Create apps

AI-generated Key Takeaways

• Developers can deliver app experiences in cars either projected from Android phones via Android Auto or downloaded directly into vehicles with Google built-in (Android Automotive OS plus Google Automotive Services).

• App experiences can be designed for driving scenarios, minimizing distraction, or for parked and passenger scenarios, leveraging larger in-car screens.

• This section provides UX guidance for creating in-vehicle apps across various categories including media, video, navigation, and point-of-interest.

• The guide covers getting started with different app types, designing apps with templates, understanding core concepts, viewing examples, and checking usability requirements.

Figure 1. Create apps.

Car screens provide a unique way for apps to reach drivers and passengers during their daily journeys – both while driving and when parked. With Android for Cars, developers can deliver app experiences in two ways:

• Projected from Android phones (via Android Auto) onto screens of more than 200 million compatible vehicles
• Downloaded directly into vehicles through Google Play into the fast-growing realm of vehicles from top brands with Google built-in (Android Automotive OS plus Google Automotive Services)

App experiences can center around driving, with a UI designed to minimize distraction. Or, they can focus on parked and passenger scenarios that take advantage of large (or multiple) screens in cars with Google built in.

This section provides UX guidance for creating in-vehicle experiences in a range of app categories, from media and video to navigation and point-of-interest.

Get Started

Learn the basics about creating various app types:

• Communication apps
• Media apps
• Navigation apps
• Other driving-related apps (IoT, point-of-interest, weather)
• Parked & passenger apps, such as video streaming

Design an App

Find out how to:

• Build apps with templates
• Create media apps
• Adapt video apps

Learn about templates

Explore the building blocks in the Android for Cars App Library:

• Templates
• Template components

Understand the big picture

Learn about:

• How users experience your app
• Partner roles for apps
• Design foundations for in-vehicle UI

See examples

Check out task flows for common app tasks:

• Permission & sign-in flows
• Navigation flows
• Other scenarios, such as purchasing and voice communication

Check usability

Make sure your app meets design requirements:

• MUST, SHOULD, and MAY for apps
• Media app requirements
• Templated app requirements