5 ways Android Auto beats your car's own infotainment system - hands down

In-car infotainment screens are getting bigger than ever, and most modern vehicles have the equivalent of a tablet built into the dashboard. While some manufacturers' systems run on Android Automotive, or what's called "Google built-in," most have their own software specific to that automaker. The majority of that built-in software is walled off and limited.

If your car runs on Android Automotive, there's not a lot to gain by switching to Android Auto. But if you're using one of the other built-in systems, you're missing out on a lot. Android Auto offers a more comprehensive and user-friendly experience, with access to many more apps than most car infotainment systems.

The biggest benefit of using Android Auto is that you get access to multiple options within each category, including upgrades like YouTube and widgets for weather, smart home controls, and a calendar. Most car infotainment systems have a limited app catalog, with only one or two options for music, navigation, and communication. Another advantage of Android Auto is that it receives regular updates with new features and apps, whereas your vehicle's built-in infotainment system is likely to stay the same as the day you bought it.

Many vehicles might get OTA upgrades for small things like bug fixes or performance improvements, but entirely new features or interface redesigns are rare. Android Auto also offers a more seamless experience when switching between cars. If you primarily use your car's built-in system, you'll be lost when you rent a car on a trip or drive someone else's car.

But with Android Auto, you simply connect and the system is personalized to your apps and information. This is a privacy win, too, as all of your personal information lives on your phone. Finally, Android Auto's voice controls, particularly with the introduction of Gemini, far surpass many car infotainment systems.

With Gemini, Android Auto's voice controls are reliable and useful, making it a favorite feature for many users.