Engadget reports that Android Auto, the software designed for car dashboards, can be repurposed for use on a desk or kitchen counter. The trick uses an Android phone running Android 11 or newer as the processing unit, and a spare Android tablet or phone running Android 5.0 or newer as the display. Because the phone does the heavy lifting, an older tablet with weak performance can still work as a screen.
Two third-party receiver apps make this possible: Open Headunit, priced at $3.99, and Headunit Reloaded, priced at $4.99. For a wired setup, the tablet connects to the phone with a USB cable and an OTG adapter if needed. Wireless connections are also possible but require more configuration. Both apps offer a Self-Mode that runs Android Auto on the same device, though that requires the device to have a working Android Auto installation of its own.
The appeal is that Android Auto's limited, large-button interface acts as a distraction filter: users can control music, have messages read aloud, and respond by voice without unlocking the phone or scrolling through a full app launcher. On compatible systems, Gemini can answer queries and control smart home gadgets. Engadget notes that this is not an official Google Home dashboard mode, and there are trade-offs. Maps can dominate the screen, normal tablet apps are unavailable while connected, message notifications may be visible to anyone nearby, and the primary phone must stay connected throughout.