We've come a long way from cars that only play music and books on cassette tapes or CDs. We've even come quite a ways from using AUX cords. So many of us today use a Bluetooth connection to easily connect our phones for music streaming, hands-free calls, and more.
Android Auto has upped the ante further by adding voice-activated games to its repertoire. Now, you and your friends or family can stave away boredom in the car with a simple "Hey Google."
How to Play Voice-Activated Games With Android Auto
In order to play available games through Android Auto, your car or smartphone need to be compatible. In most new cars, Android Auto or Apple CarPlay integration is common. All you have to do is plug your phone into the head unit and start up the Android Auto app. Some phones will be able to connect to the head unit wirelessly.
But if your new car is missing Android Auto integration or you have an older car, you're not out of luck just yet. Just like many of Google's other great apps, Android Auto is available to download in the Play Store. So you can download it to your phone and still take advantage of the fun games while you're on the road.
Phones running Android 10 and up will already have Android Auto pre-installed.
Download: Android Auto (Free)
Starting a game with Android Auto is really simple. Just like you would activate any other voice command with Google Assistant, you start off by saying "Hey Google." Then, you can say "Play a game" and you'll be prompted to say which game you want to play.
If you have the "Hey Google" command turned off on your phone, you can also access Google Assistant by pressing the microphone or, if you have one, you can hold down the voice command button on your steering wheel.
What Games Can You Play With Android Auto?
As of right now, there are four games that you can play in the car, either by yourself or with other people. Here's what you can play:
- Trivia Crack
- Jeopardy
- Song Quiz
- Are You Feeling Lucky?
More games will likely be added in the future, but for now, these classics will provide plenty of entertainment for short commutes or long road trips.
Final Step: Have Fun Gaming With Android Auto
Now that you know how simple it is to get started with voice-activated Android Auto games, the only thing left to do is play them! Whether you're by yourself and want to quiz yourself with some unique trivia on the way to the store, or you're with friends heading to a concert and want to play a longer game of Jeopardy, there's something for everyone here.
And if it's your first experience with Android Auto, make sure you go through the settings, understand how it all works, and see if there's anything you might want to change before getting started.