We frequently talk about Android Auto, Google’s proposal to integrate our mobile apps onto the car’s infotainment screen. Android Auto It is extremely useful for easily accessing the most important tools and functions of your mobile phone, such as navigation, communication and multimedia applications.
Google’s platform is very popular in Europe and many other countries around the world, with a few exceptions. One place where it is not used is China, a country where Google services have been blocked for years. Of course, this doesn’t mean that Android users in China can’t connect their mobile to the car.
Although Android is allowed in China, you cannot use Android Auto
If you are wondering why in China you can’t use Android Auto but you can use Android, the reason is that Android is open source software. This means that manufacturers like Xiaomi and Huawei can adapt the operating system and remove the Mountain View company’s software so that it complies with the country’s regulations.
In the case of Android Auto, the platform is heavily dependent on Google services and tools (such as Google Maps or Google Assistant), so it is not a valid option in China. Instead of using Android Auto, Chinese Android phone users are turning to local platforms designed to comply with country regulations
Some of the most popular options in China are Baidu CarLife and Huawei HiCar. The first belongs to Baidu, a company known for the search engine of the same name. Baidu CarLife It works similarly to Android Auto and provides easy access to Baidu Maps, one of the most popular mapping services in China. Additionally, it is compatible with Android and iOS.
Promotional images from Baidu Maps, Baidu’s exclusive mapping platform. It has 565 million monthly active users and is one of the most popular mapping platforms.
Another available option is Huawei HiCar, an alternative to Android Auto compatible with the company’s mobile phones (it also works on Honor mobile phones) and available since early 2020. Like the Baidu platform, Huawei HiCar It provides access to multimedia and navigation applications installed on the mobile phone from the infotainment system of compatible vehicles.
Despite the blocking of Android Auto in China, the local alternatives we have discussed offer users the possibility of connecting their mobile phone to the car and using the applications they use every day without major inconveniences. Out of curiosity, it is interesting to note that CarPlay is available in China for iOS users.
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