C. Scott Brown / Android Authority
TL;DR Samsung Auto already exists as an Android Auto alternative in China but requires specific regional software and hardware to function.
“Samsung Auto DeX” refers to an unofficial workaround enabling Samsung Auto functionality on non-support head units via desktop mode casting.
Despite ongoing speculation, we could not locate confirmed evidence that suggests Samsung is officially developing “Auto DeX” as a distinct feature.
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are the two most popular ways to use your smartphone’s features through your car’s head unit. Apple CarPlay is compatible with all recent iPhones, while Android Auto is compatible with practically all Android phones that have Google Play Services, so most people don’t wonder why other OEMs like Samsung aren’t working on their own implementations. Recently, reports started doing the rounds of Samsung working on a feature called “Samsung Auto DeX,” which many claimed to be an Android Auto alternative. The truth about Samsung Auto DeX is a little complicated, though, so hear me out.
First reports about Samsung Auto DeX X user Galaxy Techie showed off a “first look” at Samsung’s “Auto DeX” functionality. The user claimed that the feature supports more than 8,500 car models across over 120 car brands.
Further, the user claimed Samsung Auto DeX can be used even if your car doesn’t support it, and even if you don’t have a car in the first place. This DeX is claimed to work even if the phone doesn’t support DeX.
In follow-up posts, the X user also mentioned that Samsung Auto DeX won’t replace Android Auto. However, the user also noted that Samsung is bringing its own version of Android Auto. Despite sounding contradictory, both of these statements are correct, but much context is missing on what Samsung Auto DeX actually is.
So, what is Samsung Auto DeX? Before we answer what Samsung Auto DeX is, it is essential to lay the groundwork for Samsung Auto.
What is Samsung Auto, and does it really exist? Samsung already has an Android Auto alternative in the form of Samsung Auto. Yes, Samsung Auto already exists, but it is restricted to regions like China where Android Auto doesn’t work (because Google Play Services don’t exist there, which is a requirement for Android Auto).
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