How Android Auto Wireless Works
Most connections between phones and car radios use
Bluetooth. It's how most hands-free calling implementations work, and you can also stream music over Bluetooth. However, Bluetooth connections don't have the bandwidth required by Android Auto Wireless.
To achieve a wireless connection between your phone and your car,
Android Auto Wireless taps into the Wi-Fi functionality of your phone and your car radio. It only works with vehicles that have Wi-Fi functionality.
Compatibility is further limited to specific car radios and phones designed to work with the system.
When a compatible phone pairs with a compatible car radio, Android Auto Wireless works like the wired version, only without wires. Your phone does all the heavy lifting, the information is on your touchscreen car radio, and things like driving directions and answers that you ask Google Assistant play through the car speakers.