Dashcams have become essential for modern driving. As someone who covers tech and automotive trends closely, I’ve been watching for a smart, integrated solution from Google. So when a dashcam app surfaced on Google’s developer site recently, I was intrigued—until I realized it’s only for Android Automotive, not Android Auto. Let me break down what this means and why it’s not the win we hoped for (yet).
I came across an “Integrate Dashcam” page on Google’s developer site, first reported by Android Authority. This new dashcam app is designed specifically for Android Automotive OS (AAOS)—that’s the version of Android that runs natively inside cars, not the phone-based Android Auto that many of us use via USB.
According to Google’s documentation, the dashcam app provides built-in video recording features aimed at improving driver safety and security. It's meant for automakers to integrate directly into vehicles that run Android Automotive, allowing dashcam footage to be recorded and managed from the infotainment system itself.
Why Android Auto Users Can’t Use It
As exciting as a native dashcam app sounds, this is not coming to Android Auto. And it’s frustrating to see how many outlets have confused the two platforms, reporting misleading headlines like “Google Adds Dashcam Support to Android Auto.”
That’s simply not true. Google has been very clear: this functionality is only for vehicles running Android Automotive OS, not the companion phone-based Android Auto platform.
The Legal and Technical Barriers to Dashcams in Android Auto
There’s a good reason why Google might be keeping this restricted to Android Automotive. Adding video recording directly into a mobile phone-powered system like Android Auto would bring major privacy, legal, and safety concerns.
I also suspect hardware limitations and regulatory restrictions around data storage, liability in accidents, and misuse of recording capabilities play a role. When the dashcam is built into the car’s native system, those hurdles become easier to manage, especially with direct automaker involvement.
Google’s Branding Isn’t Helping Either
Let’s be real—Google hasn’t made it easy to distinguish between Android Auto and Android Automotive. Years ago, they blurred the lines between these platforms by giving them confusingly similar names. Today, Android Auto is just a projection system powered by your phone, while Android Automotive is a full operating system embedded in your car.
Unfortunately, this naming mess is what led to some outlets reporting incorrect info and claiming Android Auto is getting dashcam support. That’s why I wanted to set the record straight.
What This Means for the Future of In-Car Dashcams
If you’re like me and rely on Android Auto with your phone, don’t expect to see an official Google dashcam app anytime soon. But if you’re lucky enough to have a car running Android Automotive—like the 2025 Ford Explorer—you might see this feature built-in in future models.
This move also signals that Google is doubling down on Android Automotive as a long-term bet in the smart vehicle space. The integration of dashcam functionality is just one part of a growing ecosystem that includes streaming apps, smart assistant features, and Google Maps enhancements.
It’s exciting to see Google expanding into areas like dashcams, but it’s a letdown that this functionality isn’t coming to Android Auto. Still, as Android Automotive gains traction with more manufacturers, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more native features like this in future vehicles.
So, if you’re shopping for a new car and want baked-in Google features—including a dashcam—keep an eye on AAOS-compatible models. For the rest of us, standalone dashcams remain the way to go—for now.
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