(c)Google

In-car technology is becoming the norm in almost every new model that’s arriving on the scene for 2017 and beyond.

The problem with the rise in sophistication of car tech however is that in the future, there will be vast numbers of older cars which aren’t connected.

One potential solution to the issue - at least for those with Android phones - is Google’s latest announcement.

The tech giant has rolled out Android Auto as a smartphone app, meaning as long as you put your phone somewhere safe to see it (on the dashboard or in a bluetooth enabled mount, for example) then you’re good to go.

Android Auto was launched two years ago by Google, and there are over 50 brands - including Audi, Ford and Honda - with 200 car models supporting the programme.

It’s essentially an interface that shows what information you need while driving - including directions, music and communications, without any other distractions.

Google is working on enabling voice commands to make it safer for drivers to get the info they need by saying: ‘Ok Google’. 

At the moment, the app automatically starts when the phone is paired with Bluetooth, hence the recommendation to get a Bluetooth enabled mount if your car is a basic model.

Android Auto is available in over 30 countries around the world and the latest version (2.0) will be available over the coming weeks. Android phone users will need to make sure they have version 5.0 or later of the software running for it to work.