The difference between Google Assistant and Android Auto's driving mode

If you want to navigate while driving, the good news is that Android smartphones support apps that make navigating easier. Google's apps for vehicle navigation on your smartphone are Android Auto and Google Assistant's driving mode. Both apps have the same goal, but are designed differently.

So what's the difference between Android Auto and Google Assistant's driving mode? Let's find out more through the following article!

Difference between Android Auto and Google Assistant driving mode

Accessibility

Now that the Android Auto app mode for smartphone screens no longer works on Android, you have no choice but to use the Google Assistant driving mode if you haven't connected it to your car's dashboard display.

It's worth noting that Google Assistant's driving mode is available in more countries than Android Auto. However, when the Google Assistant driving mode was first introduced, it was only available in a few countries, but it is now pre-installed on all smartphones.

Both Android Auto and Google Assistant's driving mode can launch automatically if they detect you're in a moving car, but you must enable that setting. Similarly, you can set up Google Assistant and Android Auto driving modes to launch automatically when you connect Android Auto to your vehicle's Bluetooth.

User interface

While both Google Assistant and Android Auto's driving modes serve the same purpose, they have slightly different user interfaces. The driving mode UI for Google Assistant has been redesigned with fewer options and larger cards, making the interface look less cluttered than Android Auto. Also, Google Assistant's driving mode only includes multimedia apps (Spotify, YouTube Music, VLC, Podcasts, etc.), Google Maps, text messages, and call options.

Android Auto supports most apps installed on your smartphone, including WhatsApp, YouTube, Calendar, Telegram, Google Chrome, and other third-party navigation apps like Waze, Samsung Maps, and TomTom Go. However, if you're using the Google Assistant driving mode, you'll be limited to navigating in Google Maps.

There is another way to easily access other apps like WhatsApp and Google Chrome on a smartphone while the Google Assistant driving mode is running in the background. The user interface prioritizes voice commands and instructions, so you can drive without taking your hands off the wheel. However, you can still use your finger to control the Google Assistant's driving mode user interface.

The Google Assistant app can be activated in Android Auto, but it doesn't integrate into a more cohesive user interface than Google Assistant's driving mode.

The biggest difference here is that you're only allowed to use Android Auto if it's compatible with your car's infotainment system. Google Assistant's driving mode, on the other hand, is designed to be used for simple navigation using your smartphone's screen with voice commands activated. If you want to learn more about other Android Auto alternatives, you can consider Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink.

Is Android Auto or Google Assistant's driving mode better?

Google Assistant's driving mode is less distracting for the driver than Android Auto because you can control everything with your voice. It is also designed with a minimalist user interface that has basic applications that do not distract the driver.

However, Android Auto offers more apps and options than Google Assistant's driving mode. This means you won't be limited to Google Maps and you can use other navigation apps like Waze on Android Auto. It's cool that you can cast Android Auto to the larger screen of your car and even activate Google Assistant which you can keep running in the background.

However, if you have to choose, choose Android Auto instead of Google Assistant's driving mode because it offers more functions. Another reason is that you can get into legal trouble in some places if you use your smartphone while driving, even if you are using the Google Assistant driving mode.

In addition, Google is focusing on Android Automotive, which is different from Android Auto and comes pre-installed on vehicles, allowing automakers to customize.

Samuel Daniel

Update 24 July 2023