Google has recently been working on a new Android feature, dubbed “Android Auto”, which connects seamlessly with the internal controls of a car.

Android Auto essentially allows the phone to power the car’s navigation, wireless-calling, and media streaming. By “beaming” what is displayed on the phone to the car’s internal panels, users can set their phone in Android Auto mode simply by docking their phones in the car. Once this is done, the touch panel display on the car is able to access the phone’s music, contacts and internet services.

Android Auto represents a new way of connecting smartphones with cars and making content and data seamlessly available.

I think it’s a pretty cool idea,” Hemant Kunda (12) said. “I’d rather have access to my music and the internet on my car’s big touch screen than my phone’s smaller one.”

Many automobile manufacturers have started to embrace Android Auto. Notable companies include Honda, Hyundai, Ford and Nissan.

Android Auto conveniently also has a developer package, so that individuals who want to customize their experiences within the car have an opportunity to do so. This is Google’s latest addition to its Android family, which previously had focused on Android Wear, the company’s response to wearable technology.

Android Auto is part of the new revolution to form a “connected world” where devices can interact seamlessly with one another. Other initiatives apart from Android Auto that have been surfacing to promote the connected world include smart thermostats, smart lightbulbs and smart TVs.

Johnny Trinh (11) believes that the Android ecosystem, especially Android Wear, is extremely useful.

“I like the smartwatch because now, you know how a lot of people suffer from phantom pocket vibrations, I don’t get those any more, I have my watch so I know when notifications come in.”

With designs inspired by Android Wear and the phone OS, Android Auto has the potential to incorporate safety features that would help drivers remain focused while on the road.