Samsung released its SmartThings app for Android Auto in January 2021. This was the first Android Auto application that did not involve audio playback, messaging, or navigation. It enables users to power on/off and control SmartThings-compatible smart home devices from the screen of their vehicle. Now, Google has extended Android Auto to more IoT (Internet of Things) applications.
Android Auto and Automotive OS will soon include IoT apps.
Such Internet of Things applications could enable touchscreen control of home security, smart doors, lamps, and other sensors from within a vehicle. This also adds control to a touchscreen user interface rather than relying on voice commands from Google Assistant to control smart home actions.
Android Auto currently supports three program categories: Media (such as Spotify and YouTube Music), Messaging (such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp), and Navigation (Google Maps and Waze). With the latest update to the Car App Library, Android Auto will now support an additional category of Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
Android Automotive OS emulation and DHU
Android for Cars App Library provides developers with driving-optimized app design templates. Using the Android Automotive OS emulator for Android Automotive OS and the DHU for Android Auto, these applications can be tested. According to reports, these IoT applications on Android Auto will have a grid-based layout for simpler smart controls.
Moreover, Android Auto users can obtain IoT applications from Google Play. Even though Google has an Assistant voice command for controlling smart home features, it would be useful to have a dedicated Google Home app for Android Auto.