2017~2025 Android Auto Newbie Questions

[RLTD]

Hi,

I have a 2018 (KF) CX-5 that I'd like to get working with Android Auto but never used it before in any car and was hoping to ask some newbie questions:-

1. I understand I have to purchase an updated USB hub with the phone symbol on it use AA. I have the firmware on the latest 74.00.324 (thanks Candurin) but I can't see any menu option for Android Auto - not even greyed out - simply not there. Is that normal until I upgrade the USB hub? (Just wanted to check before buying the hub.)

2. My main reason for wanting AA is to use Google maps (my Mazda Nav is way out of date) but I listen to music mainly off a USB stick or car DAB radio. Will this work, music off the USB stick or DAB with the nav on Google Maps via AA?

3. Does the Google maps guidance still interrupt USB music to give directions?

4. Is it easy to flip between music and AA maps? Currently you just need to press the music or Nav buttons in the centre console.

Many thanks in advance, I have tried searching for answers didn't seem to find them!

 

[RedBaron]

We have a 2019 that includes AA/CP standard, so I can only answer from that perspective. I assume it works the same way with the hub:

1. I doubt you will see anything about AA/CP until the updated hub is installed.

2. Yes. There are two USB ports, only one can be used for AA/CP, but music will play through a thumbdrive from the other.

3. Yes.

4. Kinda. You actually flip between AA and native Mazda functions, by pressing and holding the Home button. If you're playing music from a thumb drive (Mazda native), it will continue to play when you switch to AA/maps.

 

[RLTD]

Many thanks RedBaron, thats great info. Think I'll go ahead and order the hub now.

 

[youri]

4. I would add that, with apple carplay at least ( assuming AA works the same) . The shortcut buttons (nav,music) returns to the last active system(mazda or AA). So if i am using google maps and listening to radio, the nav buttons goes back to google maps in Carplay, the music button goes back to the radio in the mazda system. If i start using iTunes, the music buttons goes to iTunes instead.