Android Auto Updates Now Available From GM Dealers

[Gorehamj]

John Goreham
Contributing Writer, GM-Trucks.com
3/1/2016

General Motors rolled out a series of press alerts today letting owners know that Android Auto is now available. The updates are available for 2016 model year GM vehicles that were prepped to accept the upgrade. The way it works is you take your Chevy, GMC, Buick, or Cadillac to the dealership and they will perform a software update to enable the Android Auto functionality.

 

Android Auto will allow users to access Google Maps, Google Now, and to speak with Google. The system also allows, as GM puts it, "Access to the growing audio and messaging app ecosystem that includes WhatsApp, Skype, Google Play Music, Spotify etc."

 

We wish the upgrade availability list was simple, but it is not. Here is the information we have by brand from GM regarding which vehicles can be upgraded. Note that some vehicles already have the Android Auto system. Call your dealership if you are unsure of your car's compatibility. Note that Android Auto requires a phone running the Android Lollipop 5.0 operating system or higher. The system also requires that the phone be connected to the vehicle via the USB cable and ports. It does not work via BlueTooth:

 

2016 MY Chevy Vehicles with the 8-Inch MyLink Infotainment Eligible for the Android Auto Software Update:

Malibu (Excludes Limited), Impala, Volt, Camaro, Camaro Convertible, Corvette, Corvette Convertible, Colorado, Silverado, Silverado HD, Tahoe, Suburban

 

2016 MY Cadillacs: All vehicles with Cadillac CUE with the exception 2016 SRX. XT5 and CT6 new models come equipped.

 

2016 MY Buicks: Regal or LaCrosse model equipped with an eight-inch IntelliLink system

 

2016 MY GMCs: Canyon, Sierra and Yukon models equipped with the 8-inch IntelliLink system

[Zane]

GM-Trucks.com will be getting this update installed on a 2016 Camaro tomorrow, March 2nd. We will have a full hands on review ASAP.

EDIT: Spoke too soon. GM decided that they will not able to let me get the upgrade to the Mylink system in the Camaro I'm driving right now. No explanation given. Sorry guys.

[Rock1500]

It's nice how they left the 2014 and 2015 models out in the cold.

 

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

[Trinity2020]

I called my dealership today and it took the service manager calling home office to even figure out what I was talking about. Ill be getting mine installed/updated tomorrow morning at 10.

[Trinity2020]

Just got done getting the update, took them about an hour and a half to install. Everything works very well and it literally doesn't let you use your phone while the android auto is running. As soon as you hit the homescreen on your phone to exit out it will disconnect the android auto function until you start it back up again. But it also give a great view of driving directions versus the "on star turn by turn", which I didn't like. You have to have a legit phone cord in order for it to work as well, at first I tried to connect with a general usb cord from a bluetooth speaker, and it wouldn't let me connect until i grabbed my phone cord from the house. But so far everything works great with it, very easy to use. Have to hit the mic button on the screen in order to use the voice commands for directions, you cant use the speak button on the steering wheel or else it will try to make a phone call. But overall a great update for the 2016's, sorry 14 and 15 guys.

[SnakeEyeSS]

GM-Trucks.com will be getting this update installed on a 2016 Camaro tomorrow, March 2nd. We will have a full hands on review ASAP.

EDIT: Spoke too soon. GM decided that they will not able to let me get the upgrade to the Mylink system in the Camaro I'm driving right now. No explanation given. Sorry guys.

Good to see their confidence.

 

The biggest drawback, IMO, is you can't easily select from your music on your phone. You can select from recent songs(which you just heard), or use voice search, which works great for everything with AA except specific songs, or complicated artist/album/song names.

 

I have learned to use the in car system for music on the backgrous, while AA is running. It was easy on my Pioneer in the Tahoe, and in my new Accord. Hope GM made it easy too in their system for your guys sake.

[Nargg]

Still waiting for the 14'/15' update.... Still waiting.

[jmac]

We just got the software update on our 2016 Yukon Denali and it works great. The mic button on the steering wheel works but you have to hold it down for an extra second. There are some work arounds to gain access to your phone while connected such as selecting the close all button or recent apps buttons. . My neighborhood is two years old and the latest GM maps is missing our address. Overall I am very happy with the ability to use google maps which always has the latest maps including my home address.

[Ron.s]

Buggy-randomly lose connection and the last time had to delete all connections on phone and vehicle and start from scratch.

But that said it's got a lot of great features. Love the ability to voice search...i.e. miles to-nearest gas-nearest park-navigate to Costco.