TL;DR
Android Auto lets users pin custom Google Assistant actions to the car launcher so a single tap can run a chain of tasks. Apple CarPlay currently requires Siri interaction for shortcuts and does not offer the same pinned, non‑voice launcher buttons.
What happened
A recent piece highlights a productivity advantage in Android Auto: the ability to add custom Assistant actions directly to the car’s launcher. Instead of relying on voice prompts, drivers can create and test Assistant commands on their phone, then add them via Android Auto settings → Customize launcher → Add a shortcut. Those shortcuts appear as tappable icons in the vehicle interface and can perform multiple steps in sequence — for example, start navigation, play a playlist, and send a text — without invoking the assistant’s voice prompt each time. The reporter frames this as a practical fix for the real-world failures of voice control and credits the feature with keeping driver attention more focused. The article also notes Google’s plan to replace the legacy Assistant with Gemini, which could change how these shortcuts behave in the future.
Why it matters
- Pinned Assistant shortcuts let drivers execute multi-step routines with a single tap, reducing the need for spoken commands.
- Fewer voice prompts can mean less interruption to in-car conversations and fewer failures caused by noise or dropped data.
- The feature differentiates Android Auto from CarPlay by allowing launcher-based macros rather than voice-only triggers.
- If Gemini replaces the legacy Assistant in the car, shortcuts might evolve from fixed macros to context-aware agents.
Key facts
- Custom Assistant actions are created via the Android Auto settings on the phone under Customize launcher.
- To add a shortcut: open Android Auto settings → Customize launcher → Add a shortcut to the Launcher → pick an Assistant action and label it.
- Shortcuts should be tested on the phone before adding so they perform as expected in the car.
- Examples given include routines that start navigation, play specific playlists, send an ETA text, open a garage, or adjust a thermostat.
- The article argues voice-only workflows can fail in noisy or data-poor conditions and can interrupt conversations.
- According to the report, Apple CarPlay requires interacting with Siri to run shortcuts and does not offer a way to pin such launcher buttons.
- Currently these pinned Assistant shortcuts act as programmed macros that execute predetermined steps.
- Google is planning to replace the legacy Assistant with Gemini, which the author expects could add contextual intelligence to these routines.
What to watch next
- Google's rollout of Gemini into Android Auto and how it changes shortcut behavior (confirmed in the source).
- Whether Apple adds a pinned, non-voice launcher shortcut feature to CarPlay in future updates (not confirmed in the source).
- Adoption of launcher-based Assistant shortcuts by automakers or integration into OEM infotainment interfaces (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- Android Auto: Google’s platform that projects select phone apps and functionality onto a compatible vehicle’s infotainment display.
- Apple CarPlay: Apple’s in-car interface that mirrors selected iPhone features on a vehicle’s dashboard screen, often controlled via Siri and touch.
- Google Assistant: Google’s voice assistant that accepts commands, runs routines, and integrates with smart home and mobile services.
- Gemini: Google’s next-generation AI assistant platform intended to replace the legacy Assistant; details on behavior in cars are emerging.
- Shortcut / Assistant action: A configured command or sequence that triggers one or more tasks (navigation, messages, media, home controls) when invoked.
Reader FAQ
How do you add a custom shortcut to Android Auto?
On your phone open Android Auto settings, go to Customize launcher, tap Add a shortcut to the Launcher, choose an Assistant action, label it and test before use.
Can Apple CarPlay pin similar non-voice launcher shortcuts?
The article states CarPlay requires Siri for shortcuts and does not provide a way to pin a 'Leave for work' style button to the dashboard.
Do these shortcuts eliminate the need for voice commands?
Yes — the pinned launcher icons let you run prepared multi-step routines without speaking to the assistant.
Will Gemini already make these shortcuts smarter in Android Auto?
Not confirmed in the source.
Android Auto beats Apple CarPlay just with this brilliant productivity feature Credit: Lucas Gouveia / Android Police | kungfu01 / Shutterstock By Parth Shah Published 31 minutes ago Parth is a…
Sources
- Android Auto beats Apple CarPlay just with this brilliant productivity feature
- CarPlay vs. Android Auto: 8 Reasons Google's System …
- 8 reasons Android Auto leaves CarPlay in the dust
- I love this little-known Android Auto trick that gives you a …
Related posts
- Google Photos testing in-app playback speed controls and grid date toggle
- Google Wallet vs Samsung Wallet: exposing a major Android fragmentation
- 7 ways to get your YouTube recommendations back on track and accurate