Google launched Android Auto in 2014 as a way to allow users to interface their smartphone with a car stereo, displaying on the latter an optimized launcher with quick access to select multimedia and navigation applications ideal for use while driving.
At the end of 2016, the Mountain View giant launched a new system to use this solution, namely on smartphones, with an application characterized by large icons, quick access to the voice assistant, large tabs for notifications and integration with Google Maps, the dialer and some multimedia apps.
Over the years this solution has been replaced by a new experience that falls under Google Assistant and, therefore, now the US giant is preparing to eliminate the Android Auto app from phones.
In fact, in 2019, Google announced a new driving mode integrated into Google Assistant and, at the same time, it initially said it would eliminate Android Auto for phone screens, then taking a step back and launching a dedicated app that is simply a shortcut to the old experience within the Android Auto app, which came pre-installed on all devices running Android 10 (or newer).
The app, called Android Auto for Telefons, you start now towards the end: as we learn from XDA Developers, in fact, some users have noticed that its operation is now limited and a notification appears to alert you that Android Auto is now available for car screens only.
This warning seems to have been displayed only on Google Pixel smartphones with Android 12 but should concern all users and also previous versions of the OS: in practice, within a few weeks, the Mountain View giant should advise everyone to use smartphones with the help mode of Google Assistant.
