Android Auto has over 1 billion downloads. Starting with Android 12 Android Auto will only be in automobiles not on Android smartphones. Instead Google is sending users to built-in features already in Android called Google Assistant Driving Mode that are launched in Google Maps and Navigation.
If you go to the Android auto help center you are directed you are directed to Google Assistant Driving Mode.
Google Assistant Driving Mode requires Android 9 or higher 4 gigabytes of RAM and will work in Portrait mode only. On your Android phone you open up the Google Maps apps search for your destination.Tap on it start or you can say hey Google navigate to a destination.You can ask Google Assistant in Driving Mode to make a call answer a call send a message get your messages or listen to music. App launcher will allow you to give quick access to music and YouTube.
You start driving mode in Google Maps app and then right tap the app launcher to tap an app. Many point out it’s not as easy as Android auto. You can also in the Google assistant app in the settings tap transportation and hit driving mode. There is a feature to hear your messages while you drive in Google Assistant.
“For those who use the on phone experience (Android Auto mobile app), they will be transitioned to Google Assistant driving mode,” reports 9 to 5 Google From a Google statement, “Starting with Android 12, Google Assistant driving mode will be the built-in mobile driving experience. We have no further details to share at this time.” Google says that the experience isn’t changing for anyone using Android Auto in compatible cars.
XDA Developers reported that some users were seeing a message in the Android Auto for Phone Screens app that said the service is “now only available for car screens” and pointed phone users towards Google Assistant driving mode as a replacement.
Meanwhile the main website for Android Auto states
“Connect your phone. Now hit the road.
Connect your phone to your car display—your Android apps show up onscreen, just like that. Tap to get driving directions or talk to send a text. Even call your mom, hands-free. Android Auto is made to help you focus on the road. And have fun along the way. Just plug in and go.”
“If you have Android 9 or below, get the Android Auto app on your phone. With Android 10, Android Auto is built in—so you don’t need the app to get started.”
For similar functions is the well-known in-car use app Drive Mode does similar functions.