Android auto status (UPDATE: it's done!)

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theglobalguy

I see that Carplay support has just been released.  Can we assume that there will be an announcement for Android Auto, or failing that, a reduction in price for the feature disparity that Android users will be experiencing?

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    Chris Hillbee
    • Edited
    UPDATE: 

    Hello again, 
     
    With the latest release (v2021.6), Android Auto is now live!

    You can read more about it here

    Update to v2021.6 here

    Thanks for all your beta testing help and feedback along the way.

    --------
    Hello all,
     
    Big news! 

    Gaia GPS in Android Auto is now available for beta testing! Please join in and help us test!

    You will be able to:
    • Display your active map layers on the Android Auto screen
    • Zoom in and out and toggle course-up mode
    • View a list of your drivable Saved Routes
    • Follow turn-by-turn directions for the selected Saved Route
    If you'd like to try it, join the beta program here and install version 2021.6. 

    If you have any issues joining the program or installing the beta, you can find help from Google here.

    More info about using Android Auto can be found in the Help Center here: Gaia GPS and Android Auto

    Thanks in advance for all your help!
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  • Avatar
    theglobalguy

    I just got an interesting e-mail about this answer:

     

    Hi there, we aren't working on integrating Android Auto at the moment. I can see how this would be a super useful feature.

    You might be interested in signing up for the beta release of our updated android app:
    https://help.gaiagps.com/hc/en-us/articles/115003638308

    We appreciate your feedback and taking the time to write in about this. We love hearing about different ways to improve the app and website.





    Jay Crooker
    Gaia GPS
    Adventure Support

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  • Avatar
    john_p_wi

    >We appreciate your feedback and taking the time to write in about this. We love hearing about different ways to improve the app and website.<

    How about parity with the iOS platform?  Been 2 years since GAIA mentioned that they are "working" on it...

     

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  • Avatar
    theglobalguy

    Further feedback:  Hi there, 

    We are currently working on CarPlay integration for iOS and focusing on making the Android app run faster and better. 

    I know Android Auto has also been requested by a lot of users; however, I don't currently have an ETA on when or if this feature will be added in the future. I am sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

    Please let me know if I can help with anything else.

    Jay Crooker
    Gaia GPS
    Adventure Support

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  • Avatar
    MattThomas96fea3dda52d48f6

    I can see where that was a good decision given that Android has over 75% of the market share worldwide.  

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  • Avatar
    Ryan Vickerman

    I've been holding out on re-upping my membership because of this. I went out and bought a $1k Alpine ILX-309 hoping that it would be just a matter of time before this feature came out. Don't make me buy that piece of shit Garmin Overlander

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  • Avatar
    David Mayo

    +1 for this feature.  It sure would be great if I didn't have to mount a freaking tablet in my truck when I have such a nice screen running Google Maps right behind it!!  I love the data available with Gaia, but usability in the vehicle (the only place I need it) is low without this feature.

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    me

    Agreed. Android Auto support should be of equal if not greater importance compared to CarPlay given market share. Very disappointed to hear the Gaia GPS official stance on the subject...

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    JerBrun0515

    Agreed! AA support would be amazing.

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  • Avatar
    travisn000
    • Edited

    I think google only allows google owned maps and Waze mapping apps on android auto. All others that have tried required a bit of hacking (developer mode and/or rooted phone).

    I don't think gaia has much hope or control here..  at least until google gets hit with another anti trust lawsuit that includes this block /abuse.

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  • Avatar
    Chris

    Damn, I think you're right. From the FAQ at the bottom of this page:

    "Which apps can I use on Android Auto?

    Android Auto makes it easy to access your favorite music, media, and messaging apps in the car. Check out all the Apps for Android Auto."

     

    I've looked through the apps and couldn't find anything outside of audio and messaging.

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    jwanderson86

    You would think since alot of head units run off android like the Jeep JL Uconnect it would be easier to get Android auto working.

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    Cody

    I've been looking into getting this I assumed since they had car play they'd have android auto. I'll pass on the membership until that gets added

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    theviolettest

    I really wish I would've realized Gaia isn't even working on making it available for Android Auto before I paid for it. I wasted my money on a subscription now. I install this stuff everyday. And current Android Auto is actually better then current Car Play. Really disappointing you guys are NOT supporting this. For now I recommend Android users save your money.

