A Quick Tour Around Android Platforms #3: Android Auto

In the previous part we focused on Android Wear. We explained how to prepare your project and we underlined the relevant usability requirements. In this article we will share with you the next part of the crucial considerations of developing for Android Auto. The platform was announced in 2014 at Google I/O. The idea behind it is to help drivers focus more on the road and less on their smartphones.

Preparing the project

Before you begin working with Android auto app, create or update a project with target API level 21 (Android 5.0). You don’t have to worry about vehicle-specific hardware differences. If you want to create an application which uses notifications, you will need to support the v4 library. It provides classes compatible with Android Auto devices.

Google is strict in terms of driver distraction. As a developer you have to specify the capabilities your app uses in an XML file that you place in your project’s resources directory (res/xml/). Auto currently support two types of apps:

• media - Audio apps.
• notification - Messaging apps.

If your application extends an audio application for Auto, create a file called automotive_app_desc.xml and store it in your projects’s res/xml/ folder. The automotive_app_desc.xml file contains the following metadata:

<automotiveApp>
   <uses name="media"/>
</automotiveApp>

In your app manifest file you should add a reference to the Auto configuration that you created in the previous step. Add a com.google.android.gms.car.application metadata entry within the application element that references your Auto xml configuration file.

<application>

    ...
    <meta-data android:name="com.google.android.gms.car.application"
     android:resource="@xml/automotive_app_desc"/>

</application>

Caution: You can define many capabilities that your app uses.

Restrictions

Google takes driver distraction very seriously. That is why they impose restrictions and provide safety standards. Your app must meet specific design requirements to qualify as an Auto app on Google Play.

1. The app should minimize distractions faced by the driver.
2. Use voice commands and reduce manual interactions.
3. The UI should be simple and predictable. (Guidelines).
4. The app should only send notifications when they are relevant.
5. Use large fonts and buttons.
6. Again! Only Audio and messaging apps are available (no games, video players etc.).
7. A soft keyboard appears when the car is parked.
8. Use the Android Auto Desktop Head Unit (DHU) to validate each checklist item.
9. Install your app from the Google Play Store, otherwise it won't work.

See more.

Testing your app

Testing an Auto app is substantially different from testing other types of Android apps. Google doesn't provide emulators that you could use like it does in case of mobile apps. Instead, Google gives the Desktop Head Unit (DHU) - a testing tool for Auto apps that lets you run applications without having to work from your car. Follow these installation steps to use it.

Android Auto is also available on mobile devices which gives users access to Android Auto capabilities without needing to connect it to a compatible vehicle. The phone device can work in the same way an Android Auto device does. The users can still use voice to handle calls, messages, music, and navigation using an interface designed for driving. Unfortunately, Android Auto apps are still not available for many countries (including Poland). Visit this site to find out where it's available.

Conclusions

If you already have experience with developing for Android, you should not find building Auto apps to be too difficult. Just remember a few important things which we underlined in all articles and adjust your app, paying particular attention to UI differences. Be aware that the purpose of an Auto application is different than if it were meant for a phone device. So - prepare your layouts with specific platform in mind. Follow these guidelines: TV and Auto.

If you are going to build an app for Android Auto, you need to meet all the requirements and restrictions which Google imposes. Auto app development is very different than developing for tablets, TV or Wear. It is still in its early stages and its functionalities are limited. Remember that the user should focus more on the road and less on their smartphone!

See also

- Part 1 about Android TV

- Part 2 about Android Wear

Reference:

1. Getting Started with Android Auto.
2. Android Auto capabilities.
3. Auto app quality.
4. Testing app.
5. Android Auto guidelines.