Hyundai, GM to equip production cars with Android Auto

It's official. The first ever car maker to offer Google's Android Auto directly on a production car is Hyundai. The South Korean car maker has offered the technology with the 2015 Hyundai Sonata models that have the factory navigation system. New cars on their way to dealers will come equipped with the technology.

Additionally, existing owners of the 2015 Sonata can have their infotainment system updated by a dealer or they can update it themselves later on. In all cases, there is no additional charge for the software. More Hyundai models will support the app and Apple's CarPlay will be offered at a later stage as well.

General Motors will also be joining the league of brands offering the technology, as the North American car maker confirmed that from 2016, 14 Chevrolet models including the new Cruze will feature Android Auto as well as Apple CarPlay.

What is Android Auto and how does it work?

Android Auto is an app that connects with your car’s infotainment system and makes it easier to use an Android phone while driving. It essentially replicates the Android interface on a car’s digital display screen and enables users to shuffle through functions including navigation, music, sending/receiving text messages and using the phone’s dial pad, among others. The app also supports voice controls and can be used through the car’s steering mounted controls as well.

Most Android phones running on Android 5.0 Lollipop can run Android Auto in a compatible car or aftermarket unit. The app does not work wirelessly and is integrated with the car through the USB port. Connecting the phone to the car’s infotainment system will make the phone’s screen get locked. Hence, usage of the phone separately will have to be done by disconnecting the USB cable. As per the official site, Android Auto is currently available in Australia, the UK and the USA.

The technology will be offered by more brands in more regions in the near future.