Previously getting Android Auto to work wirelessly was restricted to a limited set of devices, now we have found out that Android 11 will remove that restriction. To get Wireless Android Auto working on your phone you obviously need a head unit that is capable of receiving the signal.
In the updated developer guidelines Google now lists the following compatibility details:
- A car or aftermarket receiver that’s compatible with wireless Android Auto
- A compatible Android smartphone with an active data plan and the latest version of the Android Auto app:
- Any smartphone with Android 11.0 and 5GHz Wi-Fi. In the EU, smartphones must comply with additional regulatory requirements in order to use 5GHz Wi-Fi in the car.
- A Google or Samsung smartphone with Android 10.0.
- A Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, or Note 8, with Android 9.0.
With this change, Wireless Android Auto is now open to any Android device running Android 11 that also includes Wi-Fi 802.11 5GHz capability. This should mean much more availability of Wireless Android Auto on handsets, now we just need more head units to launch with the capability.
Interesting to see Google has specifically mentioned Samsung smartphones. Does this mean that other makes won’t work? Or that the service is optimised for Pixel and Samsung phones?
Question: Have Google said anything about if AndroidOne or Android Go devices will be able to use this easy wireless link system to Android Auto?