Can Samsung Music be added to Android Auto?

What is Android Auto?

Android Auto is a mobile app developed by Google to mirror features and apps from an Android smartphone onto a car’s built-in display or infotainment system. It was designed to allow drivers to access key functions of their phones in a safer way that reduces distraction while driving (Wikipedia).

The Android Auto app connects to compatible cars via USB cable or wireless connection and projects a simplified interface onto the car’s display screen. This allows drivers to access apps and services such as Google Maps, Waze, messaging, music and podcast apps, and more through an easy-to-use in-car interface. Controls can be performed by touchscreen or voice commands to minimize distraction from the road.

Android Auto was first announced by Google in 2014 and allows a driver to leverage the powerful apps from their Android phone in a driving-optimized interface. By mirroring the smartphone’s apps and functions, Android Auto allows people to utilize helpful apps for media, directions, communications and more while staying focused on the road.

What is Samsung Music?

Samsung Music is the default music player app that comes pre-installed on Samsung Galaxy devices. It is developed by Samsung specifically for their Android devices. Some of the key features of Samsung Music include:

– Supports a wide variety of audio formats including MP3, WAV, OGG, FLAC, AAC, and more[1].

– Offers customizable equalizer and sound effects like Dolby Atmos[2].

– Provides a clean and intuitive interface to browse music by songs, albums, artists, playlists, and folders.

– Includes lock screen and notification controls to easily control music playback.

– Syncs music wirelessly via Samsung Cloud across compatible Galaxy devices[3].

– Offers streaming integration with select services like YouTube Music.

Overall, it aims to provide a seamless music experience tailored for Samsung Galaxy users.

Why Add Samsung Music to Android Auto?

There are several key benefits to adding Samsung Music integration to Android Auto:

Firstly, it provides convenience and easy access to your playlists, favorites, and music library while driving (KBB). With Android Auto integration, you can quickly browse and select music to play without fumbling with your phone, keeping your eyes on the road. This is much safer than trying to handle your smartphone to change songs or playlists.

Secondly, it allows you to access your personal music library seamlessly while using Android Auto (Reddit). Without full integration, you would be limited to only using compatible streaming apps with Android Auto. With Samsung Music added, you can play both streaming songs and your own music files.

Overall, integrating Samsung Music with Android Auto results in a safer and more convenient driving experience. Drivers can access their full music library without distraction or the need to handle their smartphone.

Is Samsung Music Compatible with Android Auto?

Android Auto was designed to provide a simplified interface focused on music, navigation, and voice commands while driving. When Android Auto launched in 2014, the default compatible media apps included Google Play Music, Spotify, Pandora, iHeartRadio, and others. However, Samsung Music was not included in the original launch lineup.

There are a few reasons why Samsung Music may not be officially supported by Android Auto:

• Android Auto prioritizes integrating with popular cross-platform apps like Spotify rather than phone-manufacturer-specific apps like Samsung Music.
• Samsung Music is preinstalled on Samsung Galaxy devices but is not available as a downloadable app on the Google Play Store. Android Auto tends to focus on integrating apps from the Play Store.
• As a proprietary Samsung app, the developers may not have allocated resources towards Android Auto integration compared to more universal media apps.

So in summary, Samsung Music’s status as a Samsung-exclusive, preinstalled app means it has lower priority for official Android Auto support compared to more widely-used media applications. Lack of Play Store availability is another factor working against it.

Workarounds to Add Samsung Music to Android Auto

Since Samsung Music is not natively supported by Android Auto, some workaround options exist to allow using it in your car. One way is to use third party apps like Auto Mate (https://carplayhacks.com/add-any-app-to-android-auto/). These apps essentially act as wrappers that can launch unsupported apps within the Android Auto interface.

To add Samsung Music using a workaround app like Auto Mate:

1. Install the Auto Mate app on your Android phone and set it up following the in-app instructions.
2. Open the Auto Mate app and enable it to run on Android Auto.
3. Search for and select the Samsung Music app within Auto Mate.
4. Connect your phone to your car system running Android Auto.
5. You should now see a Samsung Music icon within the Android Auto menu that can launch the app.

This provides a way to access your Samsung Music library, playlists, and features while using Android Auto. Just keep in mind that the experience may not be fully optimized for in-vehicle use. But it does present a handy workaround option until native support is potentially added.

