Android Auto on 2019 Outback

[guthrie]

I found several sites confirming/describing that Android auto only works with USB cable on my Premium 2.5i Outback Infotainment center.

Yet some sites claim that one can use WiFi to connect wireless'ly, others not, that the hardware does not support it.

And now lots of articles about changes in Android Auto, and it being dropped from phones (replaced by Assisted Driving Mode). Thus this means replaced by new software in the car? How will cars get that update? (It is listed as compatible with all Subaru's 2019-...)

Can someone clarify;
* yes, still will always need USB cable for connecting phone to car for maps & phone features (SMS, ...)
* Same for phone usage?
* Why, why can't (doesn't) it use BT, like iPhone's do?
* Do I need to do some software update n the car for the new Android Auto updates?

 

[remy6908]

Subaru DOES NOT have wireless functionality yet. You MUST use the USB cable for android auto and for carplay for iFails.

 

[guthrie]

Thanks. Ugh. the iPhone guys laugh at us in most cars where they get full connectivity over BT, and Android needs cable.

 

[remy6908]

Thanks. Ugh. the iPhone guys laugh at us in most cars where they get full connectivity over BT, and Android needs cable.

Android phones do have wireless connection available but Subaru has not starting using it yet in their cars. Soon hopefully

 

[guthrie]

Thanks!
Yes, hopefully.

 

[OUTBLK]

This is interesting to me. I'm not a "tech" person at all. I have both an Iphone (work) and Android (personal) When I have both phones on in the 2019 Subaru Outback 3.6 CarPlay Android Auto seem to fight to see which system tales over the bluetooth. Most time the deciding factor is which is plugged in first although there are times when Android ph will connect wirelessly even with Iphone plugged in. (Go figure) I'm forced most times to turn off bluetooth on the phone I'm not actively using because calls will sometimes get interference from switching between the 2 systems. This NEVER happens in my other vehicles both phone systems remain separate and functional.