Android Auto is a great starting point for in-car entertainment, but it falls short when it comes to video playback. That's where Fermata Auto comes in, an open-source app that adds video playback, IPTV, and web browsing support to your car's Android Auto infotainment system. While it's a bit of a hassle to install, the result is a surprisingly polished Android Auto experience that adds actual utility to your car's screen.
I've found that Fermata Auto has truly transformed my car's entertainment system. Waiting around becomes a lot less boring, and I can finally watch videos on the big screen in my car. Whether it's content stored locally on my phone or streaming over the network, Fermata Auto can handle it all.
One of the best things about Fermata Auto is that it integrates all of these disparate functions into a single experience. You don't have to jump between video apps, IPTV apps, streaming apps, and browsers. The developer has done an excellent job of making it all work together seamlessly.
I've made surprising use of the built-in browser, which is handy for pulling up flight statuses or checking scores. I even use it to add extra cash to my car's expressway toll pass. It's not a Chrome replacement, but it works in a pinch.
However, it's important to remember that Google blocks video apps in Android Auto for a reason. A driver watching YouTube while driving is dangerous. While Fermata Auto enables it, it is up to you to make sure you only use it in a safe setting.
Overall, Fermata Auto is a free Android Auto app that adds video playback, IPTV, and web browsing support to your car's Android Auto infotainment system. It's a great way to add actual utility to your car's screen and make waiting around a lot less boring.