Usingalternate Music Apps with Android Auto

Since Samsung Music is not currently compatible with Android Auto, many users opt to use other music apps that are designed to work seamlessly with Android Auto. Here are some of the most popular Android Auto compatible music apps:

• Spotify – Streaming service with over 70 million songs. Supports Android Auto integration for playback controls, playlists, recommendations, etc. Some downsides are ads in the free version and requiring an internet connection.
• YouTube Music – Google’s music streaming app with over 50 million songs. Integrates well with Android Auto for voice commands, playlists, radio stations, etc. Drawbacks include ads in the free tier and needing internet connectivity.
• Pandora – Popular internet radio app with Android Auto support. Lets you create stations based on artists/genres. Free version has audio ads. Requires internet connection.
• Amazon Music – Amazon’s music app with access to over 50 million songs. Android Auto provides access to songs, stations, playlists, etc. Must have an Amazon Prime or Music Unlimited subscription.

The main benefits of using alternate music apps on Android Auto are leveraging voice commands, getting tailored recommendations, and accessing vast music libraries. The tradeoffs are typically ads in free versions, requiring internet connectivity, and providing less control over local/downloaded music. However, for many users, the convenience and integration these streaming apps provide with Android Auto outweighs those limitations.

Requesting Official Samsung Music Support

One of the best ways to get Samsung Music added to Android Auto is to provide feedback directly to Samsung requesting official integration and support. Android Auto has an open API that allows apps like Samsung Music to integrate with the platform through some development work on Samsung’s end. By requesting this integration, users can increase visibility of demand for this feature.

Some options for providing feedback include:

• Submitting feedback through the Samsung Members app or Samsung’s online feedback forms detailing interest in Android Auto support for Samsung Music.
• Posting on Samsung’s social media pages like Facebook, Twitter, etc. to request Android Auto support.
• Searching the Samsung support contact page to find options for providing direct feedback.
• Leaving reviews for Samsung Music in the Google Play Store mentioning the desire for Android Auto capabilities.

Along with direct feedback, it’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for any updates to Samsung Music that may add Android Auto support. As Samsung continues updating and improving its apps, there is always a possibility official support gets added in a future update. Monitoring app updates and checking places like the Samsung Members app for official announcements can help spot if Android Auto support comes to Samsung Music down the road.

Tips for Using Android Auto

Android Auto can be an incredibly useful system for staying focused on the road while getting directions and controlling music playback. However, there are some best practices to follow to get the most out of Android Auto:

For setup, be sure to allow Android Auto to access your location, contacts, calendar, and SMS functions on your phone for full integration. Connect your phone to a compatible car head unit with a good quality USB cable. You may need to enable certain settings like USB tethering and USB debugging on your phone as well. Keep your apps updated and check for Android Auto updates too for a smooth experience.

When using Android Auto, focus on voice commands as much as possible to minimize phone interaction. Say “Hey Google” or hold the voice command button on your steering wheel to get directions, play music, and send messages hands-free. Personalize your Android Auto home screen by long pressing on app icons to rearrange them. Enable do not disturb mode on your phone to avoid unnecessary notifications.

If you run into any issues with connectivity, lag, or glitches, start by uninstalling and reinstalling the Android Auto app. Check that your USB cable is not damaged, and try connecting your phone to another USB port. As a last resort, you can reset the head unit in your car to factory settings then set up Android Auto again from scratch. This often resolves persistent bugs.

The Future of Android Auto

Android Auto is constantly evolving with new features and integrations. At the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show, Google announced upcoming Android Auto updates like split-screen driving modes, virtual assistant integration, and UI customizations (https://blog.google/products/android/android-auto-new-features-ces24/).

In May 2023, Google highlighted new Android Auto capabilities at Google I/O, including Waze integration to find EV charging stations, joining meetings through your car display, watching YouTube videos when parked, and an improved media UI (https://blog.google/products/android/android-auto-new-features-google-io-2023/).

As Android Auto matures, we can expect even deeper integration with Google and third-party apps. There is potential for more advanced voice controls, predictive capabilities based on usage patterns, and closer ties to Android smartphones and automotive systems. The future looks bright for Android Auto as Google continues expanding its in-car presence.

Summary

At this time, Samsung Music cannot be natively added to Android Auto. Android Auto currently only supports certain music apps such as Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and Google Play Music.

However, there are some workarounds to play tracks from Samsung Music through Android Auto. You can use an auxiliary cable to play Samsung Music directly through your car’s speakers. Or you can use a third party app like AutoCast to cast Samsung Music to your car’s display. Otherwise, you’ll need to switch to using one of the compatible Android Auto music apps.

In conclusion, Samsung Music has not been officially integrated into Android Auto yet. But with workarounds like auxiliary cables or third party casting apps, you can still listen to tracks from Samsung Music while using Android Auto. Hopefully, official support will be added in the future to simplify the process. For now, switching to a natively supported music app is the easiest way to seamlessly use Android Auto for music playback.