Recently, Google made some major updates to a very popular Android-Auto app that many drivers use in their cars. Some updates addressed the problems that many of you complained about. I will demo something very interesting in this video because I had so many questions from everyone on that particular subject. If you’ve never used an “Android Auto” app before, watch this demo that I’m about to show because I think you’re going to like it! Coming Up!
Many people asked me why I need to use an Android Auto app and mess with a USB cable? Especially the new cars come with the state of the art Multimedia, Navigation, and Phone Integration. Well, let me show you a few examples!
The most exciting new feature is the Split and Fill the full screen. You would immediately think that the latest Mercedes’s MBUX big 12.3″ screen would benefit the most. After all, Mercedes was one of the first vehicles supporting an Android-Auto since 2017. Right?
Well… at the time of making this video in March 2021, Mercedes MBUX models are NOT compatible with the Split Screen update just yet; however, Google swears they are working on the compatibility very soon. Meanwhile, I will demo this feature on another vehicle – the 2020 Jaguar F-Pace, which is already compatible with the latest feature, so you can see what’s coming to your car very shortly. This feature may be available already, you have to check in your car.
Watch the video for the full breakdown, or you can jump directly to the parts of your interest below:
- 00:00 2021 Android Auto Explained;
- 00:50 Why do you need the Android Auto app?
- 01:15 Android Auto vs. Original Stock System;
- 03:07 What’s New in 2021 Android Auto updates?
- 03:39 Mercedes incompatibility with Android Auto widescreen;
- 05:05 Android Auto demo on Jaguar F-Pace;
- 05:55 Android Auto Full Widescreen Demo;
- 08:06 Android Auto Voice Control Demo;
- 08:47 Android Auto Google Assistant in Vehicle Demo;
- 10:24 Android Auto Navigation, Phone, Audio Music Controls;
- 11:01 Android Auto Apps;
- 12:47 Android Auto Integration with Car’s Radio;
- 13:29 Android Auto Pandora and other music apps;
- 14:00 Android Auto’s Satellite Bird’s Eye View;
- 14:18 Android Auto Satellite Zoom Demonstration;
- 15:29 Android Auto Smartphone Settings;
- 16:16 How to add new apps to Android Auto;
- 16:43 Test Driving Android Auto demo;
- 18:45 MBZ Master Question.
Hi MBZ Master!
I have a 2013 X218 fitted with an Android Screen 10.25 ( I think). The little car icon shows the opposite door opened when the other door opens. How can I fix this?
running 10.0
NTG4.5_400
You mean you installed an aftermarket system? Not original Mercedes system, correct? You would need to contact the manufacturer for troubleshooting.
Hi MBZ Master,
Thank you for your articles and videos, they are really helpful and entertaining.
I thought I’ll join the conversation, as there is a mixed information about Android Auto widescreen and I thought maybe you or the community would be able to share some information, which maybe I’m missing.
As far as I know, Google made widescreen available for Android Auto a couple years ago and apparently it is up to the car manufacturers to update their software to use it. You suggest that this update was made by Google, but since you released this article / video my Android Auto app was updated several times and there still is no widescreen on my 2019 S205. This would suggest that this functionality really is up to manufacturers.
I’m so keen on this functionality, that I asked about it various official MB profiles on Twitter and I was told to ask my local retailer (whaaat?). Anyway, my local retailer replied quote: “The software will not be updated for Android on this model to use whole screen.”.
It doesn’t really make any sense.
Why not? The screen is there already. It is still a new car, right? This functionality doesn’t require any equipment nor modifications as it requires only the software update.
I really hope, the rep had no idea what he is talking about, why would a local MB dealer knew better what MB software engineers are working on?
The main issue, I think, MB wants their own technology to have an advantage over other technologies. So they are hesitant to improve the other companies’ integrations, to compete with their own. However, they seem more in bed with Apple, as they just announced their integration with Apple Music. So maybe it’s not MB, but Apple is the real competitor here, preventing the Google expansion… I can’t say for sure. But I’m sure that Mercedes will come up with their software update to support Android Auto split-screen, as I already demoed on Jaguar in this video. If they want to keep ahead in the car industry. Meanwhile, I just use the Multimedia Box to stream YouTube videos inside my car, as well as using wireless Navigation.
Okay, thank you. I checked and it’s not there. It’s a C class. Apparently, there are no CarPlay for the C class yet unless you will have to Install it yourself so I’ve heard.
I have a 2018 C250D without Carplay. How can i install CarPlay on it
Make sure you don’t have it because 2018 models had it as an option. You have to connect to the correct USB input with the little cell phone image. But if not, I’m working on the solution right now, although I’m still testing, so stay tuned!
Thanks a lot mbz master your a star I’ve watched nearly all off your video’s keep up the good work cheers
Hi I’ve got a 2016 mercedes gle 350d that has got apple car play fitted but not android auto is there anyway i can get android auto fitted or change cars will be gutted if i have to change cars thanks mb lover
No, you can’t add Android Auto to the 2016 model. AA came out in 2017 models as I’ve shown in this video: http://bit.ly/MBZM-Android. But, in my next video, which I’m working on right now, I’m going to present an alternative on how to add Android OS to your car, especially if it’s only equipped with Apple Carplay, and make your car smart. If you subscribe to my YouTube channel, you’ll be notified when it will be released here: https://www.youtube.com/c/MBZMaster?sub_confirmation=1