Google Opening Wireless Connectivity to Android Auto to Phones Running 8.0 OS

Google is working with other smartphone makers to bring wireless compatibility for Android Auto to select phones with the Android 8.0 operating system, said Kenwood Thursday in an update to a recent announcement, saying its Android Auto multimedia receivers will be compatible with those phones. Kenwood said earlier this month the wireless Android Auto feature in its eXcelon receivers was compatible only with Google-branded phones running Android 9.0, including first- and second-generation Pixel phones and the Nexus 5X and 6P. “Google has informed us that, in addition to 9.0 devices, the company is working with several smartphone manufacturers to bring wireless compatibility to devices with Android 8.0 OS,” Kenwood said. Android Auto, which lets drivers access certain apps and features such as messaging and Google Assistant from the car radio’s touch screen, previously required a cable to connect the radio and the phone.