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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    Christopher 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
    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
    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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    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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    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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  • Avatar
    PanicMonster

    Dear Andrew and Gaia GPS Team,

    Your product is fantastic, but still limited in functionality.  I would subscribe today if Android Auto were available.  I can't help but note 3 things:

    1. Google now allows 3rd party navigation apps on Android Auto.
    2. Android market share is substantial: 70% worldwide, 40% US.
    3. This thread is >1 year old, but still says "Not Planned".

    Please consider responding / updating the response to this feature request as a courteous gesture to your Android-using customers (both current and future) and an overall act of professionalism.

    Kindly,

    Stephen K.

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    Christopher Hillbee

    This comment is pinned to the first page, but in case anyone missed the update:

    Hello all,

    Google recently began allowing 3rd party apps to join their beta program for Android Auto. This program is still early access.

    Google may change their mind or requirements at any time, so we can't promise that Gaia GPS is coming to Android Auto, but we're beginning to work on it.

    To get started, this week we'd like to invite you to help beta test Turn-By-Turn navigation in the app. This is one of the core features to make routing work properly in Android Auto.

    With Turn-By-Turn navigation, when you press Guide Me on a route, the app will now open the new navigation experience with turn-by-turn directions. No longer will it simply draw a straight line to the closest point.

    If you're interested in testing TBT, join our beta program:

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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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  • 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
    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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  • Avatar
    PH33R2k

    Damn, just purchased the 5-year premium. I had thought Gaia already supported Android Auto, but see it's only Carplay. Kind of regretting my choice now. Can we bump AA to the top of the dev queue here? It's a deal breaker for a lot of users. Even app-on-screen without navigation would tide us over.

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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
    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
    James

    Bump Bump!!

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    mlhandley

    I would also really like to see Android Auto support.

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    Engelj

    I too would love to see GAIA AA available.  AA comes standard in most head units on most Subaru's.  And Subaru's love to travel the roads about which GAIA is most capable.  So a great fit for more GAIA subscriptions.

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    travisn000

    I finally made the plunge and bought the 5 year membership, with the expectation that AA support will be coming soon.. I hope I didn't waste my money!

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    dbeatie

    I'll probably jump to whoever gets android auto support first. I used to use backcountry navigator and enjoyed it.

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    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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  • 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
    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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    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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    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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    dbeatie

    Has Gaia commented about this at all since Google opened it up to third party apps? No android auto is the only thing keeping me from purchasing a premium membership

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    garrett.keating

    Not that I have seen and I've been trying to keep an eye out for anything.

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  • Avatar
    travisn000

    @Ryan  ..yes it has been a long wait!  

    I have been a dedicated backcountry navigator user, but never made the jump to their new platform.  I have been waiting to see who gets AA support, and with google opening things up, gaia supporting carplay already, and a friends also jumping into gaia, I decided it was time.

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    jakevis

    I too would love to see this happen... google atleast doesnt seem to be the blocker anymore. Unfortunately their jobs page doesnt indicate that they are looking at further android development (just maps, and iOS) - thats normally a good indication of what a company's upcoming priorities are....

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    harald.walther

    Seeing as this is by far the most requested feature - I'll give it a few more month to get any kind of comment from development one way or another. If it's still silence by summer I don't think I'll renew my subscription.

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