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How to Turn Your Device into an Android Auto Clone

Apr 8, 2015 05:34 PM
Smartphone mounted on a car dashboard displaying navigation instructions.

Auto manufacturers are slowly starting to debut models with Google's new Android Auto software baked into the dashboard console. Starting with the 2016 model year, we should see vehicles from Honda, Ford, Chevrolet, and many others sporting the new software.

Now, many manufacturers and carriers include their own dedicated driving apps, like Samsung's Car Mode, and there are no shortage of third-party apps (check out Nelson's recent guide on Drivemode), but Android Auto is a different beast. With Google behind it and many car makers on board, this is set to be a standard, not just another app.

If you'd rather not wait, or simply don't plan on buying a car for a little while, a new app from developer Kahtaf Alam has essentially cloned the Android Auto interface and most of its functionality. This would be a great way to put your old Android device to good use, and it's incredibly easy to set up. Simply install the app, then mount your phone or tablet to your dashboard, and you'll be sporting a next-generation command center in no time.

Join the AutoMate Beta Program

The app that will turn your device into an Android Auto clone is called AutoMate, and it's currently in its beta testing phases. As such, you'll need to join the Google+ beta program to install it.

To begin, head to the AutoMate Google+ community, then tap the "Join" button in the description. From here, scroll down a bit and tap the "Google Play" link in the pinned post at the top of the community list.

How to Turn Your Device into an Android Auto Clone
How to Turn Your Device into an Android Auto Clone
How to Turn Your Device into an Android Auto Clone
How to Turn Your Device into an Android Auto Clone

On the next page, tap "Become a tester" to join the beta program. From here, hit the link labeled "Download it from Google Play."

AutoMate - Car Dashboard app promotion on Google Play
AutoMate - Car Dashboard app update information on Google Play.
AutoMate - Car Dashboard app promotion on Google Play
AutoMate - Car Dashboard app update information on Google Play.

Now that you're a beta tester, you'll be able to install the app like you would any other.

Screenshot of the AutoMate car dashboard app on a mobile device, featuring "Uninstall" and "Open" buttons.

Alternatively, you can download the app directly from APK Mirror, but you should still join and contribute to the Google+ community to help make the app better.

Configure AutoMate

When you first launch AutoMate, the app will give you a quick overview. Tap "Next" here, then press "Accept" on the following screen.

Welcome screen for the AutoMate app featuring icons and a smartphone.
Drive safely on the road with clear visual guidance.
Welcome screen for the AutoMate app featuring icons and a smartphone.
Drive safely on the road with clear visual guidance.

After that, the app will inform you that its notification listener service must be enabled to utilize some features. Tap "Enable" on this screen, then tick the box next to the AutoMate entry on the following menu.

Set Notification Access instructions for app notifications.
Notification access settings on a mobile device.
Set Notification Access instructions for app notifications.
Notification access settings on a mobile device.

From here, press "OK" on the popup, then hit your back button one time to wrap up the initial setup tour.

How to Turn Your Device into an Android Auto Clone
Mobile screen displaying a checkmark with the text "That's it! You are ready to go. Let's start the call!"
How to Turn Your Device into an Android Auto Clone
Mobile screen displaying a checkmark with the text "That's it! You are ready to go. Let's start the call!"

From here, you'll be taken to AutoMate's main menu. The app functions in both portrait and landscape modes, so you're free to orient your device however you see fit.

AutoMate interface displaying weather and date information: "1° Partly Cloudy, Toronto, CA, April 6, 2015."

To configure additional options, head to the side navigation menu and select "Settings."

App interface showing settings menu and premium option.

From here, the "General" tab has options for units of measurement, and the "Voice and Audio" tab lets you configure SMS and voicemail options.

Settings menu displaying speed preferences options.
Phone settings interface displaying voicemail number and message options.
Settings menu displaying speed preferences options.
Phone settings interface displaying voicemail number and message options.

After that, the "Screen and Display" tab has options for disabling the lock screen and setting a custom screen timeout, as well as theming options for the AutoMate interface. Finally, the "Maps" tab allows you to set up home and work locations and preferred route options.

Settings menu for screen and display options on a mobile device.
Settings menu for navigation app, including options for work address, route preferences, and history clearing.
Settings menu for screen and display options on a mobile device.
Settings menu for navigation app, including options for work address, route preferences, and history clearing.

Use AutoMate

With the app set up, using AutoMate is a breeze. A voice search button in the top-right corner calls up Android's built-in voice recognition service, and a set of relevant Google Now-style cards provide information such as current speed at a glance.

AutoMate interface displaying weather and date information.

A row of buttons at the bottom make it easy to control the app while keeping your eyes on the road. From left to right, there's Navigation, Phone, Home, Music, and Shortcuts.

From the Shortcuts menu, you can add quick links to your most commonly-used apps. Just tap "Add Shortcut," then choose from any of your installed apps in the list.

Mobile interface displaying shortcut options and settings.

Overall, it's a near-perfect replica of the Android Auto interface that will debut later this year. What's your in-car setup like? Let us know in the comment section below, or drop us a line on Facebook, Google+, or Twitter.

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.

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