There are already many cars on the market with Android Auto, but it’s not something we can easily access. In the end, changing cars costs a lot of money and We may love Android Auto, but we don’t change cars to get it.

That’s why there are great alternatives like installing Android Auto on a tablet and placing it somewhere on the dashboard (always safely without blocking the view). or directly install a replacement for Android Auto on the tablet or mobile phone we always carry in our pocket. This is exactly what Car Launcher allows.

An Android Auto replacement to make your car smart

What is sought in such applications is that the interface of Android Auto is not the same.which is great because it is very focused on driving and therefore very intuitive to use, but it also has limitations like the apps we can run.

Obviously, we won’t open a social network or any other app while we’re driving, but we’ll open it while we’re in the car, and that’s something Android Auto doesn’t allow.

With Car Launcher or similar apps, although that’s what we tried, what you’re doing is your mobile or tablet An interface focused on driving without the limitations of Android Auto. With a style reminiscent of a car dashboard, without distractions, the necessary options are always at hand.

If we focus on Car Launcher, when we install it we have to grant various permissions like location, storage access, voice access to use Google Assistant or allow other apps to run on it. Once this is done, we can start tampering with the app.

There are two versions, one paid (for 6.99 Euros) and a free version that I downloaded. For what I use I don’t see ads in the free version, but it has some limitations. Basic usage such as viewing the map, accessing navigation data, different widgets, displaying available satellites, using Google Assistant or having background music with playback control works fine.

You have customization through themes, the app is stable and most importantly it delivers what it promises: it replaces your everyday mobile or tablet with Android Auto. However, it is not perfect, and the biggest drawback is that Car Launcher does not stop working as an Android launcher, although it allows us to use any application on the phone.

So interface and basic usage yes focused on in-car usage but If you open Apple Play, Twitter or any app it will open in default orientation that app is vertical when it comes to Apple Music. If you open Twitter or Telegram then horizontally.

And the good thing is that the free version has a few related limitations and you have the basics to start driving without any hassle.

Car Launcher

Free version of Car Launcher, an application that replaces Android Auto and turns your mobile phone or tablet into a launcher optimized for driving.

Download for free

Xataka on Android | Six important Android Auto settings that I recommend configuring as soon as possible