Samsung integrated SmartThings into Android Auto in 2021. Android Auto and Automotive are now open to more smart home and Internet of Things (IoT) apps.
Presently, media and mapping/navigation apps are supported by Android Auto. “Enabling developers to bring [IoT] apps to cars,” Google is currently doing. Assuming Google Assistant is supported in your home ecosystem, this could include controlling the doors and security of your home from a touchscreen interface.
The Android for Cars App Library contains driving-optimized templates that can be tested using the Automotive OS emulator for the United OS and the DHU for Android Auto. Expect a grid-based layout that is consistent across all apps.
In point of fact, “drivers of cars using Android Auto can now immediately download IOT apps developed with the Android for Cars App Library from Google Play.”
- Design your app’s experience using our developer guide and app quality guidelines.
- Develop using the latest release of the car app library so you can get user feedback from now.
- Test using the desktop head unit.
- Publish your app to Close or Open testing to the Google Play Store to get pre-production feedback from users.
- Ship your final app to cars
A Google Home client would be nice, but Google already has voice commands for this functionality in the Assistant. Similar to the Wear OS app, Android Automotive, and its Play Store will only grow in importance over time.