This launcher replaces Android Auto and includes more benefits, like opening any app

There are already plenty of cars on the market with Android Auto, but it’s not like it’s something we can access easily. In the end, changing cars is very expensive and We may like Android Auto, but we’re not going to change vehicles to have it.

So there are great alternatives like installing Android Auto on a tablet and placing it somewhere on the dashboard (still safely without obstructing vision) or directly install a replacement for Android Auto on the tablet or cell phone that we always carry in our pockets. This is precisely what Car Launcher allows.

An Android Auto replacement to make your car smart

What is sought with this type of application is not to create an interface identical to that of Android Autowhich is great because it is very focused on driving and therefore has the most intuitive use, but also limitations such as the applications we can run.

Obviously we are not going to open a social network or any other application while we are driving, but we will when we are waiting in the car, and this is something that Android Auto does not allow.

With Car Launcher or similar applications, although the one we tested is this one, you must provide your mobile or tablet a driving-focused interface, but without the limitations of Android Auto. Without distractions, with a style that resembles a car dashboard and with the necessary options always at hand.

If we focus on Car Launcher, when we install it we need to grant various permissions such as location, storage access, voice access to use Google Assistant or allow it to work on other apps. Once this is done we can start playing with the application.

There are two versions, a paid version (at 6.99 dollars) and a free one, which is the one I installed. So I use it, I don’t see ads in the free version, but it has some limitations. Basic uses, such as viewing the map, accessing navigation data, different widgets, viewing available satellites, using Google Assistant or having background music with playback control, work without problem.

You have customization through themes, the app is stable and the most important thing is that it does what it promises: it turns your everyday cell phone or tablet into a replacement for Android Auto. However, it is not perfect and the big drawback is that, although it allows you to use any application on the phone, Car Launcher still works like… an Android launcher.

That is, the basic interface and usability, yes, is focused on in-vehicle use, but If you open Apple Play, Twitter or any other app, it will open in the default orientation of this request. In the case of Apple Music, it’s vertical. If you open Twitter or Telegram, then horizontally.

And the good news is that the free version has few relevant limitations and you have the basics to start driving without problems.

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