Google Still Vague About Android Auto Adoption as New Apps Are Coming

However, we've never known how popular these two systems actually are. Google and Apple rarely discuss Android Auto and CarPlay adoption, and the figures they share are often vague and lack specifics.

The same thing happened at I/O this week when Google shared big announcements for its automotive strategy.

Android Auto is finally getting access to video apps, with YouTube expected to make its way to the car in the coming months. The company will also unlock games and browsers, letting users do more on their screens without picking up their mobile devices.

Google also dropped some numbers about Android Auto, giving us a vague look at how many people might be running the app. However, as you'll see in a second, the search giant might be hiding something in this claim, using ambiguous wording for information that should be as clear as possible.

Google says "over 200 million cars on the road [are] compatible with Android Auto," and while this might make many believe that Android Auto has over 200 million users, that's not what the company says. The search giant explains that Android Auto CAN run in over 200 million cars already on the road, meaning these vehicles rolled off the assembly lines with support for its app. It doesn't mean users run the app, but Android Auto is there, and if they connect a mobile device to their vehicles, they could become part of the Android Auto user base.

While Google isn't offering more Android Auto adoption specifics, bragging about "compatibility" doesn't make much sense. Cars compatible with Android Auto are also compatible with Apple's CarPlay, so users can run whatever platform they want depending on the mobile device in their pockets.

Apple has never commented on CarPlay adoption but did say that nearly 80% of new-car buyers in the United States consider the app a must-have feature of the next model.

While it's unclear if Android Auto's adoption drops, stagnates, or improves from a user perspective, the search giant has become more committed to upgrading the experience offered to drivers. This is why Android Auto will get historic app improvements this year, starting with support for video apps.

If you've been following Google's automotive efforts in the last couple of years, you probably observed that the Mountain View-based company has been focusing more on Android Automotive, bringing more apps to the operating system and ignoring the top requests on Android Auto.

YouTube is the best example. The video app has long been a major feature request in the Android Auto user base, but Google ignored the feedback. It eventually launched the app on Android Automotive, allowing drivers of cars with Google built-in to watch videos online when the vehicles are parked.

While YouTube would support the same behavior on Android Auto (and it can already work the same way with third-party hacks), Google focused more on Android Automotive, improving the experience with the operating system that seems to bring home more bacon. However, Google has now confirmed that video apps are coming to Android Auto, and I'm certain YouTube will be one of the biggest releases.

Games and browsers will also debut on Android Auto. Google wants to make Android Auto a more native extension to Android, so making it feel more like the operating system has become a priority. Unlocking apps that make sense on Android Auto when the vehicle is parked was an obvious upgrade, though it's unclear why Google waited so long to make it happen.

The bigger news is that Google is working on another project to increase the number of apps in the Android Auto ecosystem. The company will allow apps published on the Google Play Store and created with large screens in mind to land on Android Auto with zero updates. The company will scan the entire app repository and automatically make cars from certain categories available on Android Auto if they meet certain criteria. Developers can also request a manual review of their apps if they believe they are compatible with Android Auto and Android Automotive.

Meanwhile, it's clear that despite GM's effort, the automotive world can't leave Android Auto and CarPlay behind for a simple reason: users still love these platforms, and considering most drivers know that a switch to in-house developed software and Android Automotive pushes them a step closer to subscription, resistance is solid.

It's now Apple's turn to come up with major CarPlay updates, so fingers crossed that the iPhone maker shares big announcements at WWDC next month. Otherwise, Android Auto is becoming significantly more intriguing for drivers interested in a modern driving experience and could become a major incentive to replace an iPhone with an Android phone.