Back at I/O, Google gave attendees a look at Android Auto and now the outfit is giving developers the tools to optimize their applications for automobiles. Today, the company announced the availability of its first APIs for building car-friendly apps with voice and messaging capabilities.
An extension of your car’s in-dash software, Android Auto connects with your mobile device to cast software to your vehicle’s infotainment system. This lets users control their apps from their steering wheel and other integrated dashboard buttons. Google says its APIs make it easier for developers to extend their apps built for Lollipop to be compatible with cars without the concern of hardware differences.
As of now, Android Auto supports audio apps like music, podcasts and news feed playback. There’s also support for message applications that read text aloud and let users reply hands-free via voice commands. While the APIs are available today, Mountain View says that apps extended with Android Auto support can’t be published just yet and that more categories are going to be added in the future.
If you’re a software developer thinking about adding Android Auto support to one of your applications, Google invites you to join the platform’s Google+ community to connect with other devs.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctiaVxgclsg]
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