Rejoice, car owners! You no longer have to buy a new (compatible) vehicle or an expensive head unit to use Google’s driving interface app, Android Auto. Google has just released the standalone app for Android phones, allowing the average Joe with a phone (and a car, of course) to take advantage of the Android-aided driving experience.

Here’s the lowdown from Google’s Blog:

We launched Android Auto two years ago with the goal to better integrate phones and cars, and give drivers an easier way to access the information they need. There are now over 200 new car models supporting Android Auto offered from more than 50 brands, and many more launching every day.

But we know there are millions of older cars on the road that are not compatible with Android Auto, and many don’t have a screen at all. We wanted to bring the same connected experience to these drivers too.

So today we’re excited to introduce a whole new way to use Android Auto: right on your phone screen! This update allows anyone with an Android phone (running 5.0 or later) to use a driver friendly interface to access the key stuff you need on the road ? directions, music, communications ? without the distraction of things that aren’t essential while driving.

Whether your phone is connected to a compatible car display, or placed in a car mount on the dashboard, Android Auto brings your favorite apps and services into one place, making them accessible in safer and seamless ways. You can bring your music with you with apps like Spotify, Pandora or Google Play Music, and make calls or send messages with hands-free voice commands. And of course, get turn-by-turn directions to your next destination with Google Maps.

Version 2.0 of Android Auto will be rolling out in the coming days to more than 30 countries where the app is available. Unfortunately, the Philippines is not part of the service coverage yet.

Source: Engadget, Google Blog