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  • Avatar
    Developer Support
    • Edited

    It turns out this request is currently impossible - Google does not allow 3rd party navigation apps in Android Auto (only Google Maps, Waze, and non-navigation apps from 3rd parties are allowed). When it become possible, we will seriously consider building it! Google is currently being sued over this it seems like from media reports: https://9to5google.com/2019/05/17/italy-android-auto-maps/ 

    Please note we did just have a huge Android release: https://blog.gaiagps.com/android-beta-bomb-the-next-generation-of-gaia-gps/

    2020 is going to be a sweet year for Gaia GPS Android, we're investing big in Android dev now. The Android team is growing, and the "vector maps" release in that blog post I linked above lays foundation to let us do a bunch of new features.

    Andrew

    CEO, Gaia GPS

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  • Avatar
    David

    @theviolettest all you have to do is read the thread to be informed instead of sounding like an idiot. Google locked all third party navigation apps out. Until google changes the rules and associated SDK GAIA cannot enable Android Auto support.

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    jkuntz805

    Looks like Android is opening up to third party navigation.

    https://www.engadget.com/google-android-auto-automotive-calendar-developer-update-130050556.html

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    jdc0589+gaia

    > Looks like Android is opening up to third party navigation.

     

    that would be huge, if true. not having to have my phone mounted and visible in my car would be amazing.

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    harald.walther

    This would be extremely useful for off road navigation. GaiaGPS - here's your chance to take that market away from Garmin!

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    C41n

    As has been mentioned here, android auto is opening up to 3rd party map apps.

     

    https://9to5google.com/2020/08/11/android-auto-navigation-apps/

     

    Can we get an official answer on if Gaia will be adding AA support please?

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  • Avatar
    Chris
    • Edited

    Did you read the article you linked? They're only working with a few companies right now. Gaia can't promise to make it work for Android Auto when it's not even possible yet.

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  • Avatar
    C41n

    Emailed support, got the following answer:

    Hey there,

    Thanks for using Gaia GPS and for writing in.

    We recently heard that Google started allowing third-parties to build navigation apps. We are considering next steps. I don't have any news yet but when we do, we'll be certain to write about it in our newsletter and blog.

    You can make sure you're receiving the newsletter by checking your notification settings. Check the "product information" box to receive our monthly emails.

    And you can keep up to date with our blog here.

    Please let me know if I can help with anything else.

    Gaia GPS
    Adventure Support

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    SlizzyMcSlizFace

    Looks like Google has now released the "Android for Car Apps Library" into open beta for developers!

    https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2020/10/introducing-android-for-cars-app-library.html?m=1

    https://developer.android.com/training/cars/navigation

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  • Avatar
    garrett.keating

    https://thenextweb.com/shift/2020/12/15/googles-android-auto-finally-has-a-third-party-app-for-navigation/

    first 3rd party app!

     

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  • Avatar
    benhendershot12
    • Edited

    Gaia should really make this happen, it's a hang up for a lot of people. Its extremely frustrating sometimes, but I shouldn't have to switch to a phone that doesn't work as well while hiking, canoeing, and hunting just for the times I'm in my jeep or 4runner. 

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  • Avatar
    Patrick

    Yes, it is confirmed, Google is now open to 3rd party navigation apps. Please get this done!!! https://www.autoevolution.com/news/new-android-auto-apps-officially-confirmed-153282.html

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    hogan.w

    Yes, please make this a priority!  I loved this when I was using an iPhone and miss it greatly on my Android phone.  Now that Google is opening up Android Auto map apps I hope to see Gaia support this in the near future.

    It's not the end of the world for me if this doesn't happen as I'll just mount my iPad to the dash, but it would be great if I didn't have to do that.  Fingers crossed and wishing everyone a happy 2021.

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    James

    Bump Bump!!

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    mlhandley

    I would also really like to see Android Auto support.

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    Jshodd

    I've been on the fence about a premium membership, but being able to use Gaia via android auto would be a game changer. As it stands right now, everything else runs through android auto so I'm not really interested in configuring a mounting setup with Gaia being the only thing that needs it. With google allowing more 3rd party apps on the platform I would think this would add a great deal of value for a lot of people.

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