What year did Colorado get Android Auto?
Android Auto did not have a separate launch year for Colorado; it arrived as part of Google's nationwide rollout that began in 2015. In practice, Coloradans could use Android Auto in compatible vehicles as those cars rolled out nationwide, with availability depending on the model year and manufacturer.
In more detail, Android Auto is a Google-powered interface that mirrors select apps from your Android phone onto a car's infotainment display. The rollout to the United States—Colorado included—proceeded through vehicle model years and head-unit updates, rather than being issued to individual states on a separate timetable.Colorado-specific timing follows the national rollout pattern, so there isn’t a distinct Colorado-only year to cite.
Timeline: Android Auto rollout in the United States
Below is a concise overview of the key milestones in the U.S. rollout, which also applied to Colorado as part of the nationwide adoption:
- 2014: Android Auto is announced by Google at I/O, laying the groundwork for in-car integration.
- 2015: The first vehicles and head units with Android Auto become available in the United States, marking the start of the nationwide rollout (Colorado included).
- 2016–2018: Android Auto expands to more brands and models, bringing more users into the ecosystem and improving connectivity options.
- 2019–present: Android Auto becomes common in new vehicles, with ongoing software updates and, in many models, wireless connectivity.
In short, Colorado did not receive Android Auto in a separate year from the nationwide rollout; its availability aligns with the broader U.S. rollout that began in 2015, with ongoing growth in models and features since then.
Using Android Auto in Colorado today
If you want to use Android Auto in a Colorado-registered vehicle, here is how to get started and keep things running smoothly:
- Check compatibility: Ensure your car supports Android Auto and that your Android phone runs a supported OS version; some newer head units may include Android Auto built-in without a separate app.
- Prepare your device: Update Android Auto and grant necessary permissions (location, notifications, microphone) so features work correctly.
- Connect: Use a USB cable to connect to the car, or enable wireless Android Auto if your head unit and phone support it.
- Set up in-car: Follow on-screen prompts on the car’s display to complete the initial setup and grant permissions for apps to appear on the head unit.
- Safe usage: Access navigation, messages, music, and other apps through Android Auto, ideally using voice commands to minimize driver distraction.
With current hardware and software, most newer vehicles available in Colorado support Android Auto, and wireless connectivity is increasingly common in recent models.
Summary
Colorado did not have a separate launch year for Android Auto—the feature arrived with Google's nationwide rollout starting in 2015. Since then, availability has expanded across many brands and models, including wireless options on newer vehicles. To use Android Auto in Colorado today, verify vehicle compatibility, ensure the app and phone software are up to date, and connect via USB or wirelessly in supported vehicles.
