Still can’t use the official YouTube app on Android Auto? You’re not alone. While Google is gradually introducing video capabilities to in-car screens, most users still don’t have access. Fortunately, there’s a silver lining—a popular, privacy-focused YouTube alternative Android Auto users have been waiting for is finally here
The ad-free YouTube alternative, Lightweight NewPipe, has recently added native Android Auto support to version 0.28.0. It implies that you will be able to watch your favourite videos without distraction, right at your car dashboard.
What is NewPipe?
NewPipe is, to those who do not know, a lightweight, open-source, YouTube Android client front end. The main benefit of it lies in its respect for privacy and simplicity.
It does not utilize any Google framework libraries or the official YouTube API. So, you do not need a Google account to use it.
It is also free of advertisements and tracking. This makes it the best alternative to satisfy privacy-sensitive consumers who do not want the extra baggage of their digital life.
NewPipe v0.28.Android Auto support
The implementation takes into consideration safety and a distraction-free interaction.
Car Optimized Interface: The new interface allows the use of big non-touch buttons. They are easy to tap, and a simplified interface. It is the right app to use on the head unit of a car.
Viewing Your Library: You can see your history, playlists you have bookmarked. So, you can find the songs you want and listen to them faster without having to pick up your phone.
The advantages of using Android Auto using NewPipe
This new feature has a series of advantages that make it a desirable option for any driver.
Ad-Free Experience: You would be able to listen to any YouTube video or podcast. There is no need of being disturbed by advertisements. You do not require a YouTube Premium subscription.
Privacy-First: NewPipe does not require a Google account and does not track you. Thus, this makes it privacy-focused, the only way to experience YouTube.
Lightweight & Responsive: The app had a reputation of a light and fast app, so that even older or less powerful car infotainment systems give a smooth experience.
Best with Audio: This will suit audio best to listen to the podcast, music. Or a long video in the background when you are on a long drive.
Installing and how to set it up
NewPipe cannot be installed through the Google Play Store, and therefore, it takes some additional steps:
Grab the APK file of the NewPipe Android Auto support app that can be trustworthy.
Utilize the APK file on your Android phone.
Whether Android Auto is installed on an Android Auto head unit or mobile phone should have newPipe as an option.
The comparison with YouTube and other alternatives: How it compares
The official support of Android Auto is not published even in the official YouTube app. Workarounds such as CarStream or Fermata were available.
Although they usually needed more complex workarounds and were also more likely to break with every update to Android Auto.
NewPip provides an officially supported, native, and clean means of accessing the audio content you desire on YouTube. Hence, this makes it more reliable and secure.
Android Auto+YouTube in the future
Google has been suggesting future permission to install video applications in Android Auto. This is likely to place limitations that would only allow video usage when the car is not moving.
This latest addition of NewPipe Android Auto support to audio-only streaming represents a much-needed gap today. It now presents a wonderful solution to privacy-focused users who wish to enjoy an ad-free, lightweight YouTube alternative Android Auto experience in the present day.
FAQ
Will NewPipe work with Android Auto?
NewPipe also supports Android Auto. It means that you can play audio content on YouTube through your car infotainment console.3
Does NewPipe display the Videos in motion?
No. NewPipe supports Android Auto due to safety concerns and adhering to the Android Auto policies. It is audio-only. Video content cannot be played when the vehicle is in motion to prevent driver distraction.
Is NewPipe legit and safe to have?
NewPipe is mostly safe since the media player is an open-source project. It has gone through the testing of multiple users.
Why is there no official use of the YouTube app in Android Auto?
Google has not officially supported YouTube in its entirety with Android Auto in the app, whose problem lies with video issues distracting the driver.
