Google reveals new Android Auto tricks, including a Motorola wireless dongle

(Pocket-lint) - While astatine CES 2022 successful Las Vegas, Google announced much Android features for cars, including a mode to wirelessly connect.

One of the biggest hangups with Android Auto is you can't usage it wirelessly, adjacent with Bluetooth, due to the fact that fewer cars enactment wireless Android Auto from the factory. So, you had to plug successful your phone. But present you tin get a dongle from Motorola that volition let you to wirelessly usage Android Auto. 

The Motorola MA1, which is disposable for $90 starting 5 January 2022, pairs with your telephone utilizing Bluetooth and past transmits information implicit 5Ghz Wi-Fi. It automatically connects and lets you task Android Auto wirelessly done a USB larboard successful your car. It adjacent has a sticky pad for you to equine it connected your dash. Just support successful mind, since your telephone won't beryllium plugged in, it won't complaint arsenic you usage maps oregon perceive to euphony via your car's screen. 

This is not the archetypal third-party merchandise that tin adhd wireless enactment to existing vehicles, but it's the archetypal 1 that Google is highlighting.

Apart from the MA1, Google announced it plans to grow its Digital Car Key diagnostic that lets you unlock your car, commencement it up, and stock a integer cardinal with a person oregon loved 1 utilizing your Android phone. It archetypal launched successful prime BMW vehicles. Now, Google said much smartphones volition beryllium capable to usage the keyless introduction method. Later this year, phones with Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology tin go your cardinal connected supported vehicles.

More cars are expected to connection Android Auto successful 2022 - but Google didn't accidental which ones. Automakers similar Polestar, Volvo Cars, and General Motors are already shipping cars with Google's exertion built close into their infotainment system. Some caller Android apps are coming, too, including offline navigation from Sygic and Flitsmeister, parking apps similar SpotHero and ParkWhiz, and charging apps specified arsenic ChargePoint and PlugShare.

Google is besides partnering with Lyft and Kakao Mobility to adhd their operator apps to Android Auto, truthful drivers tin judge rides from their car display.

Lastly, Volvo volition beryllium the archetypal to connection distant actions and built-in YouTube.

So, with immoderate Google Assistant-enabled device, you'll beryllium capable to inquire Google Assistant to lukewarm up oregon chill your Volvo conveyance and adjacent fastener and unlock it - each without needing to locomotion retired to the garage. And, aboriginal this year, you volition beryllium capable to play videos from YouTube connected your car show portion parked. 

Writing by Maggie Tillman. Originally published connected 5 January 2022.