Stay Safe on the Road with Hands-Free Driving
One crucial aspect of safe driving is to always keep your eyes on the road. However, there are times when you need to perform tasks like answering a phone call, changing music, or adjusting your navigation settings. While the ideal solution is to pull over or have a passenger assist you, this isn’t always feasible.
By utilizing voice commands with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, you can easily get directions, search for information, and control media playback without taking your hands off the wheel or diverting your attention from the road ahead. Here’s how you can use this hands-free feature when connected to Android Auto or Apple CarPlay in your vehicle.
Using Voice Commands on Android Auto
There are several ways to interact with Android Auto using voice commands. You can tap the microphone icon located on the side of the interface or press the voice command button on your car’s steering wheel, if equipped. This button usually features an illustration of a person’s profile with sound waves indicating voice activation.
If you prefer a completely hands-free experience and want to use the “Hey Google” prompt to initiate voice commands, ensure that voice prompts are enabled on your phone. Navigate to Settings, then select Connected devices > Connection preferences (Google Pixel phones) or simply Connected devices (Samsung Galaxy phones), followed by Android Auto.
Under ‘Hey Google’ detection, you can toggle between enabling hands-free voice activation at all times or only when you’re driving. Keep in mind that you may need to record a few audio speech samples to train your phone to recognize your voice accurately for commands and requests.
Using Voice Commands on Apple CarPlay
Similar to Android Auto, Apple CarPlay allows you to interact using voice commands. Depending on your vehicle’s make, model, and age, you may find a voice command button on the steering wheel that activates Siri. Look for the button featuring an icon of a person speaking, and consult your vehicle manual if you’re unsure of its location.
With hands-free driving features like Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, you can focus on the road ahead while staying connected and informed during your journey. Prioritize safety and convenience by leveraging voice commands for a seamless driving experience.