Android Auto was delivered to customers over the last few weeks via Pioneer NEX head units. But the in-car software from Google requires a smartphone running Android 5.0 Lollipop. With the 'fragmented' nature of Google's mobile operating system, not all Android users have been able to avail of Android Auto yet.
Although quite a few of the latest Android smartphones have received the Lollipop update, there are many users still waiting for their smartphone manufacturers or carriers to rollout the update for their phones.
As of now, only Pioneer's second generation NEX receivers are capable of Android Auto. Other aftermarket head units (JVC Kenwood, Parrot etc.) are on the way and should be available in the coming few months.
Pioneer recently released firmware updates for its NEX receivers which expanded Android Auto compatibility. No further details were available as to whether that meant more smartphones were now compatible.
Also, an interesting custom firmware trick has been floating around wherein first generation NEX head units can update to second generation firmware, thereby allowing users to run Android Auto on their seemingly 'outdated' receivers. The firmware has a few issues at the moment, but if those can be ironed out this could be welcome news to a lot of folks.
The slow rollout of Android 5.0 Lollipop is, however, slowing down adoption of Android Auto for end-users. Google, for its part, has released the Android Auto app in Google Play last week though. Its now up to smartphone manufacturers and carriers to make Lollipop available to its customers.
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