On: GM to Cut More Than 1k Software Engineers, Mostly ...

[CydeWeys]

Those are like its most basic and widely used functions, and I've never seen an implementation that's lacked then. Have you?

[jjulius → CydeWeys]

Huh? I think you're missing what I'm saying.

You're saying Android Auto, especially in rentals, is essential for music and navigation, and that you don't know what you'd do without it. I'm saying, Android Auto isn't essential - the phone that you brought with you on your trip can literally do all of the same things. Heck, Android Auto is basically more akin to a mirrored screen, because it's your phone doing all of the work anyway.

It might not be on a screen that's built in to the dashboard, sure, but you've got all of your "essentials" in your pocket no matter the car nor the car's amenities. Find the most optimal spot to set your phone, plug it in via audio cable or bluetooth audio, et voila.

[carlmr → jjulius]

>Find the most optimal spot to set your phone

That's the problem though. There is usually no good place for a phone. And the phone holders with suction cups are never that great IME.

But you're kind of right. If we had a phone holder in the middle of the dash we wouldn't need AndroidAuto, it's just mirroring the screen.

[CydeWeys → carlmr]

The built-in screens in cars are much larger and easier to use while driving. Using a tiny phone screen for navigation is simply not as good.