Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Google
The number of bugs in the Android Auto world keeps growing; unfortunately, there's not much users can do about it.
Google is the only one that can improve Android Auto stability and reliability, but the most recent updates barely refine the experience with the app. If anything, the latest versions introduced new glitches, pushing some users closer to a CarPlay transition.
The most recent problem affects Android Auto wireless, causing the application to shut down when the mobile signal drops.
Users who took to Google's forums to report the problem explain that the application doesn't come back once Android Auto shuts down, as the mobile device believes it's still running. The only way to restart Android Auto is to manually force-close the application and then relaunch it.
The issue happens primarily on Xiaomi phones, and whenever the signal drops, it's just a matter of seconds until Android Auto closes.
Users couldn't find a fix yet, and it's unclear if downgrading to an earlier Android Auto version brings things back to normal.
On the other hand, I see more people claiming they would instead switch to CarPlay than sticking with Android Auto and struggling with all the bugs.
Fortunately for Google and the Android Auto team, the transition to CarPlay is a significant pain in the neck, mainly because it completely changes mobile ecosystems. Giving up on Android Auto and moving to CarPlay is expensive, as iPhones sell for a premium. Most cars that support Android Auto also come with CarPlay integration, so in theory, users wouldn't have to change anything on the vehicle side.
In the meantime, Google keeps working on new Android Auto updates, but their changes are almost insignificant. Android Auto 10 is now available for download, with the first beta shipped to testers earlier this month. It doesn't bring any substantial improvements and is unlikely to address this wireless connection bug. The production launch should begin in the coming weeks if Google finds no major glitch.
CarPlay also comes with its bugs, but compared to Android Auto, the experience is much more stable and reliable. Apple's walled garden is most likely responsible for this improved experience, as the Cupertino-based tech giant likes to maintain control of every little part of its software.
Google has already asked for phone logs to help diagnose the root cause of the issue, so it's too early to tell when a fix could ship. For now, users can't do anything than try out the generic workarounds, including downgrades to earlier Android Auto versions. Xiaomi should also investigate the problem considering it affects the majority of phones in its lineup. Still, the phone maker has remained tightlipped on a potential fix at the time of writing.
The most recent problem affects Android Auto wireless, causing the application to shut down when the mobile signal drops.
Users who took to Google's forums to report the problem explain that the application doesn't come back once Android Auto shuts down, as the mobile device believes it's still running. The only way to restart Android Auto is to manually force-close the application and then relaunch it.
The issue happens primarily on Xiaomi phones, and whenever the signal drops, it's just a matter of seconds until Android Auto closes.
Users couldn't find a fix yet, and it's unclear if downgrading to an earlier Android Auto version brings things back to normal.
On the other hand, I see more people claiming they would instead switch to CarPlay than sticking with Android Auto and struggling with all the bugs.
Fortunately for Google and the Android Auto team, the transition to CarPlay is a significant pain in the neck, mainly because it completely changes mobile ecosystems. Giving up on Android Auto and moving to CarPlay is expensive, as iPhones sell for a premium. Most cars that support Android Auto also come with CarPlay integration, so in theory, users wouldn't have to change anything on the vehicle side.
In the meantime, Google keeps working on new Android Auto updates, but their changes are almost insignificant. Android Auto 10 is now available for download, with the first beta shipped to testers earlier this month. It doesn't bring any substantial improvements and is unlikely to address this wireless connection bug. The production launch should begin in the coming weeks if Google finds no major glitch.
CarPlay also comes with its bugs, but compared to Android Auto, the experience is much more stable and reliable. Apple's walled garden is most likely responsible for this improved experience, as the Cupertino-based tech giant likes to maintain control of every little part of its software.
Google has already asked for phone logs to help diagnose the root cause of the issue, so it's too early to tell when a fix could ship. For now, users can't do anything than try out the generic workarounds, including downgrades to earlier Android Auto versions. Xiaomi should also investigate the problem considering it affects the majority of phones in its lineup. Still, the phone maker has remained tightlipped on a potential fix at the time of writing.
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