WhatsApp is one of the most popular messaging services available, with tons of people around the world using it. With Android Auto integration you'll be able to have messages read to you and then use voice commands to reply and keep in the conversation.
Download WhatsApp from Google Play
Honorable Mentions
These are just some of the most popular messaging apps that support Android Auto. There are a bunch more, which include:
Developers have been adding support for Android Auto since its release, so odds are this list will continue to grow. As we see Google add more functionality to the in-car system, developers will be able to integrate it in their apps in different ways. Are any of your favorite Android Auto apps not listed above? If so, let us know which they are in the comments!
