Open-source AARE app offers a customisable alternative to Android Auto in cars

A new open-source app called AARE offers an alternative way to run Android Auto in a car. Two reviews, one from XDA Developers and one from How-To Geek, tested it. The app recreates the phone side of Android Auto, so the car screen shows its interface while the phone does the work. Both reviewers describe it as early software and a proof of concept.

The main appeal is choice. AARE is not bound by Google's restrictions, so drivers can set a navigation app such as CoMaps or Organic Maps as the default. XDA Developers says media apps, including some video-enabled apps such as Fermata Auto, work more smoothly than in the standard system. How-To Geek reports that sideloaded apps appear in the launcher, and that a phone screen can be mirrored to the car display for apps that lack car support.

The reviewers also describe a clear trade-off. AARE works without Google Play Services, so Google Maps and Waze do not run on the car screen. Navigation started from the phone still shows the next direction as a notification on the car display. AARE reads notifications, so messaging apps such as Messages, WhatsApp and Discord work. Phone calls use a built-in app.

Stability is the main concern. XDA Developers tested the app in a Toyota and reports that the software failed to trigger in two of four attempts. The reviewer also saw force closes when launching some apps, and notes that the documentation warns compatibility varies. XDA's reviewer does not plan to switch to AARE for daily use, though they will keep it installed. How-To Geek describes a smoother experience and says it worked without much trouble, but still not as solid as Android Auto.

Setup differs between the two accounts. XDA Developers says installation means downloading the APK from GitHub, granting permissions, and connecting by USB or Bluetooth. Depending on the head unit, certificates may also need installing, and a key extraction step is described on GitHub. How-To Geek says a setup checklist guides users through permissions and car audio, and recommends the Shizuku method for car audio. It also suggests disabling Android Auto in the phone settings, because it can get in the way.

Customisation is a highlight in both reviews. Options include colour changes, wallpapers, weather and calendar widgets, a taskbar placed at the bottom or side, and passenger mode. The voice assistant can be the phone default or a compatible app of the user's choice, and the car's voice button still activates it. Google's Gemini is not required.

What is still unknown is how well AARE works across different cars and head units. Both reviews test only one or a few vehicles, and both say the software is in rapid development, so behaviour may change with updates. The reviews do not give a date for a stable release. Readers should treat AARE as an experimental tool for now.