Android Auto is the best companion when you are behind the wheel. It lets you view the directions to your location, attend calls, enjoy your music, and do some other basic smartphone stuff that is safe to do when driving. However, there is one annoying restriction that prevents users from using Google Maps on their smartphones when Android Auto is running. Thankfully, that is changing now.
According to multiple user reports, a recent change in Android Auto and Google Maps allows them to use Google Maps on their Samsung or other Android smartphones even if Android Auto is running. This is a big change, as previously, when you tried to use Google Maps, it would show an error message that the app could not be opened while Android Auto was running.
Because of a bug, the feature often fails to mirror what's shown in the vehicle's display
The new change is visible in the Google Maps app (version 11.67), but the change doesn't seem to have rolled out widely, as several users have confirmed that despite installing the said version of Google Maps, the app blocked them from interacting with Maps on their smartphones.
With this new change, co-passengers can easily use Google Maps on their phones and make plans for the next destination. Instead of the simplified version of Apple CarPlay, Google Maps gives you access to the full view, including turn-by-turn navigation. Also, you can view the full list of directions within the app itself on your smartphone.
There are some bugs, though, and the change often doesn't replicate what is shown on the vehicle's display. You might have to restart the app or your phone in order for it to work if you are facing any issues. Whatever the case may be, it is a nice step from Google, and it will get better in the near future.
