Android for Cars lets you create media browsing and playing experiences (such as
music, podcasts, and audio books) that are optimized for car screens and
minimize distractions for drivers.
These media experiences feature audio content, rather than video, to limit
visual distraction for drivers. Video experiences are discussed in
Parked and passenger apps
.
Because the basic visual design and interaction model for much of the Android
for Cars media experience is determined by Google and car makers, the app
developer’s design role is mostly focused on:
- Creating a browsing structure
for the content
- Supplying branding elements and icons
for navigational tabs and custom
controls (if needed)
There are also some optional extra steps, such as creating a sign-in flow or
settings for the car screen (for AAOS) using the templates in the Android for
Cars App Library.
Get started
For step-by-step instructions covering both Android Auto and AAOS, see
Create media apps
.
Examples
For a closer look at the media experience in Android Auto, see
Android Auto > Media apps
. To see
how the experience works in cars with Google built-in, see
Automotive OS > Media apps
.
UX requirements
Media apps need to meet the
Media app requirements
.