Android Auto things I learned...

mikeyk101 · August 21, 2023

I just figured out some of this stuff recently. One thing that I didn't like about Waze over Google Maps was that with Google Maps, I could adjust route preferences such as avoid highways and avoid tolls. I much prefer Waze over Google maps but was frustrated that in order to adjust those options, I would have to unplug the USB cord and open up the Waze app on my phone and do it there. I like to have those avoidances selected when I use my motorcycle or when towing a trailer. But when just driving the Silverado, I don't mind the toll roads as much. And when I would forget to change them back, it was a small pain to deal with.

But I just recently discovered that there is now a way to change those when using Waze with Android Auto. You have to have an active route running.

Then on the top right of the screen is the alternative routes icon. It is the one that has 2 arrows pointing away from each other. Click on that and alternative route list pops up.

On the top right next to the word "routes" is the settings "wheel". Click on that and then you can select route preferences.

Sweet! But I could only find this option when there is an active route. Otherwise, I'm not sure if there is an option to change it.

Another thing that I think has to be related to some recent updates is the split screen mode.

When I first noticed it, I thought it was cool but it would disappear when I would enter a route in Waze and then I would have to switch between screens to change stuff and couldn't figure out how to get it back.

But I finally figured out how to do it. One thing I did do, but not sure if this is necessary, I opened up the Android Auto app on my phone. It is no longer a stand alone app to use AA but it does let you change some settings. I did the Customize Launcher choice making sure Waze was on top and my most used apps up top as well.

I'm not sure if that changed the icons on the bottom of screen on radio or if they are just the most frequently used ones. I mostly use Pandora now for tunes and have it shuffling through various stations to get a nice variety. But what I discovered is that when I am on a full Waze screen, if I tap the Waze icon on the bottom once, the split screen opens back up. One other thing that happened yesterday was that while in split screen, I received a text message..I played the text message as it only does text to speech so you have to listen instead of read. After it was over, the Pandora box shrunk and the text box appeared just above it. I was able to swipe text message box to the right and it disappeared and Pandora box got bigger again. Not sure what will happen when a phone call comes in because it hasn't happened yet since I discovered all of this. But it's nice to see the current route on screen as well as be able to control songs on screen at same time...

DominatorZ71 · August 21, 2023

I'm not a fan of the android auto update. It used to show song playing for a few seconds even over the map when it was starting and if I felt like skipping it was easy. Now I'm forced to use my steering wheel controls or click on the music app and skip that way.

mikeyk101 · August 21, 2023

If you are talking about when using an MP3 player to play tunes you have on your phone, I use Jet Audio when I'm not listening to Pandora and I just checked and was able to do the same thing. I did add Jet Audio to the Android Auto launcher.

And if it is MP3 tunes we are discussing, can you add your app to the launcher? If so, I don't know why you couldn't go split screen as well. The nice thing about this is if I have Waze running in full screen, a simple touch of the Waze icon on bottom of screen will open up the split screen. This way, I still have the navigation showing and can also view whatever player and song is playing on other side. I can cancel the split screen I want at anytime by again simply touching anywhere on the map or touching the Waze icon on bottom. Works pretty slick IMHO.

Edited August 21, 2023 by mikeyk101

mikeyk101 · August 21, 2023

And I didn't notice before but I just noticed it on this screenshot. I don't have an active route but just saw the settings "wheel" next to the magnifier search icon. I'm assuming that if I touch that, it will open up routing preferences. So now I know how to change routing preferences before starting an active route! Cool!

mikeyk101 · August 21, 2023

Sorry for all the additional posts but also saw the last screenshot I posted that on those bottom 4 icons, they do seem to be the most recent icons used. With JetAudio now being used to play music, it now appears right next to Waze icon instead of Pandora appearing next to Waze. The more I use this, the more I think that Android Auto finally got their act together to make this a more usable interface...