What Google platform projects Android phone apps onto a car dashboard?

What Google platform projects Android phone apps onto a car dashboard? Android Auto is Google’s platform for presenting supported phone features and apps on a compatible car dashboard.

Android Auto works by connecting an Android phone to a vehicle’s infotainment head unit. The car display then shows a driver-oriented interface for selected functions such as navigation, music, phone calls, messaging, and voice commands. Its design limits the number of supported apps and emphasizes hands-free interaction to reduce distraction.

Google introduced Android Auto in 2014, and it became available in vehicles from 2015. Early versions generally required a USB connection; wireless Android Auto was added later on compatible phones and vehicles. App developers can support Android Auto through Google’s automotive app frameworks, but ordinary phone apps do not automatically appear on the car screen.

The key distinction is between Android Auto and Android Automotive. Android Auto depends on a phone and projects a vehicle-optimized interface, while Android Automotive is a full operating system installed directly in the car. Apple CarPlay is the comparable Apple platform.